10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

COMCAST CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2005

Filed November 3, 2005For Securities:CMCSACCZ

Summary

Comcast Corporation's Q3 2005 filing shows robust revenue growth, particularly in its cable segment, driven by strong performance in digital cable and high-speed internet services. The company reported an increase in revenue for both the three-month and nine-month periods ending September 30, 2005, compared to the prior year, indicating continued expansion and market penetration. Despite some shifts in investment income and ongoing legal contingencies, the company's core operations appear healthy, with a focus on strategic investments and share repurchases. Financially, Comcast demonstrated solid operational income, especially within its cable division, which contributes the vast majority of its revenue. The company also highlighted its commitment to returning value to shareholders through significant share repurchases under its authorized program. Management expressed confidence in its ability to meet liquidity and capital requirements through operating cash flows, existing cash reserves, and available credit facilities, underscoring a stable financial outlook for the period.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 9.4% to $5.58 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2005, and by 9.7% to $16.54 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the prior year periods.
  • 2The cable segment, representing over 95% of revenue, saw significant growth, with Video revenue up 5.7% and High-speed Internet revenue up 26.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2005.
  • 3Operating income before depreciation and amortization in the cable segment increased by 13.9% for the three months and 14.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.
  • 4Comcast repurchased approximately $1.29 billion of its Class A Special common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as part of its board-authorized share repurchase program.
  • 5The company reported a net income of $222 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, a slight increase from $220 million in the prior year.
  • 6Significant legal proceedings are ongoing, particularly related to the 'At Home' matter, with some rulings in favor of Comcast, though potential material impacts on future periods are noted.
  • 7Comcast is proceeding with the acquisition of substantially all assets of Adelphia Communications Corporation for $12.7 billion, expected to close in the first half of 2006, which will add approximately 1.8 million basic subscribers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Comcast's revenue growth was primarily driven by its cable segment, with increases in video revenue due to rate hikes and digital subscriber growth, and substantial growth in high-speed Internet subscribers. Advertising sales also contributed positively, while the content segment benefited from acquisitions and increased distribution and advertising revenue.

Comcast's total debt decreased from $23.59 billion at the end of 2004 to $22.61 billion at the end of Q3 2005. This reduction was due to settlements of exchangeable notes and debt repayments, partially offset by a new senior notes offering and commercial paper borrowings. The company also refinanced its revolving credit facility in October 2005, increasing its availability.

Comcast is involved in several significant legal proceedings, most notably those related to its investment in and dealings with 'At Home' Corporation. While some claims have been dismissed or limited, the company acknowledges that the final disposition of these matters could be material to its results of operations in any single period, though not expected to be material to its consolidated financial position.

Comcast is actively pursuing strategic growth opportunities, including the significant acquisition of Adelphia Communications Corporation, expected to close in mid-2006. The company also made strategic acquisitions of interactive television software developers like Liberate and MetaTV to accelerate new product development and maintained significant capital expenditures in areas like digital set-top boxes and its integrated service platform.