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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of
The S
ecurities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):  January 23, 2019

 

Comcast Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant
as Specified in its Charter)

 

Pennsylvania

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

 

001-32871

 

27-0000798

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

One Comcast Center
Philadelphia, PA

 

19103-2838

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (215) 286-1700

 

 

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨            Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨            Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

 


 

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

On January 23, 2019, Comcast Corporation (“Comcast”) issued a press release reporting the results of its operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018.  The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. Exhibit 99.2 sets forth the reasons Comcast believes that presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures contained in the press release provides useful information to investors regarding Comcast’s results of operations and financial condition. To the extent material, Exhibit 99.2 also discloses the additional purposes, if any, for which Comcast’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures.  A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the press release itself. Comcast does not intend for this Item 2.02 or Exhibit 99.1 or Exhibit 99.2 to be treated as “filed” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference into its filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

 

 

Item 9.01. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

 

 

 

99.1

 

Comcast Corporation press release dated January 23, 2019.

99.2

 

Explanation of Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures.

 


 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

COMCAST CORPORATION

 

 

 

Date:                  January 23, 2019

By:

/s/ Daniel C. Murdock

 

 

Daniel C. Murdock
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 


Exhibit 99.1

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

COMCAST REPORTS 4th QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2018 RESULTS

 

Full Year 2018 Highlights:

 

·      Consolidated Revenue Increased 11.1%; Net Income Attributable to Comcast Decreased 48.4%; On an Adjusted Basis, Net Income Attributable to Comcast Increased 22.0%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 7.9%

 

·      Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $24.3 Billion; Free Cash Flow was $12.6 Billion

 

·      Earnings per Share Decreased 46.7% to $2.53; On an Adjusted Basis, Earnings per Share Increased 25.6% to $2.55

 

·      Cable Communications Revenue Increased 3.9%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 6.5%

 

·      Cable Communications Customer Relationships Increased by 1.0 Million to 30.3 Million; Over 1 Million High-Speed Internet Customer Net Additions for the 13th Consecutive Year

 

·      NBCUniversal Revenue Increased 8.9%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 4.6%

 

4th Quarter 2018 Highlights:

 

·      Consolidated Revenue Increased 26.1%; Net Income Attributable to Comcast Decreased 83.3%; On an Adjusted Basis, Net Income Attributable to Comcast Increased 31.8%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 21.6%

 

·      Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $5.8 Billion; Free Cash Flow was $2.1 Billion

 

·      Earnings per Share Decreased 82.6% to $0.55; On an Adjusted Basis, Earnings per Share Increased 36.2% to $0.64

 

·      Cable Communications Revenue Increased 5.2%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 7.3%

 

·      Cable Communications Customer Relationship Net Additions were 258,000; High-Speed Internet Customer Net Additions were 351,000

 

·      NBCUniversal Revenue Increased 7.1%; Adjusted EBITDA Increased 12.3%

 

·      Successfully Closed Our Acquisition of Sky; Sky Customer Relationship Net Additions were 164,000, Bringing Second Half Net Additions to a Record 590,000 and Total Customer Relationships to 23.6 Million

 

Dividends and Share Repurchases:

 

·      Dividends and Share Repurchases Totaled $8.4 Billion in 2018; Increased Dividend by 10% to $0.84 per Share on an Annualized Basis for 2019

 

PHILADELPHIA - January 23, 2019… Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) today reported results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation, said, “2018 was a successful and pivotal year for Comcast. I’m pleased with the strong operational and financial results that we delivered across the company. Highlighting a few of our accomplishments during the past year, Comcast Cable’s customer relationship growth accelerated, driven by our 13th consecutive year of over 1 million broadband net additions. 2018 Cable EBITDA growth was the highest in seven years, underscoring the financially attractive transition of our business to connectivity. NBCUniversal had a great year, fueled by double-digit growth in our TV businesses, reflecting our terrific broadcasts of big events like the NFL’s Super Bowl LII, the 2018 Olympics, and the FIFA World CupTM, and overall robust demand for our leading sports, news and entertainment content. We truly became a global company with our acquisition of Sky, and are excited about its future and the potential of our combined company in 2019 and beyond. Comcast’s track record of consistent financial performance and our confidence in our outlook for continued, profitable growth is what underpins our announcement of a 10% increase in our dividend in 2019, our 11th consecutive annual increase.”

