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Tag: Brian L Roberts

  • Comcast to spin off cable TV networks into new company SpinCo

    Comcast to spin off cable TV networks into new company SpinCo

    MUMBAI: The reshaping of legacy behemoth media and entertainment companies continues. US media megacorp Comcast today announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company comprised of a strong portfolio of NBCUniversal’s cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets including Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and Sports Engine, through a tax-free spin-off. 

    The well-capitalised independent company (SpinCo) will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. Over the past twelve months ended 30 September 2024, SpinCo generated approximately $7 billion in revenue.

    It will be an industry-leading news, sports and entertainment cable television business with a focused strategic direction. SpinCo’s stable of marquee brands will provide a diverse and differentiated content offering that will reach approximately 70 million US households. 

    Comcast is targeting to complete the spin-off in approximately one year, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including obtaining final approval from its board, satisfactory completion of SpinCo financing, receipt of tax opinions and receipt of any regulatory approvals. 

    “When you look at our assets, talented management team and balance sheet strength, we are able to set these businesses up for future growth,” said Comcast chairman & CEO Brian L. Roberts. “With significant financial resources from day one, SpinCo will be ideally positioned for success and highly attractive to investors, content creators, distributors and potential partners.” 

    The planned spin-off will also strategically position NBCUniversal with its leading broadcast and streaming media properties, including NBC entertainment, sports, news and Bravo – which all power Peacock – along with Telemundo, the theme parks business and film and television studios.

    “This transaction positions both SpinCo and NBCUniversal to play offense in a changing media landscape,” said Comcast president Mike Cavanagh. “Taken together, the entirety of NBCUniversal will be on a new growth trajectory, fuelled by our world-class content, technology, IP, properties and talent – all working in concert with each other as an integrated media company.”

    The company said in a press release that “as a global media and technology company, Comcast will be well-positioned to continue to invest in its strategic core growth businesses across its content & experiences and connectivity & platforms businesses, including residential broadband, wireless, business services, streaming, studios and theme parks. The transaction is expected to be accretive to revenue growth at Comcast and approximately neutral to Comcast’s leverage position.”

    While SpinCo will operate as an independent business, it will enter into a transition services agreement with NBCUniversal to allow SpinCo to operate seamlessly from day one. 

    The new firm will be led by CEO Mark Lazarus, the current chairman of NBCUniversal Media group. Anand Kini who is the current chief financial officer of NBCUniversal and EVP of corporate strategy at Comcast, will serve as SpinCo’s  chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Together, the press release said, the duo will lead the development of an independent strategy, while also establishing SpinCo as a potential partner and acquirer of other complementary media businesses.

    “As a standalone company with these outstanding assets, we will be better positioned to serve our audiences and drive shareholder returns in this incredibly dynamic media environment across news, sports and entertainment,” said Mark Lazarus. “We see a real opportunity to invest and build additional scale and I’m excited about the growth opportunities this transition will unlock. Our financial strength will also provide capacity for an attractive capital return policy while allowing for investment in the growth of these businesses.”

  • Comcast’s Cable Comm segment adds video subs in first quarter

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corp (Comcast) reported its results for the first quarter of 2017 (Q1-17, current quarter). In a change from what has now become a norm for the US carriage industry, the US cable and media and entertainment major’s Cable Communications segment ended the current quarter with net quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) residential and business video subscriber additions of 32,000 and 10,000 respectively – totalling a net growth of 42,000 video subscribers in Q1-17.

    Year-on-year (y-o-y) also, Comcast’s Cable Communication Segment added net 98,000 residential and 52,000 video subscribers in the current quarter as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter. The company says that over 50 percent of its 21.52 million residential video customers now have X1. Xfinity’s X1 Entertainment Operating System is an interactive platform that combines universal search results from live TV, Comcast’s On Demand programming, and DVR recordings, in addition to personalized recommendations, apps, and even Netflix.

    Comcast’s consolidated revenue for Q1-17 increased 8.9 percent y-o-y to $20,463 million from $18,790 million. Consolidated net income attributable to Comcast increased 20.2 percent y-o-y to $2,566 million from $2,134 million. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 10.4 percent y-o-y to $7,032 million from $6,367 million.

    Comcast chairman and chief executive officer Brian L. Roberts, said, “2017 is off to the fastest start in five years. We are reporting outstanding growth at Cable and particularly NBCUniversal, which delivered 14.7 percent revenue growth and 24.4 percent Adjusted EBITDA growth. These impressive results were fuelled by exceptionally strong film performance, increased affiliate and retransmission revenues at our TV businesses, and continued growth in Theme Parks. Cable operations had a terrific quarter, driven by strength in high-speed Internet and business services revenue growth, as well as positive video, all highlighted by overall customer relationship net additions of 297,000, a 10 percent increase compared to last year.”

    “These results were balanced with financial discipline, which contributed to solid revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth. The transition from Neil Smit to Dave Watson has gotten off to a very successful and seamless start, and with our teams executing well across all of Comcast NBCUniversal, I am excited about our momentum headed into the rest of 2017 and beyond,” added Roberts

    Comcast has two segments – Cable Communications and NBCUniversal.

    Cable Communications segment

    Cable Communications segment reported 5.8 percent y-o-y growth in revenue in Q1-17 to $12,912 million from $12,204 million. Adjusted EBITDA for Cable Communications increased 6.3 percent y-o-y to $5,198 million in Q1-17 from $4,889 million, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 5.5 percent increase in operating expenses.

    High-speed Internet revenue increased 10.1 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $3,606 million from $3,275 million, driven by an increase in the number of residential high-speed Internet customers and rate adjustments.

    Video revenue increased 4.3 percent in Q1-17 to $5,774 million from $5,538 million, reflecting rate adjustments, an increase in the number of customers subscribing to additional services and an increase in the number of residential video customers.

    Business services revenue increased 13.6 percent y-o-y to $1,490 million from $1,311 million, primarily due to an increase in the number of small business customers, as well as continued growth in our medium-sized business services.

    Advertising revenue decreased 6.3 percent y-o-y to $512 million from $536 million, partially reflecting a decrease in political advertising revenue says the company.

    Other revenue increased 4.4 percent y-o-y to $667 million from $638 million, primarily reflecting an increase in security and automation revenue and higher franchise and regulatory fees.

