Comcast Reports 4th Quarter and Year End 2017 Results

Full Year 2017 Highlights:

• Consolidated Revenue Increased 5.1%; Net Income Attributable to Comcast Increased 161%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 6.2%
• Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $21.4 Billion; Free Cash Flow was $9.6 Billion
• Earnings per Share Increased 167% to $4.75; On an Adjusted Basis, Earnings per Share Increased 18.4% to $2.06
• Cable Communications Revenue Increased 4.9%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 5.3%
• Customer Relationships Increased by 770,000; Over 1 Million High-Speed Internet Customer Net Additions for the 12^th Consecutive Year
• NBCUniversal Revenue Increased 4.4%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 14.1%; Excluding the 2016 Rio Olympics, Revenue Increased 10.1%

4^th Quarter 2017 Highlights:

• Consolidated Revenue Increased 4.2%; Net Income Attributable to Comcast Increased by $12.7 Billion to $15.0 Billion; Adjusted EBITDA of $6.8 Billion was Consistent with the Prior Year
• Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $5.4 Billion; Free Cash Flow was $2.0 Billion
• Earnings per Share Increased by $2.69 to $3.17; On an Adjusted Basis, Earnings per Share Increased 8.9% to $0.49
• Cable Communications Revenue Increased 3.4%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 4.2%
• Customer Relationships Increased by 243,000; High-Speed Internet Customer Net Additions were 350,000; Video Customer Net Losses were 33,000
• NBCUniversal Revenue Increased 3.9%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 6.4%

Dividends and Share Repurchases:

• Dividends and Share Repurchases Totaled $7.9 Billion in 2017
• Increased Dividend by 21% to $0.76 per Share on an Annualized Basis for 2018; As of December 31, 2017, Comcast had $7.0 Billion Available under its Share Repurchase Authorization, with at Least $5 Billion Expected to be Repurchased in 2018

Comcast Corporation CMCSA today reported results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017.

Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation, said, "I am exceptionally proud of our performance this past year, and we enter 2018 with significant momentum. In 2017, we achieved strong financial and operational results while also delivering new innovations, experiences and must-see content to people around the world. At Cable, our best-in-class products and continued focus on the customer experience drove healthy EBITDA growth balanced with strong customer relationship net additions. At NBCUniversal, our Film business achieved record profitability, our Theme Parks delivered record attendance, and our TV business produced strong results - demonstrating the power of our sports, news and entertainment content. We are excited to have the Super Bowl on NBC, followed by the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang. The Olympics highlight our strengths and capabilities across Comcast NBCUniversal, as we combine the storytelling of NBC with Comcast technology to create a truly spectacular viewing experience. Overall, we feel great about our company and our positioning as we head into the year. Our confidence in the business enables us to announce, with the support of our Board, a 21% increase in our dividend, which is our 10^th consecutive annual increase. We also expect to repurchase at least $5 billion of our stock in 2018."

For additional detail on segment revenue and expenses, customer metrics, capital expenditures, and free cash flow, please refer to the trending schedules on Comcast's Investor Relations website at www.cmcsa.com.

Consolidated Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2017 increased 4.2% to $21.9 billion. Consolidated Net Income Attributable to Comcast increased by $12.7 billion to $15.0 billion. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $6.8 billion was consistent with the prior year.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, consolidated revenue increased 5.1% to $84.5 billion compared to 2016. Consolidated net income attributable to Comcast increased 161% to $22.7 billion. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.2% to $28.1 billion.

Earnings per Share (EPS) for the fourth quarter of 2017 was $3.17, an increase of $2.69 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. Excluding $12.7 billion of net income tax benefits primarily associated with a reduction of our net deferred income tax liabilities as a result of the 2017 tax reform legislation in the fourth quarter of 2017, as well as other adjustments in the fourth quarter of 2016, EPS increased 8.9% to $0.49 (see Table 4).

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, EPS was $4.75, a 167% increase compared to the prior year. Excluding $12.7 billion of net income tax benefits primarily associated with a reduction of our net deferred income tax liabilities as a result of the 2017 tax reform legislation in the fourth quarter of 2017, as well as other adjustments in both 2016 and 2017, EPS increased 18.4% to $2.06 (see Table 4).

Capital Expenditures increased 5.4% to $2.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017. Cable Communications' capital expenditures increased 2.8% to $2.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, reflecting a higher level of investment in scalable infrastructure to increase network capacity and increased investment in line extensions, partially offset by a decrease in spending on customer premise equipment and support capital. Cable capital expenditures represented 16.2% of Cable revenue in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 16.3% in last year's fourth quarter. NBCUniversal's capital expenditures of $525 million increased 13.6%, reflecting increased spending on infrastructure, as well as continued investment at Theme Parks.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, capital expenditures increased 4.5% to $9.6 billion compared to 2016. Cable Communications' capital expenditures increased 4.7% to $8.0 billion, reflecting a higher level of investment in scalable infrastructure to increase network capacity and increased investment in line extensions, partially offset by a decrease in spending on customer premise equipment and support capital. For the year, Cable capital expenditures represented 15.1% of Cable revenue compared to 15.2% in 2016. NBCUniversal's capital expenditures increased 3.4% to $1.5 billion in 2017, primarily reflecting increased spending at Theme Parks, as well as real estate and infrastructure investment.