 


 

Consolidated Financial Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th Quarter

 

 

Full Year

 

($ in millions)

2017 3

2018 4

Growth

2017 3

2018 4

Growth

Revenue

$22,075

$27,846

26.1%

$85,029

$94,507

11.1%

Net Income Attributable to Comcast

$14,999

$2,511

(83.3%)

$22,735

$11,731

(48.4%)

Excluding Adjustments (see Table 5)

$2,223

$2,931

31.8%

$9,709

$11,844

22.0%

Adjusted EBITDA1

$6,738

$8,191

21.6%

$27,956

$30,165

7.9%

Earnings per Share2

$3.17

$0.55

(82.6%)

$4.75

$2.53

(46.7%)

Excluding Adjustments (see Table 5)

$0.47

$0.64

36.2%

$2.03

$2.55

25.6%

 

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 results for 2018 include Sky results from October 9, 2018 through December 31, 2018.

 

Consolidated Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2018 increased 26.1% to $27.8 billion. Consolidated Net Income Attributable to Comcast decreased 83.3% to $2.5 billion. Consolidated Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Comcast increased 31.8% to $2.9 billion (see Table 5). Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 21.6% to $8.2 billion.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, consolidated revenue increased 11.1% to $94.5 billion compared to 2017. Consolidated net income attributable to Comcast decreased 48.4% to $11.7 billion. Consolidated adjusted net income attributable to Comcast increased 22.0% to $11.8 billion (see Table 5). Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 7.9% to $30.2 billion.

 

Earnings per Share (EPS) for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $0.55, a decrease of 82.6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. 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 quarters of 2017 and 2018, EPS increased 36.2% to $0.64 (see Table 5).

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, EPS was $2.53, a 46.7% decrease 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 2017 and 2018, EPS increased 25.6% to $2.55 (see Table 5).

 

Capital Expenditures increased 16.8% to $3.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018. Cable Communications’ capital expenditures increased 7.6% to $2.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting higher spending on scalable infrastructure, customer premise equipment and line extensions, partially offset by decreased investment in support capital. Cable capital expenditures represented 16.4% of Cable revenue in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to 16.0% in last year’s fourth quarter. NBCUniversal’s capital expenditures of $595 million increased 13.5%, reflecting the timing of spending on facilities, as well as continued investment at Theme Parks. Sky had capital expenditures of $222 million, reflecting continued deployment of Sky Q.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, capital expenditures increased 2.3% to $9.8 billion compared to 2017. Cable Communications’ capital expenditures decreased 3.0% to $7.7 billion, reflecting decreased spending on customer premise equipment and support capital, partially offset by higher investment in scalable infrastructure and line extensions. For the year, Cable capital expenditures represented 14.0% of Cable revenue compared to 15.0% in 2017. NBCUniversal’s capital expenditures increased 15.2% to $1.7 billion in 2018, primarily reflecting investment at Theme Parks.

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $5.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018. Free Cash Flow5 was $2.1 billion (see Table 4).

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, net cash provided by operating activities was $24.3 billion. Free cash flow was $12.6 billion (see Table 4).

 

Dividends and Share Repurchases. During the fourth quarter of 2018, Comcast paid dividends totaling $865 million and repurchased 27.2 million of its common shares for $1.0 billion. For the full year, Comcast made four cash dividend payments totaling $3.4 billion and repurchased 139.7 million of its common shares for $5.0 billion, resulting in a total return of capital to shareholders of $8.4 billion.

 

2


 

As previously announced, Comcast will pause its common stock repurchase program in 2019 to accelerate the reduction of indebtedness it incurred in connection with its acquisition of Sky.

 

Today Comcast announced that it increased its dividend by 10% to $0.84 per share on an annualized basis for 2019. In accordance with the increase, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 a share on the company’s stock, payable April 24, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 3, 2019.