    NBCUniversal

    Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 14.7 percent y-o-y to $7,868 billion in Q1-17 from $6,861 million. Adjusted EBITDA in the current quarter increased 24.4 percent to $2,017 million from $1,622 million, reflecting increases at Filmed Entertainment, Cable Networks, Broadcast Television and Theme Parks.

    Cable Networks revenue increased 7.6 percent y-o-y to $2,641 million in Q1-17 from $2,453 million, reflecting higher distribution and content licensing and other revenue, partially offset by lower advertising revenue. Cable Networks Adjusted EBITDA increased 16.8 percent y-o-y to $1,116 million in Q1-17 from $956 million, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a modest increase in programming and production costs.

    Broadcast Television revenue increased 5.9 percent y-o-y to $2,208 million in Q1-17 from $2,084 million, reflecting higher distribution and other and content licensing revenue. Distribution and other revenue increased 33.4 percent, due to higher retransmission consent fees. Adjusted EBITDA increased 13.4 percent y-o-y to $322 million in the current quarter from $284 million reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in programming and production costs.

    Filmed Entertainment revenue increased 43.2 percent y-o-y to $1,981 million in Q1-17 from $1,383 million, primarily reflecting higher theatrical revenue, as well as increased other, content licensing, and home entertainment revenue. Theatrical revenue increased by $415 million to $651 million in the current quarter, reflecting the strong performances of Fifty Shades Darker, Get Out and Split , as well as the continued success of Sing in Q1-17. Filmed Entertainment adjusted EBITDA increased by $201 million to $368 million in Q17, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by higher programming and production costs.

    Theme Parks revenue increased 9.0 percent y-o-y to $1,118 million from $1,026 million in Q1-17, reflecting higher attendance and per capita spending, despite an unfavourable comparison from the timing of spring break vacations. Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.1 percent y-o-y to $397 million in the first quarter of 2017, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, including pre-opening costs to support new attractions opening in Orlando this spring.

  • Q3-16: Comcast Cable Communications division video numbers improve

    Q3-16: Comcast Cable Communications division video numbers improve

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) Cable Communications division (Comcast Cable, Cable) reported 8.8 percent increase in video revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q3-16, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter. The division reported video revenue at $5,591 million for Q3-16 as compared to $5,348 million in Q3-15.

    Overall, Cable Communications revenue which includes revenues from video, high speed internet, voice, business services, advertising and ‘other’ segments increased 6.9 percent y-o-y in Q3-16. The growth in revenue was driven by increase in high speed internet, business services and video revenues.

    Cable Communications reported revenue of $12,557 million in the current quarter while it was $11,751 million in Q3-15. Video revenue is the major contributor to Comcast’s Cable Communications segment, followed by high speed internet. Operating Cash Flow (OCF) from Comcast Cable Communications increased 5.5 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $4,986 million from $4,726 million.

    Cable Communications Business Services revenue stream had the highest year-over-year (y-o-y) growth in Q3-16 among all the other streams at 15.5 percent (grew to $1,399 million from $1,211 million).  High speed internet revenue grew 8.8 percent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $3,405 million from $3,129 million.

    Overall, Comcast consolidated revenue also increased 14.2 percent y-o-y to $21,319 million in the current quarter as compared to $18,669 million. Q3-16 revenue includes $1.6 billion of revenue generated by the broadcast of the 2016 Rio Olympics, of which $1.2 billion was related to advertising revenue says Comcast. Excluding the Olympics, consolidated revenue increased 5.5 percent. Consolidated operating income increased 11 percent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $4,440 million from $4,001 million.

    Cable Communications segment subscription numbers

    Overall, Comcast Cable Communications reported a q-o-q (quarter-over quarter) addition of 216,000 customer relationships to 28.301 million in Q3-16. During the corresponding year ago quarter, customer relationships were 27.421 million with net additions of 166,000.

    Comcast Cable Communications closed the current quarter with 24.316 million video customers, an increase of 32,000 video customers from the immediate trailing quarter. High Speed Internet customers increased by 320,000 to 24.316 million, while Voice customers increased by 2,000 to 11.6413 million in the current quarter vis-a-vis the immediate trailing quarter.

    In Q3-16, single play customers increased by 72,000 to 8.488 million, double play customers increased by 141,000 to 9.54 million, triple play customers increased by 4,000 to 10.273 million as compared to the immediate trailing quarter.

    NBCUniversal (NBCU)

    NBCUniversal (NBCU) revenue increased 28.3 percent in Q3-16 to $9,178 million from $7,151 million in Q3-15. Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 22.5 percent, primarily driven by 2016 Rio Olympics revenue of $1.6 billion included in the Broadcast Television and Cable Networks segments.

    Cable Networks revenue in Q3-16 grew to $2,942 million from $2,412 million; Broadcast Television revenue increased 56.6 percent y-o-y to $3,087 million from $1,971 million; Theme Parks revenue increased 60.7 percent y-o-y to $1,440 million from $896 million.

    The segment saw 31.4 percent y-o-y increase in operating cash flow or OCF in Q3-16 at $2,146 million as compared to $1,633 million. OCF from Filmed Entertainment segment declined 6.1 percent) in Q3-16 to $353 million from $376 million.   OCF from Cable Networks in Q2-16 increased 7 percent y-o-y to $893 million from $835 million in Q3-15. OCF from Theme Parks increased 62.7 percent to $706 million from $434 million.

    Company speak

    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts said, ” “I’m pleased to report that our businesses generated double digit revenue and operating cash flow growth for the third quarter of 2016. Cable delivered solid operating cash flow growth coupled with great customer metrics, and has now added 170,000 video subscribers over the past twelve months. The Rio Olympics were the most profitable and successful games in our history, and demonstrated our ability to deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience through NBCUniversal together with Comcast Cable and the X1 platform. NBCUniversal reported operating cash flow growth of over 30%, benefitting from the Olympics, continued growth at our Theme Parks, and the theatrical success of The Secret Life of Pets this quarter. I’m proud of our consistent execution and excited about the opportunities ahead for Comcast NBCUniversal.”

