ITV

Tag: X1 Platform

  • 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.”

     

  • 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.

  • Q2-2015: Comcast reports 11% revenue growth, loses 69,000 video customers

    Q2-2015: Comcast reports 11% revenue growth, loses 69,000 video customers

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation (Comcast) reported 11.3 per cent growth in consolidated revenue in Q2-2015 (quarter ended 30 June, 2015) to $18,743 million as compared to the $16,844 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. 

     

    In Q1-2015, the company had reported consolidated revenue of $17,853 million. The company’s Cable Communications and NBCUniversal segments reported a y-o-y increase in revenue.

     

    Comcast consolidated operating income increased 7.9 per cent in Q2-2015 to $4105 million as compared to the $3804 million in Q2-2014 and was 5.5 per cent more than the $3890 million Q1-2015. Year to date (YTD, 6M-2015), the company’s consolidated revenue grew 6.8 per cent to $36,596 million from $34,252 in the corresponding year ago period. 

     

    Though the company’s Cable Communication segment reported a fall of 69,000 video customers in Q2-2015, video revenue grew 3.7 per cent in Q2-2015 to $5431 million from $5239 million during the corresponding year ago quarter. YTD, video revenue increased 3.3 per cent to $10,762 million as compared to $10,417 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L Roberts said, “Our second quarter results, including 11.3 per cent revenue growth and eight per cent operating cash flow growth, demonstrate the strength and momentum we are seeing across our businesses. In Cable, high-speed Internet and business services continued to perform extremely well, and, significantly, this was the best second quarter video customer results we’ve had in nine years. Our focus on accelerating the deployment of our transformative X1 platform, as well as efforts to improve customer service, are clearly making a difference, with lower churn across all product categories. NBCUniversal had an exceptional quarter, led by the record-breaking box office performances of Jurassic World and Furious 7 and continued strong momentum in our theme parks. In addition, NBC won the 2014-2015 broadcast season for adults 18-49. Our teams are executing incredibly well across our strong and diversified portfolio, and I am excited for what we can deliver in the rest of 2015 and beyond.”

     

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

     

    Let us look at the numbers reported by Comcast

     

    Cable Communications

     

    Comcast’s Cable Communications segment has three products – video, high speed internet and voice.  Five streams add to the segment’s revenue – video, high speed internet, voice, business service and advertising.

     

    This segment’s revenue in Q2-2015 grew 6.3 per cent to $11,729 million as compared to the $11,029 million in Q1-2014. YTD also, the segment’s revenue increased 6.3 per cent to $23,159 million as compared to $21,786 million in 6M-2014. 

     

    Cable Communications customer relationships increased to 272.65 lakh in Q2-2015 as compared to 267.75 lakh in Q2-2014.

     

    Single product customer relationships declined in Q2-2015 to 83.43 lakh from 85.10 lakh in Q1-2014; double product customer relationships in Q2-2015 to 89.36 lakh from 85,74,000 in Q2-2014; triple product customer relationships increased in Q2-2015 to 99.87 lakh from 96.91 lakh in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Operating Cash Flow for Cable Communications increased 5.1 per cent to $4798 million Q2-2015 compared to $4564 million in Q2-2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 7.2 per cent increase in operating expenses primarily related to higher video programming costs, as well as an increase in technical and product support expenses driven by an acceleration in the deployment of X1 and investments to improve the customer experience. As a result, this quarter’s operating cash flow margin was 40.9 per cent compared to 41.4 per cent in the prior year period.

     

    For the six months ended 30 June, 2015, Cable operating cash flow increased 5.7 per cent to $9472 million compared to $8964 million in 6M-2014. YTD operating cash flow margin was 40.9 per cent compared to 41.1 per cent in 2014.

     

    Video 

     

    Video revenue has been mentioned above. The company lost 69,000 video customers in Q2-2015, much lower than the 144,000 customers it lost in Q1-2014. Total video customer relationships in Q2-2015 stood at 223.06 lakh as compared to the 224.57 lakh in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    High speed Internet

     

    High speed internet revenue in Q2-2015 grew 10 per cent to $3101 million from $2819 million in Q2-2014. YTD, revenue from this stream grew 10.3 per cent to $6145 million from $5569 million in 6M-2014.

     

    High speed internet customer relationships in Q2-2015 improved by 180,000 as compared to the improvement of 203,000 in Q2-2014. The total number of high speed internet customer relationships in Q2-2015 stood at 225.48 lakh, in Q2-2015, the corresponding number was 212.71 lakh.