 

Consolidated Pro Forma Financial Results

Pro forma results are presented as if the Sky transaction occurred on January 1, 2017. The pro forma amounts are primarily based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of purchase price and excluding costs directly related to the transaction. These amounts are not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we operated Sky since January 1, 2017, and are subject to change as our acquisition accounting is finalized (see Table 7 for reconciliations of pro forma financial data).

 

Consolidated Pro Forma Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2018 increased 5.2% to $28.3 billion.  Consolidated Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA increased 11.1% to $8.3 billion.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, consolidated pro forma revenue increased 6.4% to $109.5 billion compared to 2017. Consolidated Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.8% to $32.4 billion.

 

Cable Communications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th Quarter

 

 

Full Year

 

($ in millions)

2017 3

2018

Growth

2017 3

2018

Growth

Cable Communications Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

High-Speed Internet

$3,999

$4,404

10.1%

$15,681

$17,144

9.3%

Video

5,668

5,577

(1.6%)

22,874

22,455

(1.8%)

Voice

1,009

978

(3.0%)

4,090

3,960

(3.2%)

Business Services

1,680

1,839

9.5%

6,437

7,129

10.7%

Advertising

676

863

27.7%

2,450

2,795

14.1%

Other

392

467

19.1%

1,538

1,660

7.9%

Cable Communications Revenue

$13,424

$14,128

5.2%

$53,070

$55,143

3.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cable Communications Adjusted EBITDA

$5,385

$5,779

7.3%

$21,068

$22,447

6.5%

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

40.1%

40.9%

 

39.7%

40.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cable Communications Capital Expenditures

$2,154

$2,318

7.6%

$7,952

$7,716

(3.0%)

Percent of Cable Communications Revenue

16.0%

16.4%

 

15.0%

14.0%

 

 

Revenue for Cable Communications increased 5.2% to $14.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, driven by increases in high-speed internet, advertising, business services and other revenue, partially offset by a decrease in video revenue. High-speed internet revenue increased 10.1%, driven by an increase in the number of residential high-speed internet customers and rate adjustments. Advertising revenue increased 27.7%, primarily reflecting an increase in political advertising revenue. Excluding political advertising revenue, advertising revenue increased 3.1%. Business services revenue increased 9.5%, primarily driven by increases in the number of customers receiving our services. Other revenue increased 19.1%, primarily driven by the timing of X1 licensing revenue. Video revenue decreased 1.6%, primarily reflecting a decrease in the number of residential video customers. Voice revenue decreased 3.0%, primarily due to a decrease in the number of residential voice customers.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, Cable revenue increased 3.9% to $55.1 billion compared to 2017, primarily driven by growth in high-speed internet, business services and advertising revenue, partially offset by a decrease in video revenue.

 

Total Customer Relationships increased by 258,000 to 30.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. Residential customer relationships increased by 229,000 and business customer relationships increased by 29,000. At the end of the fourth quarter, 67.6% of our residential customers received at least two Xfinity products. Total high-speed internet customer net additions were 351,000, total video customer net losses were 29,000, total

 

3


 

voice customer net additions were 2,000 and total security and automation customer net additions were 39,000.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018, total customer relationships increased by 1.0 million. Residential customer relationships increased by 878,000 and business customer relationships increased by 123,000. Total high-speed internet customer net additions were 1.4 million, total video customer net losses were 370,000, total voice customer net losses were 103,000 and total security and automation customer net additions were 186,000.

 

 

Customers

 

Net Additions

(in thousands)

YE17

YE18

 

4Q17

4Q18

 

 

2017

2018

Customer Relationships

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential Customer Relationships

27,168

28,046

 

211

229

 

 

635

878

Business Services Customer Relationships

2,179

2,303

 

33

29

 

 

135

123

Total Customer Relationships

29,347

30,349

 

243

258

 

 

770

1,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential Customer Relationships Mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Single Product Residential Customers

8,196

9,074

 

140

162

 

 

439

878

Double Product Residential Customers

9,056

9,092

 

73

47

 

 

259

36

Triple and Quad Product Residential Customers

9,916

9,880

 

(3)

20

 

 

(64)

(36)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential High-Speed Internet Customers