     

  • Q3-16: Comcast Cable Communications division video numbers improve

    Q3-16: Comcast Cable Communications division video numbers improve

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) Cable Communications division (Comcast Cable, Cable) reported 8.8 percent increase in video revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q3-16, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter. The division reported video revenue at $5,591 million for Q3-16 as compared to $5,348 million in Q3-15.

    Overall, Cable Communications revenue which includes revenues from video, high speed internet, voice, business services, advertising and ‘other’ segments increased 6.9 percent y-o-y in Q3-16. The growth in revenue was driven by increase in high speed internet, business services and video revenues.

    Cable Communications reported revenue of $12,557 million in the current quarter while it was $11,751 million in Q3-15. Video revenue is the major contributor to Comcast’s Cable Communications segment, followed by high speed internet. Operating Cash Flow (OCF) from Comcast Cable Communications increased 5.5 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $4,986 million from $4,726 million.

    Cable Communications Business Services revenue stream had the highest year-over-year (y-o-y) growth in Q3-16 among all the other streams at 15.5 percent (grew to $1,399 million from $1,211 million).  High speed internet revenue grew 8.8 percent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $3,405 million from $3,129 million.

    Overall, Comcast consolidated revenue also increased 14.2 percent y-o-y to $21,319 million in the current quarter as compared to $18,669 million. Q3-16 revenue includes $1.6 billion of revenue generated by the broadcast of the 2016 Rio Olympics, of which $1.2 billion was related to advertising revenue says Comcast. Excluding the Olympics, consolidated revenue increased 5.5 percent. Consolidated operating income increased 11 percent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $4,440 million from $4,001 million.

    Cable Communications segment subscription numbers

    Overall, Comcast Cable Communications reported a q-o-q (quarter-over quarter) addition of 216,000 customer relationships to 28.301 million in Q3-16. During the corresponding year ago quarter, customer relationships were 27.421 million with net additions of 166,000.

    Comcast Cable Communications closed the current quarter with 24.316 million video customers, an increase of 32,000 video customers from the immediate trailing quarter. High Speed Internet customers increased by 320,000 to 24.316 million, while Voice customers increased by 2,000 to 11.6413 million in the current quarter vis-a-vis the immediate trailing quarter.

    In Q3-16, single play customers increased by 72,000 to 8.488 million, double play customers increased by 141,000 to 9.54 million, triple play customers increased by 4,000 to 10.273 million as compared to the immediate trailing quarter.

    NBCUniversal (NBCU)

    NBCUniversal (NBCU) revenue increased 28.3 percent in Q3-16 to $9,178 million from $7,151 million in Q3-15. Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 22.5 percent, primarily driven by 2016 Rio Olympics revenue of $1.6 billion included in the Broadcast Television and Cable Networks segments.

    Cable Networks revenue in Q3-16 grew to $2,942 million from $2,412 million; Broadcast Television revenue increased 56.6 percent y-o-y to $3,087 million from $1,971 million; Theme Parks revenue increased 60.7 percent y-o-y to $1,440 million from $896 million.

    The segment saw 31.4 percent y-o-y increase in operating cash flow or OCF in Q3-16 at $2,146 million as compared to $1,633 million. OCF from Filmed Entertainment segment declined 6.1 percent) in Q3-16 to $353 million from $376 million.   OCF from Cable Networks in Q2-16 increased 7 percent y-o-y to $893 million from $835 million in Q3-15. OCF from Theme Parks increased 62.7 percent to $706 million from $434 million.

    Company speak

    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts said, ” “I’m pleased to report that our businesses generated double digit revenue and operating cash flow growth for the third quarter of 2016. Cable delivered solid operating cash flow growth coupled with great customer metrics, and has now added 170,000 video subscribers over the past twelve months. The Rio Olympics were the most profitable and successful games in our history, and demonstrated our ability to deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience through NBCUniversal together with Comcast Cable and the X1 platform. NBCUniversal reported operating cash flow growth of over 30%, benefitting from the Olympics, continued growth at our Theme Parks, and the theatrical success of The Secret Life of Pets this quarter. I’m proud of our consistent execution and excited about the opportunities ahead for Comcast NBCUniversal.”

     

  • Q2-16: Comcast Cable Communications video revenue up 2.8 percent

    Q2-16: Comcast Cable Communications video revenue up 2.8 percent

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) Cable Communications division (Comcast Cable, Cable) reported 2.8 percent increase in video revenue for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter.

    The division reported video revenue at $5,581 million for Q2-16 as compared to $5,431 million in Q2-15

    Overall, Cable Communications revenue, which includes revenues from video, high speed internet, voice, business services advertising and ‘other’ segments increased 6.3 percent y-o-y in Q2-16. The growth in revenue was driven by increase in high speed internet, business services and video revenues.

    Cable Communications reported revenue of $12,444 million in the current quarter, while it was $11,740 million in Q2-15. Video revenue is the major contributor to Comcast’s Cable Communications segment, followed by high speed internet.

    Operating Cash Flow (OCF) from Comcast Cable Communications increased 5.7 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $5,048 million from $4,777 million.

    Cable Communications business services stream had the highest y-o-y growth in Q2-16 among all the other streams at 16.9 percent (grew to $1,360 million from $1,163 million).  High speed internet revenue grew 8.6 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $3,369 million from $3,101 million.

    Overall, Comcast consolidated revenue also increased 2.8 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) to $19,269 million in the current quarter as compared to $18,743 million. Consolidated operating income declined 1 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $4,066 million from $4,105 million. Net income attributable to Comcast declined 5.1 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $ 2,038 million from $2,137 million.

    Cable Communications segment subscription numbers

    Overall, Comcast Cable Communications reported a q-o-q (quarter-over quarter) addition of 115,00 customer relationships to 28.085 million in Q2-16. During the corresponding year ago quarter, customer relationships were 26.265 million with net additions of 31,000.

    Comcast Cable Communications closed the current quarter with 22.396 million, a decline of 4,000 video customers from the immediate trailing quarter. High Speed Internet customers increased by 220,000 to 23.987 million, while Voice customers increased by 64,000 to 11.641 million in the current quarter vis-a-vis the immediate trailing quarter.

    In Q2-16, single play customers increased by 6,000 to 8.416 million, double play customers increased by 53,000 to 9.399 million, triple play customers increased by 56,000 to 10.269 million as compared to the immediate trailing quarter.    

