10-KPeriod: FY2002

COMCAST CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2002

Filed March 20, 2003For Securities:CMCSACCZ

Summary

Comcast Corporation's 2002 Form 10-K reflects a transformative year, dominated by the significant acquisition of AT&T Corp.'s broadband business, consummated on November 18, 2002. This transaction dramatically expanded the company's scale, making it the largest cable operator in the United States. The report details the integration challenges and strategic objectives associated with this massive undertaking, including substantial capital expenditures planned for system upgrades. Beyond the core cable operations, Comcast maintained its presence in commerce through QVC and its content division, which includes investments in various television networks. The company also highlighted key developments such as the proposed restructuring of Time Warner Entertainment Company L.P. (TWE) and a pending divestiture of certain acquired cable systems. The filing underscores the company's efforts to manage its significantly increased debt load and complex capital structure following the AT&T broadband acquisition.

Key Highlights

  • 1Comcast completed the acquisition of AT&T Corp.'s broadband business on November 18, 2002, becoming the largest cable operator in the US.
  • 2The company served 21.3 million cable subscribers, passed 39.1 million homes, and offered digital cable to 6.6 million, high-speed Internet to 3.6 million, and phone service to 1.4 million subscribers as of December 31, 2002.
  • 3The acquisition significantly increased Comcast's debt levels, with long-term debt rising to $27.96 billion from $11.74 billion at the end of 2001.
  • 4Comcast is undertaking significant capital expenditures, with approximately $4.2 billion planned for 2003, primarily for upgrading cable systems.
  • 5The company is pursuing a restructuring of its investment in Time Warner Entertainment Company L.P. (TWE), which is expected to result in cash and AOL Time Warner stock.
  • 6A pending agreement to sell certain acquired cable systems serving approximately 317,000 subscribers to Bresnan Broadband Holdings, LLC was announced in February 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most significant event was the completion of the acquisition of AT&T Corp.'s broadband business on November 18, 2002. This transaction dramatically increased the size and scale of Comcast's cable operations.

The acquisition substantially increased Comcast's debt levels, with long-term debt rising significantly. It also required substantial capital expenditures for system upgrades and integration.

Comcast announced an agreement in August 2002 to restructure TWE. Upon closing, expected by the end of the second quarter of 2003, Comcast is expected to receive $1.5 billion in AOL Time Warner stock, $2.1 billion in cash, and an approximate 21% equity interest in a new cable company, Time Warner Cable, Inc. The company's interest in TWE was placed in trust as part of the regulatory approval for the AT&T broadband acquisition.

Comcast announced an agreement to sell certain acquired cable systems serving approximately 317,000 subscribers to Bresnan Broadband Holdings, LLC. This transaction was expected to close by March 31, 2003, and the assets were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2002.