23,863

25,097

 

318

323

 

 

1,036

1,234

Business Services High-Speed Internet Customers

2,006

2,125

 

32

28

 

 

132

120

Total High-Speed Internet Customers

25,869

27,222

 

350

351

 

 

1,168

1,353

Residential Video Customers

21,303

20,959

 

(38)

(19)

 

 

(186)

(344)

Business Services Video Customers

1,054

1,027

 

5

(10)

 

 

35

(27)

Total Video Customers

22,357

21,986

 

(33)

(29)

 

 

(151)

(370)

Residential Voice Customers

10,316

10,153

 

(35)

(12)

 

 

(231)

(163)

Business Services Voice Customers

1,236

1,297

 

22

14

 

 

96

60

Total Voice Customers

11,552

11,449

 

(13)

2

 

 

(135)

(103)

Total Security and Automation Customers

1,131

1,317

 

52

39

 

 

239

186

 

Adjusted EBITDA for Cable Communications increased 7.3% to $5.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 3.8% increase in operating expenses. The higher expenses were primarily driven by a 4.5% increase in non-programming expenses, reflecting higher other operating costs, technical and product support expenses, and advertising, marketing and promotion expenses, partially offset by decreases in customer service expenses and franchise and regulatory fees. Programming costs increased 2.9%, primarily reflecting higher retransmission consent fees and sports programming costs. This quarter’s Adjusted EBITDA per customer relationship increased 3.8%, and Adjusted EBITDA margin was 40.9% compared to 40.1% in the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, Cable Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.5% to $22.4 billion compared to 2017, driven by higher revenue, partially offset by a 2.2% increase in operating expenses. The higher expenses were due to a 1.8% increase in non-programming expenses and a 2.7% increase in programming costs. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, Adjusted EBITDA per customer relationship increased 3.4%, and Adjusted EBITDA margin was 40.7% compared to 39.7% in 2017.

 

4


 

NBCUniversal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th Quarter

Full Year

($ in millions)

2017 3

2018 3

Growth

2017 3

2018 3

Growth

NBCUniversal Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cable Networks

$2,654

$2,892

8.9%

$10,497

$11,773

12.2%

Excluding Olympics (see Table 6)

 

 

 

10,497

11,395

8.6%

Broadcast Television

2,989

3,099

3.7%

9,563

11,439

19.6%

Excluding Olympics and Super Bowl (see Table 6)

 

 

 

9,563

10,246

7.1%

Filmed Entertainment

1,733

1,976

14.0%

7,595

7,152

(5.8%)

Theme Parks

1,461

1,513

3.5%

5,443

5,683

4.4%

Headquarters, other and eliminations

(63)

(85)

NM

(262)

(286)

NM

NBCUniversal Revenue

$8,774

$9,395

7.1%

$32,836

$35,761

8.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NBCUniversal Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cable Networks

$997

$1,039

4.3%

$4,053

$4,428

9.3%

Broadcast Television

197

412

109.3%

1,251

1,657

32.5%

Filmed Entertainment

235

179

(23.6%)

1,276

734

(42.5%)

Theme Parks

661

666

0.7%

2,384

2,455

3.0%

Headquarters, other and eliminations

(201)

(176)

NM

(746)

(676)

NM

NBCUniversal Adjusted EBITDA

$1,889

$2,120

12.3%

$8,218

$8,598

4.6%

NM=comparison not meaningful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 7.1% to $9.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018. Adjusted EBITDA increased 12.3% to $2.1 billion, primarily reflecting increases at Broadcast Television and Cable Networks, partially offset by a decrease at Filmed Entertainment.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, NBCUniversal revenue increased 8.9% to $35.8 billion compared to 2017. Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.6% to $8.6 billion, reflecting increases at Broadcast Television, Cable Networks, and Theme Parks, partially offset by a decline at Filmed Entertainment.