    NBCUniversal (NBCU)

    NBCUniversal (NBCU) revenue declined 1.8 percent in Q2-16 to $7,103 million from $7,230 million in Q2-15. The slide was attributable to a 40.4 percent decline in NBCU’s Filmed Entertainment segment revenue in the current quarter to $1,351 million from $2,266 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    NBCU’s other segments – revenue from Cable Networks, Broadcast Television and Theme Parks –grew 4.7 percent, 17.3 percent and 47 percent, respectively.

    Cable Networks revenue in Q2-16 grew to $2,566 million from $2,450 million; Broadcast Television revenue increased to $2,128 million from $1,813 million; Theme Parks revenue increased to $1,136 million from $773 million.

    The segment saw almost flat y-o-y operating cash flow or OCF (declined 0.2 percent) in Q2-16 at $1,689 million as compared to $1,692 million.

    OCF from Filmed Entertainment segment declined to almost one eighth (declined by 86.7 percent) in Q2-16 to $56 million from $422 million.   OCF from Cable Networks in Q2-16 increased 8.3 percent y-o-y to $944 million from$872 million in Q2-15. OCF from Broadcast Television increased 70.5 percent y-o-y to $394 million from $231 million and OCF from Theme Parks increased 40.5 percent to $469 million from$334 million.

    Company Speak
    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts in a statement said, “I am pleased to report excellent results as our momentum continues across our businesses. Our Cable subscriber and financial performance during the quarter was outstanding. We more than tripled our customer relationship net additions, with our best second quarter Internet customer results in eight years and our best second quarter video customer results in over ten years, and we successfully balanced this with strong operating cash flow growth.

    “Despite an expected difficult comparison to last year’s record second quarter film slate, NBCUniversal achieved solid results, driven by strength in our TV businesses and Theme Parks, which benefitted from the successful opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood. I am excited about the opportunities ahead for our company as we work together to bring people incredible technology, and memorable experiences, and there is no better example than the Olympic Games. “

    Dwelling on the Olympics coverage, he said that the entire organization  was gearing up to deliver the most comprehensive and innovative Olympics coverage in history starting next week, which will showcase the incredible breadth of NBCUniversal together with Comcast Cable and the X1 platform

  • Q2-16: Comcast Cable Communications video revenue up 2.8 percent

    Q2-16: Comcast Cable Communications video revenue up 2.8 percent

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) Cable Communications division (Comcast Cable, Cable) reported 2.8 percent increase in video revenue for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter.

    The division reported video revenue at $5,581 million for Q2-16 as compared to $5,431 million in Q2-15

    Overall, Cable Communications revenue, which includes revenues from video, high speed internet, voice, business services advertising and ‘other’ segments increased 6.3 percent y-o-y in Q2-16. The growth in revenue was driven by increase in high speed internet, business services and video revenues.

    Cable Communications reported revenue of $12,444 million in the current quarter, while it was $11,740 million in Q2-15. Video revenue is the major contributor to Comcast’s Cable Communications segment, followed by high speed internet.

    Operating Cash Flow (OCF) from Comcast Cable Communications increased 5.7 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $5,048 million from $4,777 million.

    Cable Communications business services stream had the highest y-o-y growth in Q2-16 among all the other streams at 16.9 percent (grew to $1,360 million from $1,163 million).  High speed internet revenue grew 8.6 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $3,369 million from $3,101 million.

    Overall, Comcast consolidated revenue also increased 2.8 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) to $19,269 million in the current quarter as compared to $18,743 million. Consolidated operating income declined 1 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $4,066 million from $4,105 million. Net income attributable to Comcast declined 5.1 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $ 2,038 million from $2,137 million.

    Cable Communications segment subscription numbers

    Overall, Comcast Cable Communications reported a q-o-q (quarter-over quarter) addition of 115,00 customer relationships to 28.085 million in Q2-16. During the corresponding year ago quarter, customer relationships were 26.265 million with net additions of 31,000.

    Comcast Cable Communications closed the current quarter with 22.396 million, a decline of 4,000 video customers from the immediate trailing quarter. High Speed Internet customers increased by 220,000 to 23.987 million, while Voice customers increased by 64,000 to 11.641 million in the current quarter vis-a-vis the immediate trailing quarter.

    In Q2-16, single play customers increased by 6,000 to 8.416 million, double play customers increased by 53,000 to 9.399 million, triple play customers increased by 56,000 to 10.269 million as compared to the immediate trailing quarter.    

    NBCUniversal (NBCU)

    NBCUniversal (NBCU) revenue declined 1.8 percent in Q2-16 to $7,103 million from $7,230 million in Q2-15. The slide was attributable to a 40.4 percent decline in NBCU’s Filmed Entertainment segment revenue in the current quarter to $1,351 million from $2,266 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    NBCU’s other segments – revenue from Cable Networks, Broadcast Television and Theme Parks –grew 4.7 percent, 17.3 percent and 47 percent, respectively.

    Cable Networks revenue in Q2-16 grew to $2,566 million from $2,450 million; Broadcast Television revenue increased to $2,128 million from $1,813 million; Theme Parks revenue increased to $1,136 million from $773 million.

    The segment saw almost flat y-o-y operating cash flow or OCF (declined 0.2 percent) in Q2-16 at $1,689 million as compared to $1,692 million.

    OCF from Filmed Entertainment segment declined to almost one eighth (declined by 86.7 percent) in Q2-16 to $56 million from $422 million.   OCF from Cable Networks in Q2-16 increased 8.3 percent y-o-y to $944 million from$872 million in Q2-15. OCF from Broadcast Television increased 70.5 percent y-o-y to $394 million from $231 million and OCF from Theme Parks increased 40.5 percent to $469 million from$334 million.

    Company Speak
    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts in a statement said, “I am pleased to report excellent results as our momentum continues across our businesses. Our Cable subscriber and financial performance during the quarter was outstanding. We more than tripled our customer relationship net additions, with our best second quarter Internet customer results in eight years and our best second quarter video customer results in over ten years, and we successfully balanced this with strong operating cash flow growth.