     

    Voice

     

    Voice revenue in the current quarter at $903 million declined 2.1 per cent as compared to the $921 million in Q2-2014. YTD, revenue from this stream declined 1.8 per cent to $1809 million as compared to the $1842 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Voice customer relationships increased to 113.19 lakh as compared to the 110.03 lakh in Q2-2014.

     

    Business services, Advertising and Other

     

    Business services revenue grew 20.4 per cent to $1161 million in Q2-2015 as compared to $961 million in Q2-2015. Business services revenue in 6M-2015 increased 20.9 per cent to $2275 million as compared to the $1883 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Advertising revenue in Q2-2015 declined by 0.9 per cent to $582 million from $589 million in Q2-2014, while for 6M-2015, revenue declined 0.8 per cent to $1086 million as compared to $1094 million in 6M-2014.

     

    ‘Other’ revenue in Q1-2015 increased 10.9 per cent to $551 million as compared to the $497 in the corresponding year ago quarter. YTD, ‘Other’ revenue increased 10.2 per cent to $1082 million as compared to the $982 million in 6M-2014.

     

    NBCUniversal 

     

    Cable Networks, Broadcast television, Filmed Entertainment and Themed Parks contribute to NBCUniversal segment’s revenues.

     

    NBCUniversal revenue in Q2-2015 at $7230 million increased 20.2 per cent as compared to the $6016 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. For 6M-2015, revenue from this segment increased 7.3 per cent to $13,834 million from $12,892 million in the corresponding year ago six month period.

     

    Operating cash flow increased 19.4 per cent to $1712 million in Q2-2015 as compared to the $1434 million in Q2-2014. During 6M-2015, operating cash flow from this segment improved 16.8 per cent to $3206 million as compared to the $2745 million in 6M-2014 driven by strong results at Filmed Entertainment and Theme Parks.

     

    Cable Networks

     

    Cable Networks revenue in Q-2015 declined 4.6 per cent to $872 million as compared to the $914 million in Q2-2014, reflecting a 26.3 per cent decrease in content licensing and other revenue due to the timing of content provided under licensing agreements and a three per cent decline in advertising revenue, partially offset by a 5.6 per cent increase in distribution revenue. Operating cash flow decreased 4.6 per cent to $872 million compared to $914 million in Q2-2014, reflecting lower revenue and modest increases in other operating and administrative expenses.

     

    For 6M-2015, revenue 2.2 per cent to $1170 million as compared to the $1809 million in 6M-2014. Operating cash flow decreased 2.2 per cent to $1.8 billion in 6M-2015.

     

    Broadcast Television

     

    Broadcast Television revenue increased 3.7 per cent in Q2-2015 to $240 million as compared to the $231 million in Q2-2014 reflecting a slight increase in advertising revenue and higher retransmission consent fees, which were offset by lower content licensing revenue. Operating cash flow decreased 3.7 per cent to $231 million compared to Q2-2014, primarily reflecting increases in other operating and administrative expenses, which were largely offset by a decrease in programming and production costs associated with the timing of the airing of certain shows in our primetime schedule.

     

    YTD, Broadcast Television revenue increased 14 per cent to $413 million as compared to $352 million in 6M-2014. Excluding $376 million of revenue generated by the NFL’s Super Bowl in the Q1-2015, as well as $846 million of revenue generated by the Sochi Olympics in Q1-2014, revenue increased 2.6 per cent. Operating cash flow increased 14 per cent to $413 million compared to $362 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Filmed Entertainment

     

    Filmed Entertainment revenue in Q2-2015 more than doubled (up 2.17 times) to $422 million as compared to the $195 million in Q2-2014 driven by higher theatrical revenue from the record performances of Furious 7 and Jurassic World. Operating cash flow increased $227 million to $422 million, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in the amortization of film costs and higher advertising, marketing and promotion expense due to a larger film slate.

     

    For 6M-2015, revenue increased 48.1 per cent to $715 million as compared to $483 million in 6M-2014. Operating cash flow increased 48.1 per cent to $715 million compared to $483 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Themed Parks

     

    Themed Parks in Q2-2015 increased 44.9 per cent to $354 million as compared to the $244 million in Q2-2014 reflecting higher guest attendance and per capita spending, driven by the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Q2-2015 cash flow increased 44.9 per cent to $354 million compared to $244 million in the same period last year, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support the new attractions.

     

    For 6M-2015, revenue increased 48.9 per cent to $616 million as compared to the $414 million in 6M-2014. Operating cash flow increased 48.9 per cent to $617 million compared to $414 million in 6M-2014.