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $5.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017. Free Cash Flow³ was $2.0 billion (see Table 5).

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $21.4 billion. Free cash flow was $9.6 billion (see Table 5).

Dividends and Share Repurchases. During the fourth quarter of 2017, Comcast paid dividends totaling $736 million and repurchased 32.4 million of its common shares for $1.2 billion. For the full year, Comcast made four cash dividend payments totaling $2.9 billion and repurchased 130.9 million of its common shares for $5.0 billion, resulting in a total return of capital to shareholders of $7.9 billion.

As of December 31, 2017, Comcast had $7.0 billion available under its share repurchase authorization. Comcast expects to repurchase at least $5 billion of its Class A common stock during 2018, subject to market conditions.

In addition, Comcast announced that it increased its dividend by 21% to $0.76 per share on an annualized basis for 2018. In accordance with the increase, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 a share on the company's stock, payable on April 25, 2018 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 4, 2018.

Revenue for Cable Communications increased 3.4% to $13.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, driven primarily by increases in high-speed Internet, business services and video revenue. High-speed Internet revenue increased 8.4%, driven by an increase in the number of residential high-speed Internet customers and rate adjustments. Business services revenue increased 12.2%, primarily due to increases in the number of customers receiving our small and medium-sized business services offerings. Video revenue increased 1.5%, primarily reflecting rate adjustments, as well as an increase in the number of customers subscribing to additional services, partially offset by a decrease in the number of residential video customers. Other revenue increased 2.3%, driven by Xfinity Home and an increase in revenue from our X1 licensing agreements. Advertising revenue decreased 12.4%, primarily reflecting a decrease in political advertising revenue. Voice revenue decreased 4.6%, primarily due to the allocation of voice revenue for customers who receive bundled services, as well as a decrease in the number of residential voice customers.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, Cable revenue increased 4.9% to $52.5 billion compared to 2016, driven by growth in high-speed Internet, video and business services revenue.

Total Customer Relationships increased by 243,000 to 29.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Residential customer relationships increased by 211,000 and business customer relationships increased by 33,000. At the end of the fourth quarter, penetration of our double, triple and quad product residential customers was 69.8%. Total high-speed Internet customer net additions were 350,000, total video customer net losses were 33,000, total voice customer net losses were 13,000 and total security and automation customer net additions were 52,000.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, customer relationships increased by 770,000. Residential customer relationships increased by 635,000 and business customer relationships increased by 135,000. Total high-speed Internet customer net additions were 1.2 million, total video customer net losses were 151,000, total voice customer net losses were 135,000 and total security and automation customer net additions were 239,000.

Adjusted EBITDA for Cable Communications increased 4.2% to $5.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 2.9% increase in operating expenses. The higher expenses were primarily due to a 10.0% increase in video programming costs, reflecting the timing of contract renewals, higher retransmission consent fees and sports programming costs. Non-programming expenses decreased 1.5%, primarily reflecting decreases in other operating costs and customer service expenses, as well as relatively flat technical and product support expenses and advertising, marketing and promotion costs. This quarter's Adjusted EBITDA margin was 40.7%, compared to 40.4% in the fourth quarter of 2016.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, Cable Adjusted EBITDA increased 5.3% to $21.2 billion compared to 2016, driven by higher revenue, partially offset by a 4.7% increase in operating expenses. The higher expenses were primarily due to an 11.5% increase in video programming costs. Non-programming expenses were relatively flat compared to 2016. For the year, Adjusted EBITDA margin was 40.3% compared to 40.2% in 2016.

Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 3.9% to $8.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.4% to $1.9 billion, reflecting increases at Filmed Entertainment, Cable Networks and Theme Parks, partially offset by a decline at Broadcast Television.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, NBCUniversal revenue increased 4.4% to $33.0 billion compared to 2016. Excluding $1.6 billion of revenue generated by the broadcast of the Rio Olympics in the third quarter of 2016, revenue increased 10.1% (see Table 6). Adjusted EBITDA increased 14.1% to $8.2 billion, reflecting increases at Filmed Entertainment, Cable Networks and Theme Parks, partially offset by a decline at Broadcast Television.