    “Despite an expected difficult comparison to last year’s record second quarter film slate, NBCUniversal achieved solid results, driven by strength in our TV businesses and Theme Parks, which benefitted from the successful opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood. I am excited about the opportunities ahead for our company as we work together to bring people incredible technology, and memorable experiences, and there is no better example than the Olympic Games. “

    Dwelling on the Olympics coverage, he said that the entire organization  was gearing up to deliver the most comprehensive and innovative Olympics coverage in history starting next week, which will showcase the incredible breadth of NBCUniversal together with Comcast Cable and the X1 platform

  • FY-2015: Comcast Cable’s Q4-2015 video subscriber additions retard video subscriber decline

    FY-2015: Comcast Cable’s Q4-2015 video subscriber additions retard video subscriber decline

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) cable communications segment reported its best ever video results in terms of subscriber decline over nine years for the year ended 31 December, 2015 (FY-2015, current year). Video subscriber increase or retard, at least for the current quarter, seems to be a trend in the US, if one were to go by the results declared by a couple of other television signal carriers.

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million =1 crore

    Comcast Cable numbers

    Comcast Cable reported net additions of 89,000 in the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q4-2015, current quarter) as compared to net additions of 6,000 during the corresponding prior year quarter. In the previous quarter (Q3-2015), Comcast Cable had reported a decline of 48,000 video subscribers. For FY-2015, the segment reported 223.47 lakh video subscribers as compared to 223.83 lakh in FY-2014, a decline of just 36,000 as compared to the 196,000 subscribers that Comcast Cable had lost in FY-2014 vis-?-vis FY-2013.

    Customer relationships increased by 281,000 to 270.35 lakh during Q4-2015, a 57.6 per cent improvement compared to an increase of 178,000 in the fourth quarter of 2014, driven by increases in double product and triple product relationships. Video customer net additions of 89,000 were the best result for a quarter in eight years, high-speed Internet customer net additions of 460,000 were the best result for a fourth quarter in nine years, and Voice customer net additions improved to 139,000.

    For FY-2015, customer relationships increased by 666,000, an 85.9 per cent improvement compared to net additions of 358,000 in FY-2014. Video customer net losses of 36,000 improved by 81.7 per cent year-over-year and were the best result in nine years. High-speed Internet customer net additions of 1.4 million marked the tenth consecutive year of more than one million net additions, and were the best result in eight years. Voice customer net additions slowed to 282,000.

    Revenue for Cable Communications increased 5.9 per cent to $11,980 million in Q4-2015 compared to $11,313 million Q4-2014, driven by increases of 9.8 per cent in high-speed Internet, 4.4 per cent in video and 18.9 per cent in business services, partially offset by a 9.3 per cent decline in advertising due to lower political advertising revenue. Comcast says that the increase in Cable revenue reflects increased customer relationships (see below), customers receiving higher levels of service, customers taking additional services, as well as rate adjustments.

    For FY-2015, Cable revenue increased 6.2 per cent to $46,879 million compared to $44,140 million in FY-2014, driven by growth in high-speed Internet, business services and video.

    Company speak

    Comcast chairman and chief executive officer Brian L. Roberts said, “I am exceptionally proud of our results this year, which were driven by strong performances in each of our core businesses. At Comcast Cable, our focus on delivering the most innovative products and improving the customer experience led to fantastic operating metrics, including our best video customer results in nine years, and our best high-speed Internet customer results in eight years. NBCUniversal had a remarkable year, with record-breaking results at both Theme Parks and Film, and continued success at NBC, which was number one in primetime for the second consecutive season. As we enter 2016, the momentum we see across our portfolio is truly exciting. We are executing at the highest level, investing prudently, and energized and focused on driving growth and shareholder value. Underscoring our confidence in our company, we are increasing our dividend by 10 per cent to $1.10 per share and we also plan to repurchase $5.0 billion of our stock this year.”

    Overall numbers

    Consolidated Revenue for Q4-2015 increased 8.5 per cent to $19,245 million as compared to $17,732 million in Q4-2014. Consolidated Operating Cash Flow increased 6.7 per cent to $6,272 million from $5,877 million in Q4-2014. Consolidated Operating Income increased 5.7 per cent to $4,002 million as compared to $3,787 million in the previous year. On 13 November, 2015, Comcast acquired a 51 per cent interest in the Universal Studios theme park located in Osaka, Japan (Universal Studios Japan). Q4-2015 and FY-2015 results include $169 million of revenue and $80 million of operating cash flow attributable to Universal Studios Japan from its acquisition date.

    Consolidated revenue for Q4-2015 excluding Universal Studios Japan increased 7.6 per cent. Consolidated operating cash flow excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $22 million of costs associated with a change in the presentation of amounts payable for a contractual obligation in Q4-2015 and $99 million of Time Warner Cable and Charter transaction-related costs in Q4-2014, increased four per cent.

    For FY-2015, consolidated revenue increased 8.3 per cent to $74,510 million as compared to $68,775 million in FY-2014. Consolidated operating cash flow increased 7.7 per cent to $24,678 million as compared to $22,923 million in FY-2014. Consolidated operating income increased 7.3 per cent to $15,998 million as compared to $14,904 million in the prior year. Consolidated revenue for FY-2015 excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $376 million of revenue generated by the broadcast of the NFL’s Super Bowl in the first quarter of 2015 and $1.1 billion of revenue generated by the Sochi Olympics in the first quarter of 2014, increased 9.3 per cent. Consolidated operating cash flow excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $178 million of transaction-related costs in 2015 and $237 million in 2014, and $22 million of costs associated with a change in the presentation of amounts payable for a contractual obligation4 in the fourth quarter of 2015, increased 7.1 per cent.

    Other segments

    NBCUniversal

    Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 13.0 per cent to $7,477 million in Q4-2015 compared to $6,615 million in Q4-2014. For FY-2015, NBCUniversal revenue increased 11.9 per cent to $28.5 billion compared to $25.4 billion in FY-2014.

    Cable Networks

    For Q4-2015, Cable Networks segment revenue increased 3.4 per cent to $2,407 million as compared to $2,327 million in Q4-2014. These results reflect a 6.8 per cent increase in distribution revenue, partially reflecting NASCAR Comcast’s sports network, NBCSN, which was more than offset by a modest 0.3 per cent decline in advertising revenue and an increase in sports programming costs, reflecting the impact of NASCAR and higher programming costs for the English Premier League.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Cable Networks segment increased 0.7 per cent to $9,628 million from $9,563 million in FY-2014.