 

Cable Networks

Cable Networks revenue increased 8.9% to $2.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, primarily reflecting higher distribution and content licensing and other revenue. Distribution revenue increased 10.3%, primarily due to contractual rate increases and the timing of contract renewals. Content licensing and other revenue increased 28.4%, due to the timing of content provided under licensing agreements. Advertising revenue was consistent with the prior year period, reflecting higher rates, offset by audience ratings declines. Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.3% to $1.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by higher programming and production costs.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, revenue from the Cable Networks segment increased 12.2% to $11.8 billion compared to 2017, reflecting higher distribution, content licensing and other, and advertising revenue. Excluding $378 million of revenue generated by the broadcast of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics in the first quarter of 2018, Cable Networks revenue increased 8.6% (see Table 6). Adjusted EBITDA increased 9.3% to $4.4 billion compared to 2017, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by higher programming and production costs, primarily due to the broadcast of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

 

Broadcast Television

Broadcast Television revenue increased 3.7% to $3.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting increased distribution and other and advertising revenue, partially offset by a decrease in content licensing revenue. Distribution and other revenue increased 18.5%, due to higher retransmission consent fees.  Advertising revenue increased 2.1%, primarily driven by higher rates and local political ad sales, partially offset by audience ratings declines. Content licensing revenue decreased 2.5%, reflecting the timing of content provided under licensing agreements. Adjusted EBITDA increased 109.3% to $412 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting higher revenue as well as lower programming and production costs.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment increased 19.6% to $11.4 billion compared to 2017, reflecting increases in advertising, distribution and other and content licensing revenue. Excluding $770 million of revenue generated by the broadcast of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics in the first quarter of 2018 and $423 million of revenue generated by the broadcast of Super Bowl

 

5


 

LII in the first quarter of 2018, Broadcast Television revenue increased 7.1% (see Table 6). Adjusted EBITDA increased 32.5% to $1.7 billion compared to 2017, reflecting an increase in revenue, partially offset by an increase in programming and production costs, primarily due to increased sports programming costs associated with the broadcasts of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and Super Bowl LII.

 

Filmed Entertainment

Filmed Entertainment revenue increased 14.0% to $2.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting increased theatrical and other revenue, partially offset by decreases in content licensing and home entertainment revenue. Theatrical revenue increased 189.3%, reflecting the performances of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and Halloween in this year’s fourth quarter. Content licensing revenue decreased 8.8%, driven by the timing of when content was made available under licensing agreements. Home Entertainment revenue decreased 14.3%, reflecting the success of several releases in the prior year period, including Despicable Me 3, partially offset by Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! in this year’s fourth quarter.  Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 23.6% to $179 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting higher operating costs, partially offset by higher revenue.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment decreased 5.8% to $7.2 billion compared to 2017, reflecting lower home entertainment, theatrical, other and content licensing revenue. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 42.5% to $734 million compared to 2017, reflecting lower revenue as well as higher operating expenses.

 

Theme Parks

Theme Parks revenue increased 3.5% to $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting higher attendance and per capita spending. Adjusted EBITDA increased 0.7% to $666 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting an increase in revenue, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 4.4% to $5.7 billion compared to 2017, reflecting higher per capita spending. Adjusted EBITDA increased 3.0% to $2.5 billion compared to 2017, due to higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses.

 

Headquarters, Other and Eliminations

NBCUniversal Headquarters, Other and Eliminations include overhead and eliminations among the NBCUniversal businesses. For the quarter ended December 31, 2018, NBCUniversal Headquarters, Other and Eliminations Adjusted EBITDA loss was $176 million, compared to a loss of $201 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, NBCUniversal Headquarters, Other and Eliminations Adjusted EBITDA loss was $676 million compared to a loss of $746 million in 2017.

 

Sky

Pro forma results are presented as if the Sky transaction occurred on January 1, 2017. The pro forma amounts are primarily based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of purchase price and excluding costs directly related to the transaction. These amounts are not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we operated Sky since January 1, 2017, and are subject to change as our acquisition accounting is finalized (see Table 7 for reconciliations of pro forma financial data).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th Quarter

Full Year

($ in millions) (pro forma)

 

2017

 

2018

 

Growth

 

Constant
Currency
Growth
6

 

2017

 

2018

 

Growth

 

Constant
Currency
Growth
6

 

Sky Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct-to-Consumer

 

$3,944

 

$3,976

 

