10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2003

COMCAST CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2003

Filed August 1, 2003For Securities:CMCSACCZ

Summary

Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) reported its second-quarter 2003 results, showing a net loss of $22 million, a significant improvement from the $210 million net loss in the same period last year. This improvement was largely driven by a substantial increase in revenues, which more than doubled to $5.685 billion, primarily due to the integration of the AT&T broadband acquisition. Despite the revenue growth, the company's operating expenses also saw a significant rise, particularly in depreciation and amortization, largely attributed to the acquisition. The company is actively managing its debt, which remains substantial following the AT&T broadband acquisition, and is in the process of selling its interest in QVC to Liberty Media for approximately $7.9 billion, which is expected to close by the end of 2003. Investors should note the ongoing integration challenges and increased debt levels resulting from the AT&T broadband acquisition. However, the strong revenue growth signals positive operational momentum. The planned sale of QVC is a key event that will impact the company's financial structure and provide capital. While the company reported a net loss, the reduction in that loss compared to the prior year is a positive indicator.

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated revenues increased significantly by 110.3% to $5.685 billion in Q2 2003 compared to $2.704 billion in Q2 2002, primarily due to the AT&T broadband acquisition.
  • 2Net loss for the quarter narrowed substantially to $22 million, an improvement from a net loss of $210 million in the same quarter last year.
  • 3The company announced an agreement to sell its 57% interest in QVC to Liberty Media for approximately $7.9 billion, expected to close by the end of 2003.
  • 4Total debt decreased to $32.339 billion as of June 30, 2003, from $34.910 billion as of December 31, 2002, reflecting debt repayments.
  • 5Operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) increased by 27.8% to $611 million for Q2 2003.
  • 6High-speed Internet revenue saw substantial growth of 56.6% in the pro forma comparison for Q2 2003, indicating strong subscriber additions in this segment.
  • 7The company continues to face significant interest expense due to the high debt levels post-acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver behind the substantial increase in Comcast's revenue is the acquisition of AT&T Corp.'s broadband business, referred to as the 'Broadband acquisition,' which was completed in November 2002. This acquisition significantly expanded Comcast's cable operations, leading to a more than doubling of revenues in the second quarter of 2003 compared to the same period in the prior year.

Comcast is actively managing its debt. The total debt decreased from $34.910 billion at the end of 2002 to $32.339 billion by June 30, 2003. This reduction was achieved through various debt repayments, including the use of proceeds from the TWE restructuring and the sale of its interest in CC VIII, LLC. The company also raised $4.0 billion in public debt offerings in early 2003 and refinanced some credit facilities.

The planned sale of Comcast's 57% interest in QVC to Liberty Media for approximately $7.9 billion is a significant event. This transaction, expected to close by the end of 2003, will provide Comcast with substantial capital. The proceeds are expected to be received in the form of Liberty Media stock and a senior unsecured note, which will facilitate future financial flexibility and potentially reduce debt or fund other strategic initiatives.

The filing highlights several key risks, including the potential for difficulties and higher-than-expected costs in successfully integrating the acquired AT&T broadband business. Other risks include challenges in maintaining relationships with subscribers, franchising authorities, and employees, as well as potential subscriber loss and business disruption. Additionally, the company faces significant interest expense due to its elevated debt levels and ongoing litigation matters, though the ultimate impact of these is not yet fully determinable.