    Broadcast Television

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment increased seven per cent to $2,498 million compared to $2,335 million in Q4-2014, reflecting a seven per cent increase in advertising revenue, primarily driven by higher rates, a 34.9 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, and higher retransmission consent fees.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment was stable at $8,530 million as compared to $8,542 million in FY-2014. Excluding $376 million of revenue generated by the NFL’s Super Bowl in the first quarter of 2015, as well as $846 million of revenue generated by the 2014 Sochi Olympics, revenue increased six per cent, reflecting a 13.7 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, a 4.1 per cent increase in advertising revenue, and higher retransmission consent fees.

    Filmed Entertainment

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment increased 25.8 per cent to $1,6 29billion compared to $1,295 million in Q4-2014, reflecting a 74.9 per cent increase in home entertainment revenue driven by the strong performances of Minions and Jurassic World, as well as a 22.7 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, partially offset by a 37.5 per cent decline in theatrical revenue.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment increased 45.5 per cent to $7,287 million compared to $5,008 million in FY-2014, driven by higher theatrical revenue from the record performances of Minions, Jurassic World, and Furious 7. Operating cash flow increased 73.5 per cent to $1.2 billion compared to $711 million in 2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 40.9 per cent increase in operating expenses, primarily driven by an increase in the amortisation of film costs and higher advertising, marketing and promotion expense due to a larger film slate.

    Theme Parks

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 38.6 per cent to $1,019 million compared to $735 million in Q4-2014. These results reflect higher guest attendance and per capita spending, driven by the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Hollywood’s Fast and Furious: Supercharged, as well as Halloween Horror Nights at the Orlando and Hollywood parks, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support new attractions.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 27.3 per cent to $3,339 million compared to $2,623 million in FY-2014.

  • FY-2015: Comcast Cable’s Q4-2015 video subscriber additions retard video subscriber decline

    FY-2015: Comcast Cable’s Q4-2015 video subscriber additions retard video subscriber decline

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) cable communications segment reported its best ever video results in terms of subscriber decline over nine years for the year ended 31 December, 2015 (FY-2015, current year). Video subscriber increase or retard, at least for the current quarter, seems to be a trend in the US, if one were to go by the results declared by a couple of other television signal carriers.

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million =1 crore

    Comcast Cable numbers

    Comcast Cable reported net additions of 89,000 in the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q4-2015, current quarter) as compared to net additions of 6,000 during the corresponding prior year quarter. In the previous quarter (Q3-2015), Comcast Cable had reported a decline of 48,000 video subscribers. For FY-2015, the segment reported 223.47 lakh video subscribers as compared to 223.83 lakh in FY-2014, a decline of just 36,000 as compared to the 196,000 subscribers that Comcast Cable had lost in FY-2014 vis-?-vis FY-2013.

    Customer relationships increased by 281,000 to 270.35 lakh during Q4-2015, a 57.6 per cent improvement compared to an increase of 178,000 in the fourth quarter of 2014, driven by increases in double product and triple product relationships. Video customer net additions of 89,000 were the best result for a quarter in eight years, high-speed Internet customer net additions of 460,000 were the best result for a fourth quarter in nine years, and Voice customer net additions improved to 139,000.

    For FY-2015, customer relationships increased by 666,000, an 85.9 per cent improvement compared to net additions of 358,000 in FY-2014. Video customer net losses of 36,000 improved by 81.7 per cent year-over-year and were the best result in nine years. High-speed Internet customer net additions of 1.4 million marked the tenth consecutive year of more than one million net additions, and were the best result in eight years. Voice customer net additions slowed to 282,000.

    Revenue for Cable Communications increased 5.9 per cent to $11,980 million in Q4-2015 compared to $11,313 million Q4-2014, driven by increases of 9.8 per cent in high-speed Internet, 4.4 per cent in video and 18.9 per cent in business services, partially offset by a 9.3 per cent decline in advertising due to lower political advertising revenue. Comcast says that the increase in Cable revenue reflects increased customer relationships (see below), customers receiving higher levels of service, customers taking additional services, as well as rate adjustments.

    For FY-2015, Cable revenue increased 6.2 per cent to $46,879 million compared to $44,140 million in FY-2014, driven by growth in high-speed Internet, business services and video.

    Company speak

    Comcast chairman and chief executive officer Brian L. Roberts said, “I am exceptionally proud of our results this year, which were driven by strong performances in each of our core businesses. At Comcast Cable, our focus on delivering the most innovative products and improving the customer experience led to fantastic operating metrics, including our best video customer results in nine years, and our best high-speed Internet customer results in eight years. NBCUniversal had a remarkable year, with record-breaking results at both Theme Parks and Film, and continued success at NBC, which was number one in primetime for the second consecutive season. As we enter 2016, the momentum we see across our portfolio is truly exciting. We are executing at the highest level, investing prudently, and energized and focused on driving growth and shareholder value. Underscoring our confidence in our company, we are increasing our dividend by 10 per cent to $1.10 per share and we also plan to repurchase $5.0 billion of our stock this year.”

    Overall numbers

    Consolidated Revenue for Q4-2015 increased 8.5 per cent to $19,245 million as compared to $17,732 million in Q4-2014. Consolidated Operating Cash Flow increased 6.7 per cent to $6,272 million from $5,877 million in Q4-2014. Consolidated Operating Income increased 5.7 per cent to $4,002 million as compared to $3,787 million in the previous year. On 13 November, 2015, Comcast acquired a 51 per cent interest in the Universal Studios theme park located in Osaka, Japan (Universal Studios Japan). Q4-2015 and FY-2015 results include $169 million of revenue and $80 million of operating cash flow attributable to Universal Studios Japan from its acquisition date.

    Consolidated revenue for Q4-2015 excluding Universal Studios Japan increased 7.6 per cent. Consolidated operating cash flow excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $22 million of costs associated with a change in the presentation of amounts payable for a contractual obligation in Q4-2015 and $99 million of Time Warner Cable and Charter transaction-related costs in Q4-2014, increased four per cent.