Cable Networks

Cable Networks revenue increased 7.5% to $2.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, reflecting higher distribution, content licensing and other and advertising revenue. Distribution revenue increased 6.7%, due to contractual rate increases and contract renewals, partially offset by a decline in subscribers at our cable networks. Content licensing and other revenue increased 34.5%, due to the timing of content provided under licensing agreements. Advertising revenue increased 2.3%, reflecting higher rates, partially offset by audience ratings declines. Adjusted EBITDA increased 9.1% to $1.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating costs.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, revenue from the Cable Networks segment increased 1.6% to $10.6 billion compared to 2016, reflecting higher content licensing and other and distribution revenue, partially offset by a decline in advertising revenue. Excluding $432 million of revenue generated by the broadcast of the Rio Olympics in the third quarter of 2016, Cable Networks revenue increased 6.0% (see Table 6). Adjusted EBITDA increased 9.9% to $4.1 billion compared to 2016, reflecting a decrease in programming and production costs due to the broadcast of the Rio Olympics in the third quarter of 2016, as well as higher revenue.

Broadcast Television

Broadcast Television revenue increased 4.1% to $3.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, reflecting increased distribution and other and content licensing revenue, partially offset by lower advertising revenue. Distribution and other revenue increased 44.7%, due to higher retransmission consent fees. Content licensing revenue increased 19.0%, reflecting the timing of content provided under licensing agreements. Advertising revenue decreased 6.5%, due to audience ratings declines, partially offset by higher rates. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 26.3% to $194 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, reflecting increased programming and production costs, driven by increased sports costs, partially offset by higher revenue.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment decreased 5.9% to $9.5 billion compared to 2016, reflecting a decline in advertising revenue, partially offset by higher distribution and other and content licensing revenue. Excluding $1.2 billion of revenue generated by the broadcast of the Rio Olympics in the third quarter of 2016, Broadcast Television revenue increased 6.6% (see Table 6). Adjusted EBITDA decreased 5.0% to $1.3 billion compared to 2016, reflecting a decrease in revenue, partially offset by a decrease in programming and production costs, due to the broadcast of the Rio Olympics in the third quarter of 2016.

Filmed Entertainment

Filmed Entertainment revenue decreased 5.2% to $1.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, reflecting lower theatrical, home entertainment, and other revenue, partially offset by increased content licensing revenue. Theatrical revenue decreased 42.1%, primarily due to a higher number of releases in last year's fourth quarter, including Sing, partially offset by the performance of this year's fourth quarter releases, including Pitch Perfect 3. Home Entertainment revenue decreased 19.9%, reflecting the success of several releases in the prior year period, including The Secret Life of Pets and Jason Bourne, partially offset by Despicable Me 3 in this year's fourth quarter. Content licensing revenue increased 21.2%, driven by the timing of when content was made available under licensing agreements. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 89.7% to $230 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, reflecting lower programming and production costs, partially offset by the decline in revenue.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment increased 20.4% to $7.7 billion compared to 2016, reflecting higher theatrical, content licensing, other and home entertainment revenue. Adjusted EBITDA increased 83.3% to $1.3 billion compared to 2016, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by increased programming and production costs.

Theme Parks

Theme Parks revenue increased 8.7% to $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017 due to higher per capita spending, reflecting the continued success of the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter^TM attraction in Hollywood, which opened in April 2016, and the openings of Minion Park™ in Japan in April 2017 and Volcano Bay™ in Orlando in May 2017. Adjusted EBITDA increased 3.2% to $661 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 10.0% to $5.4 billion compared to 2016, reflecting higher per capita spending and higher attendance. Adjusted EBITDA increased 8.9% to $2.4 billion compared to 2016, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, including costs to support new attractions.

Headquarters, Other and Eliminations

NBCUniversal Headquarters, Other and Eliminations include overhead and eliminations among the NBCUniversal businesses. For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, NBCUniversal Headquarters, Other and Eliminations Adjusted EBITDA loss was $202 million, compared to a loss of $171 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, NBCUniversal Headquarters, Other and Eliminations Adjusted EBITDA loss was $745 million compared to a loss of $689 million in 2016.

Conference Call and Other Information

Comcast Corporation will host a conference call with the financial community today, January 24, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The conference call and related materials will be broadcast live and posted on its Investor Relations website at www.cmcsa.com. Those parties interested in participating via telephone should dial (800) 263-8495 with the conference ID number 4695509. A replay of the call will be available starting at 12:00 p.m. ET on January 24, 2018, on the Investor Relations website or by telephone. To access the telephone replay, which will be available until Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at midnight ET, please dial (855) 859-2056 and enter the conference ID number 4695509.

From time to time, we post information that may be of interest to investors on our website at www.cmcsa.com and on our corporate blog, www.corporate.comcast.com/comcast-voices. To automatically receive Comcast financial news by email, please visit www.cmcsa.com and subscribe to email alerts.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Readers are directed to Comcast's periodic and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a description of such risks and uncertainties. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this discussion, we sometimes refer to financial measures that are not presented according to generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (GAAP). Certain of these measures are considered "non-GAAP financial measures" under the SEC regulations; those rules require the supplemental explanations and reconciliations that are in Comcast's Form 8-K (Quarterly Earnings Release) furnished to the SEC.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation CMCSA is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand. NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180124005529/en/