0.8

%

4.0

%

$14,899

 

$16,077

 

7.9

%

3.9

%

Content

 

277

 

363

 

31.6

%

35.7

%

1,040

 

1,248

 

20.1

%

16.5

%

Advertising

 

684

 

682

 

(0.3

%)

2.9

%

2,334

 

2,489

 

6.7

%

2.9

%

Sky Revenue

 

$4,905

 

$5,021

 

2.4

%

5.6

%

$18,273

 

$19,814

 

8.4

%

4.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sky Operating Costs and Expenses

 

$4,203

 

$4,256

 

1.3

%

4.5

%

$15,325

 

$16,920

 

10.4

%

6.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sky Adjusted EBITDA

 

$702

 

$765

 

8.9

%

12.4

%

$2,948

 

$2,894

 

(1.8

%)

(5.3

%)

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

 

14.3%

 

15.2%

 

 

 

 

 

16.1%

 

14.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

6


 

Pro Forma Revenue for Sky increased 2.4% to $5.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018. Excluding the impact of currency, revenue increased 5.6%, reflecting higher direct-to-consumer, content and advertising revenue. Direct-to-consumer revenue increased 4.0% to $4.0 billion, driven by improved product penetration for pay TV, growth in Sky Mobile and Sky Fibre customers, as well as rate adjustments in the UK. This quarter’s average direct-to-consumer revenue per customer relationship increased by about 1%. Content revenue increased 35.7% to $363 million, primarily reflecting the wholesaling of sports programming, including exclusive sports rights recently acquired in Italy and Germany, increased penetration of premium sports and movie channels on third party pay TV networks in the UK and monetization of our slate of original programming. Advertising revenue increased 2.9% to $682 million, driven by increased sports inventory in Italy and Germany and growth in advanced advertising in the UK.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, pro forma Sky revenue increased 8.4% to $19.8 billion compared to 2017. Excluding the impact of currency, revenue increased 4.5%, reflecting growth in direct-to-consumer, content and advertising revenue.

 

Pro Forma Total Customer Relationships increased by 164,000 to 23.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, total customer relationships increased by 735,000 to 23.6 million.

 

 

 

Customers

 

Net Additions

 

(in thousands) (pro forma)

 

YE17

 

YE18

 

4Q17

 

4Q18

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

Total Customer Relationships

 

22,865

 

23,600

 

205

 

164

 

 

548

 

735

 

 

Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA for Sky increased 8.9% to $765 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. Excluding the impact of currency, Adjusted EBITDA increased 12.4%, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 4.5% increase in operating expenses. The higher expenses were primarily driven by new contracts for Serie A and UEFA Champions League soccer rights in Italy and Germany, partially offset by lower other operating costs.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, pro forma Sky Adjusted EBITDA declined 1.8% to $2.9 billion compared to 2017. Excluding the impact of currency, Adjusted EBITDA decreased 5.3%, which includes contract termination costs and costs related to a settlement totaling $231 million.

 

Corporate, Other and Eliminations

 

 

Corporate, Other and Eliminations primarily relate to corporate operations, our new wireless initiative, Xfinity Mobile, and Comcast Spectacor, as well as eliminations among Comcast’s businesses. For the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Corporate, Other and Eliminations3 Adjusted EBITDA loss was $400 million, compared to a loss of $536 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, which included $171 million of expenses related to a special employee bonus. This quarter’s results include a loss of $191 million from Xfinity Mobile, which compares to a loss of $176 million in the prior year period. In this year’s fourth quarter, Xfinity Mobile reported net line additions of 227,000 in the quarter, ending the quarter with 1.2 million total lines.

 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, the Corporate, Other and Eliminations3 Adjusted EBITDA loss was $1.6 billion, compared to a loss of $1.3 billion in 2017, reflecting increased costs associated with scaling Xfinity Mobile and eliminations associated with the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. This year’s results include losses of $743 million from Xfinity Mobile, which compares to a loss of $480 million in the prior year period.