    For FY-2015, consolidated revenue increased 8.3 per cent to $74,510 million as compared to $68,775 million in FY-2014. Consolidated operating cash flow increased 7.7 per cent to $24,678 million as compared to $22,923 million in FY-2014. Consolidated operating income increased 7.3 per cent to $15,998 million as compared to $14,904 million in the prior year. Consolidated revenue for FY-2015 excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $376 million of revenue generated by the broadcast of the NFL’s Super Bowl in the first quarter of 2015 and $1.1 billion of revenue generated by the Sochi Olympics in the first quarter of 2014, increased 9.3 per cent. Consolidated operating cash flow excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $178 million of transaction-related costs in 2015 and $237 million in 2014, and $22 million of costs associated with a change in the presentation of amounts payable for a contractual obligation4 in the fourth quarter of 2015, increased 7.1 per cent.

    Other segments

    NBCUniversal

    Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 13.0 per cent to $7,477 million in Q4-2015 compared to $6,615 million in Q4-2014. For FY-2015, NBCUniversal revenue increased 11.9 per cent to $28.5 billion compared to $25.4 billion in FY-2014.

    Cable Networks

    For Q4-2015, Cable Networks segment revenue increased 3.4 per cent to $2,407 million as compared to $2,327 million in Q4-2014. These results reflect a 6.8 per cent increase in distribution revenue, partially reflecting NASCAR Comcast’s sports network, NBCSN, which was more than offset by a modest 0.3 per cent decline in advertising revenue and an increase in sports programming costs, reflecting the impact of NASCAR and higher programming costs for the English Premier League.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Cable Networks segment increased 0.7 per cent to $9,628 million from $9,563 million in FY-2014.

    Broadcast Television

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment increased seven per cent to $2,498 million compared to $2,335 million in Q4-2014, reflecting a seven per cent increase in advertising revenue, primarily driven by higher rates, a 34.9 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, and higher retransmission consent fees.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment was stable at $8,530 million as compared to $8,542 million in FY-2014. Excluding $376 million of revenue generated by the NFL’s Super Bowl in the first quarter of 2015, as well as $846 million of revenue generated by the 2014 Sochi Olympics, revenue increased six per cent, reflecting a 13.7 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, a 4.1 per cent increase in advertising revenue, and higher retransmission consent fees.

    Filmed Entertainment

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment increased 25.8 per cent to $1,6 29billion compared to $1,295 million in Q4-2014, reflecting a 74.9 per cent increase in home entertainment revenue driven by the strong performances of Minions and Jurassic World, as well as a 22.7 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, partially offset by a 37.5 per cent decline in theatrical revenue.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment increased 45.5 per cent to $7,287 million compared to $5,008 million in FY-2014, driven by higher theatrical revenue from the record performances of Minions, Jurassic World, and Furious 7. Operating cash flow increased 73.5 per cent to $1.2 billion compared to $711 million in 2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 40.9 per cent increase in operating expenses, primarily driven by an increase in the amortisation of film costs and higher advertising, marketing and promotion expense due to a larger film slate.

    Theme Parks

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 38.6 per cent to $1,019 million compared to $735 million in Q4-2014. These results reflect higher guest attendance and per capita spending, driven by the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Hollywood’s Fast and Furious: Supercharged, as well as Halloween Horror Nights at the Orlando and Hollywood parks, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support new attractions.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 27.3 per cent to $3,339 million compared to $2,623 million in FY-2014.

  • Q3-2015: Comcast Cable revenue up 6.3%, loses 48K video subs; NBCU shines

    Q3-2015: Comcast Cable revenue up 6.3%, loses 48K video subs; NBCU shines

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) Cable Communications reported revenue growth of 6.3 per cent at $11,740 million in the quarter ended 30 September, 2015 (Q3-2015, current quarter) as compared to the $11,041 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. The segment’s revenue in the current quarter was almost flat (increased by 0.09 per cent) as compared to $11,729 million reported for the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

    Subscription numbers have been mentioned in lakhs and revenue and other financial numbers in millions of US dollars.

     

    Operating cash flow of Comcast’s Cable Communications in Q3-2015 improved 6.4 per cent to $4748 million (40.4 per cent margin) as compared to the $4,464 million (40.4 per cent margin) in Q3-2014.

     

    In terms of decline in video customers, Comcast’s Cable Communication reported the best quarter among the last nine quarters. The company lost only 48,000 video customers in Q3-2015 as compared to the decline of 69,000 in Q2-2015.

     

    Comcast NBCUniversal segment reported a 20.8 per cent growth in revenue at $7,151 million in the current quarter as compared to the $5,921 million in Q3-2014. Operating cash flow of the segment in Q3-2015 improved 17 per cent to $1,657 million as compared to the $1,416 million in Q3-2014.

     

    Overall, Comcast reported a 11.2 per cent growth in consolidated revenue (excluding Olympics and Super Bowl) at $18,669 million as compared to the $16,791 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Operating Income in Q3-2015 increased 6.9 per cent to $4001 million as compared to the $3745 million in Q3-2014, while Free Cash Flow increased 6.8 per cent to $2663 million as compared to $2494 million in Q3-2014. Earnings per share in the current quarter however declined 19.2 per cent to $0.80 as compared to $0.99 in Q3-2014.

     

    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L Roberts said, ”I’m pleased to report that our businesses generated outstanding revenue and operating cash flow growth for the third quarter of 2015. At Cable Communications, overall customer relationships increased 156,000, a 90 per cent improvement compared to last year, video subscriber results were the best for a third quarter in nine years, high-speed Internet subscriber results were the best for a third quarter in six years, and churn across all product categories continues to improve. NBCUniversal also delivered terrific results, including another record-breaking box office quarter driven by Minions and Jurassic World, the highest summer attendance ever at our theme parks, and maintaining the #1 broadcast network ranking for five summers in a row. These outstanding results from our unique portfolio of complementary businesses underscore our confidence that we are well positioned to compete, continue our strong performance and drive shareholder value.”

     

    Cable Communications numbers

     

    Six sub-segments contribute to Comcast’s Cable Communications – Video; High Speed Internet; Voice; Business Services; Advertising; and ‘Other.’

     

    Growth in revenue was driven by increases of 10.2 per cent in high-speed Internet revenue, 19.5 per cent in business services and 3.3 per cent in video. The company says that the increase in Cable revenue reflects increased customer relationships, customers receiving higher levels of service and customers taking additional services, as well as rate adjustments.

