Telecom and media giant Comcast (CMCSA -0.84%) reported third-quarter earnings on Thursday, Oct. 31, that topped analyst estimates. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $1.12, surpassing the analyst expectation of $1.066 and rising 3.3% from the same period last year. Revenue reached $32.1 billion, ahead of consensus estimates of $31.8 billion.
The results indicated effective strategic shifts in areas like broadband and wireless, though some challenges remain in traditional media and theme park segments.
| Metric | Q3 2024 | Analyst Estimate | Q3 2023 | Change (YOY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EPS | $1.12 | $1.066 | $1.08 | 3.3% |
| Revenue | $32.1 billion | $31.8 billion | $30.1 billion | 6.5% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $9.74 billion | - | $9.96 billion | (2.3%) |
| Net income | $3.63 billion | - | $4.05 billion | (10.3%) |
| Video customer net additions (losses) | (365,000) | (420,000) | (490,000) | - |
| Broadband subscriber net additions (losses) | (87,000) | (146,000) | (18,000) | - |
| Wireless subscriber net additions (losses) | 319,000 | 301,000 | 294,000 | - |
Source: Comcast. Note: Analyst consensus estimates for the quarter provided by FactSet. YOY = Year over year. EBITDA = Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
Comcast's Business Overview
Comcast provides broadband, wireless, and content distribution services through its various brands, including Xfinity, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Its operations span across the U.S., the U.K., and Italy, offering connectivity, streaming, and media services. As a key player in telecommunications, Comcast relies heavily on its broadband services, which form the backbone of its revenue and growth strategies.
Recently, Comcast has focused on expanding its wireless and broadband offerings while investing strategically in streaming media services like Peacock. This includes adapting to market changes by integrating more digital and streaming options, which are expected to drive future growth.
Quarter Highlights
Comcast's revenue jumped 6.5% to hit $32.1 billion in Q3, reflecting ongoing strategic changes within the company. Broadband revenue increased by 2.7% to $6.5 billion, driven by a 3.6% rise in average revenue per user (ARPU) despite a net loss of 87,000 broadband customers. This setback was linked to the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Excluding ACP’s impact, Comcast demonstrated resilience with modest customer gains.
In the Wireless segment, Comcast’s domestic customer lines surged 20%, adding 319,000 lines, reflecting the success of its strategic focus on converging wireless and broadband offerings. Peacock, the conglomerate’s streaming service, saw a 29% uptick in paid subscribers to 36 million, propelled by 2024 Summer Olympics programming. With this, Peacock’s revenue soared 82% year over year to $1.5 billion.
On the media side, although overall adjusted EBITDA dipped due to spending increases, studios performed well with a 9% rise in adjusted EBITDA. The film Despicable Me 4 emerged as a key contributor, achieving nearly $1 billion in global earnings. Nevertheless, the theme park segment experienced a 5.3% drop in revenue and a 13.8% decrease in adjusted EBITDA, attributed to lower visitor numbers and stagnant attraction development.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, Comcast management did not provide specific Q4 or full-year guidance in this report. It has said in other reports that the company plans to maintain its competitive edge by upgrading its network with DOCSIS 4.0, aiming for enhanced broadband speeds. It also focuses on improving wireless services, boosted by robust growth in customer additions.
For future prospects, Comcast's strategic media partnerships, like the NBA deal, aim to diversify content offerings and enhance audience engagement. Upcoming developments, such as the launch of the Epic Universe theme park in Florida in 2025, are set to revitalize its theme park segment. Strategic partnerships and infrastructural investments will likely steer Comcast’s continued growth, crucial as it navigates challenges in its more traditional business lines.