 

Notes:

 

1     We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Comcast Corporation before net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock, income tax benefit (expense), investment and other income (loss), net, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and other operating gains and losses (such as impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of long-lived assets), if any. From time to time, we may exclude from Adjusted EBITDA the impact of certain events, gains, losses or other charges (such as significant legal settlements) that affect the period-to-period comparability of our operating performance. See Table 4 for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

 

7


 

2     All earnings per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis.

 

3     Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted the new accounting standard related to revenue recognition. In connection with the adoption, we implemented changes in classification for our Cable Communications segment’s High-Speed Internet, Video, Voice, Business Services and Other revenues and costs and expenses. In addition, the new guidance impacted the timing of recognition for Cable Communications installation revenue and commissions expense, and Cable Networks, Broadcast Television and Filmed Entertainment content licensing renewals and extensions. These changes affected Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA for Comcast Consolidated and the Cable Communications, Cable Networks, Broadcast Television and Filmed Entertainment segments. The adoption did not impact Consolidated Free Cash Flow; however, Cash Paid for Capitalized Software and Other Intangible Assets, and Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities were affected. We adopted the guidance using the full retrospective method and all periods presented have been adjusted. To be consistent with our current management reporting presentation, certain 2017 operating results were reclassified within the Cable Communications segment and certain 2018 and 2017 operating results were reclassified related to certain NBCUniversal businesses now presented in the Sky segment.

 

4     Consolidated results for 2018 include Sky results from October 9, 2018 through December 31, 2018.

 

5     Beginning in the first quarter 2018, we have implemented changes that simplify our definition of Free Cash Flow to the following: Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities (as stated in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows) reduced by capital expenditures and cash paid for intangible assets. From time to time, we may exclude from Free Cash Flow the impact of certain cash receipts or payments (such as significant legal settlements) that affect period-to-period comparability. Cash payments for acquisitions and construction of real estate properties and the construction of Universal Beijing Resort are presented separately in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and are therefore excluded from capital expenditures for Free Cash Flow. Following this change, our new definition of Free Cash Flow no longer adjusts for, among other things, the effects of economic stimulus packages, distributions to noncontrolling interests and dividends for redeemable preferred stock and certain nonoperating items. The prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect this change. See Table 4 for reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

 

6     Sky constant currency growth rates are calculated by comparing the current period results to the comparative period results in the prior year adjusted to reflect the average exchange rates from the current year period rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective prior year periods. See Table 8 for reconciliation of Sky’s constant currency growth.

 

All percentages are calculated on whole numbers. Minor differences may exist due to rounding.

 

###

 

Conference Call and Other Information

Comcast Corporation will host a conference call with the financial community today, January 23, 2019 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 6837336.  A replay of the call will be available starting at 12:00 p.m. ET on January 23, 2019, on the Investor Relations website or by telephone. To access the telephone replay, which will be available until Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at midnight ET, please dial (855) 859-2056 and enter the conference ID number 6837336.

 

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.

 

###

 

Investor Contacts:

 

 

 

Press Contacts:

 

 

Jason Armstrong

 

(215) 286-7972

 

D’Arcy Rudnay

 

(215) 286-8582

Jane Kearns

 

(215) 286-4794

 

John Demming

 

(215) 286-8011

 

###

 

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

 

8


 

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 (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses:  Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky.  Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest high-speed internet, video, 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 is global and 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.  Sky is one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services.  It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services.  Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

 

9


 

TABLE 1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

(in millions, except per share data)

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

Revenue

 

$22,075

 

$27,846

 

$85,029

 

$94,507

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Programming and production

 

6,905

 

9,252

 

25,355

 

29,692

Other operating and administrative

 

6,810

 

8,782

 

25,449

 

28,094

Advertising, marketing and promotion

 

1,622

 

2,101

 

6,519

 

7,036

Adjustments(1)

 

 

(480)

 

(250)

 

(480)

 

 

15,337

 

19,655

 

57,073

 

64,342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

 

6,738

 

8,191

 

27,956

 

30,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments(1)

 

 

480

 

250

 

480

Depreciation expense

 

2,038

 

2,211

 

7,914

 

8,281

Amortization expense

 

571

 

986

 

2,216

 

2,736

Other operating gains

 

 

 

(442)