     

    Customer relationships

     

    Overall, Cable Communications customer relationships in Q3-2015 increased to 274.21 lakh as compared to 268.57 lakh in Q3-2014. During Q3-2015, the segment saw net addition of 156,000 customer relationships as compared to the net addition of 82,000 in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Single, double and triple play customers

     

    While the number of single product customers in the current quarter was lower at 83.67 lakh, it grew by 24,000, as compared to the 84.44 lakh in Q3-2014, which saw a decline of 66,000. Double Product customers were higher at 90.66 lakh in Q3-2015 as compared to 86.50 lakh in Q3-2014. In Q3-2015, the number of double product customers increased by 130,000 as compared to the increase of 76,000 in Q3-2014. Triple Product customers in Q3-2015 increased to 99.88 lakh as compared to 97.63 lakh in the corresponding year ago quarter. Q3-2015 saw the number of triple product customers’ increase by a mere 1,000 as compared to the increase of 72,000 n Q3-2014.

     

    Video

    Revenue from Video improved 3.3 per cent to $5,348 million in Q3-2015 as compared to the $5,179 million in Q3-2014. For the current quarter, the company reported a net loss of 48,000 customers, while its customer base declined by 118,000 to 222.58 lakhs as compared to the 223.76 lakh customers in Q3-2014.

     

    High Speed Internet

    High Speed Internet revenue in the current quarter increased 10.2 per cent to $3,129 million as compared to the $2,840 million in Q3-2014.

     

    The company added 320,000 high speed internet customers in Q3-2015 and reported a customer base of 228.68 lakh. In Q3-2014, Cable Communications had added 315,000 customers and reported a high spend internet customer base of 215.86 lakh.

     

    Voice

    Despite a higher customer base, Voice revenue in Q3-2015 declined 1.4 per cent to $900 million as compared to the $913 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Voice customer base in Q3-2015 increased to 113.36 lakh as compared to the 110.70 lakh in the corresponding quarter of last year. In Q3-2015, Cable Communications added only 17,000 customers as compared to the 68,000 in Q3-2014.

     

    Business Services revenue in Q3-2015 increased 19.2 per cent to $1,208 million as compared to the $1,011 million in Q3-2014.

     

    Advertising revenue in the current quarter was almost flat (declined 0.2 per cent) to $593 million as compared to $596 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    ‘Other’ revenue increased 11.2 per cent to $562 million in Q3-2015 as compared to the $ 502 in Q3-2014.

     

    NBCUniversal

     

    As mentioned above, NBCUniversal division revenue increased 20.8 per cent YoY in the current quarter, while Operating Cash Flow increased 17 per cent driven by strong results at Filmed Entertainment and Theme Parks.

     

    Four sub-segments add to NBCUniversal’s revenue – Cable Networks; Broadcast Television; Filmed Entertainment; and Theme Parks.

     

    Cable Networks reported seven per cent growth in operating revenue at $2,412 million in Q3-2015 as compared to the $2,255 million in the corresponding year ago quarter, driven by an 8.6 per cent increase in distribution revenue and a two per cent increase in advertising revenue, partially reflecting the introduction of NASCAR on Comcast’s sports network, NBCSN, as well as a 17.6 per cent increase in content licensing and other revenue. Operating cash flow decreased 3.9 per cent to $835 million compared to $868 million in Q3-2014, reflecting higher revenue, more than offset by increased sports programming costs, driven by the impact of NASCAR., informs the company.

     

    Broadcast Television revenue in the current quarter increased 11.3 per cent in Q3-2015 at $1,971 million as compared to the $1,770 million in Q3-2014 reflecting a 33.5 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, higher retransmission consent fees, and a 2.8 per cent increase in advertising revenue. Operating cash flow increased 6.1 per cent to $150 million compared to $142 million in Q3-2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in programming and production costs associated with the timing of content provided under NBCUniversal’s licensing agreements and studio production costs.

     

    Filmed Entertainment revenue increased 64 per cent to $1,946 million in Q3-2015  as compared to the $1,186 million in the corresponding year ago quarter driven by higher theatrical revenue from the record performances of Minions andJurassic World, continuing on the earlier success of Furious 7. Operating cash flow increased $225 million to $376 million compared to $151 million in Q3- 2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in the amortisation of film costs and higher advertising, marketing and promotion expense due to a larger film slate.

     

    Theme Parks revenue increased 14.1 per cent to $876 million as compared to the $786 million in the corresponding year ago quarter reflecting higher guest attendance and per capita spending, driven by the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, as well as Fast and Furious: Supercharged at the Hollywood park. Q3-2015 operating cash flow increased 14.1 per cent to $458 million compared to $402 million in the same period last year, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support new attractions and $18 million of transaction-related costs associated with the development of a theme park in China.

  • Comcast acquires majority stake in Universal Studios Japan for $1.5 billion

    Comcast acquires majority stake in Universal Studios Japan for $1.5 billion

    MUMBAI: Comcast NBC Universal has agreed to purchase 51 per cent ownership of Universal Studios Japan in a recapitalisation transaction, partnering with the current owners including Goldman Sachs, USJ’s CEO Glenn Gumpel, Asian private-equity firm MBK Partners, and U.S. hedge fund Owl Creek Asset Management. 

     

    Comcast NBC Universal’s purchase price for the majority ownership of the theme park destination is $1.5 billion (?183 billion).

        

    Located in Osaka and featuring classic Universal attractions as well as attractions and shows specifically designed for the Japanese market, USJ opened in 2001 and has experienced continued growth in attendance and revenue.

     

    “We are excited to expand our global footprint with this wonderful theme park in Osaka and are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead in Japan and all of Asia. This investment represents a huge opportunity and commitment to creating value for our shareholders and continuing to grow internationally,” said Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts.

     

    Acquiring majority ownership of Universal Studios Japan continues Comcast NBC Universal’s ongoing investment strategy for its US parks in Orlando and Hollywood.

     

    “We want to expand our theme park business around the world and this investment in Universal Studios Japan fits perfectly with that strategy. Our theme parks in the U.S. have performed exceptionally well and we look forward to working with our partners to achieve that success in Japan as we plan to introduce significant attractions at USJ over the next five years,” added NBC Universal CEO Steve Burke.