 

(341)

 

 

2,609

 

3,677

 

9,938

 

11,156

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

4,129

 

4,514

 

18,018

 

19,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(807)

 

(1,129)

 

(3,086)

 

(3,542)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment and other income (loss), net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

 

95

 

(308)

 

107

 

(364)

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net

 

(17)

 

(137)

 

(17)

 

(187)

Other income (loss), net

 

44

 

128

 

331

 

326

 

 

122

 

(317)

 

421

 

(225)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

3,444

 

3,068

 

15,353

 

15,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

11,607

 

(486)

 

7,569

 

(3,380)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

15,051

 

2,582

 

22,922

 

11,862

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

 

52

 

71

 

187

 

131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation

 

$14,999

 

$2,511

 

$22,735

 

$11,731

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders

 

$3.17

 

$0.55

 

$4.75

 

$2.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$0.1575

 

$0.19

 

$0.63

 

$0.76

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted-average number of common shares

 

4,729

 

4,596

 

4,786

 

4,640

 

(1) See Table 4 for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

 

10


 

TABLE 2

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

(in millions)

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$22,922

 

$11,862

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and other operating gains

 

9,688

 

10,676

 

Share-based compensation

 

751

 

826

 

Noncash interest expense (income), net

 

272

 

364

 

Net (gain) loss on investment activity and other

 

(194)

 

576

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(10,646)

 

290

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:

 

 

 

 

 

Current and noncurrent receivables, net

 

(869)

 

(802)

 

Film and television costs, net

 

(197)

 

(395)

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

 

173

 

(394)

 

Other operating assets and liabilities

 

(639)

 

1,294

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

21,261

 

24,297

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(9,550)

 

(9,774)

 

Cash paid for intangible assets

 

(1,605)

 

(1,935)

 

Acquisitions and construction of real estate properties

 

(418)

 

(143)

 

Construction of Universal Beijing Resort

 

(71)

 

(460)

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(532)

 

(38,219)

 

Proceeds from sales of investments

 

150

 

141

 

Purchases of investments

 

(2,292)

 

(1,257)

 

Other

 

785

 

793

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(13,533)

 

(50,854)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings, net

 

(1,905)

 

379

 

Proceeds from borrowings

 

11,466

 

44,781

 

Repurchases and repayments of debt

 

(6,364)

 

(8,798)

 

Repurchases of common stock under repurchase program and employee plans

 

(5,435)

 

(5,320)

 

Dividends paid

 

(2,883)

 

(3,352)

 

Purchase of Universal Studios Japan noncontrolling interests

 

(2,299)

 

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests and dividends for redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

 

(252)

 

(277)

 

Other

 

100

 

(273)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(7,572)

 

27,140

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impact of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(245)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

156

 

338

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

3,415

 

3,571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

 

$3,571

 

$3,909

 

 

11


 

TABLE 3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)

 

 

(in millions)

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$3,428

 

$3,814

 

Receivables, net

 

8,834

 

11,104

 

Programming rights

 

1,613

 

3,746

 

Other current assets

 

2,468

 

3,184

 

Total current assets

 

16,343

 

21,848

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film and television costs

 

7,087

 

7,837

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

6,931

 

7,883

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

38,470

 

44,437

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchise rights

 

59,364

 

59,365

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

36,780

 

66,154

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

18,133

 

38,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other noncurrent assets, net

 

4,354

 

5,802

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$187,462

 

$251,684

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

 

$6,908

 

$8,494

 

Accrued participations and residuals

 

1,644

 

1,808

 

Deferred revenue

 

1,687

 

2,182

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

6,620

 

10,721

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

5,134

 

4,398

 

Total current liabilities

 

21,993

 

27,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

59,422

 

107,345

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

24,259

 

27,589

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

10,972

 

15,329

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

 

1,357

 

1,316

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Comcast Corporation shareholders’ equity

 

68,616

 

71,613

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

843

 

889

 

Total equity

 

69,459

 

72,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$187,462

 

$251,684

 

 

12


 

TABLE 4

 

 

Reconciliation from Net Income Attributable to Comcast Corporation to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation

 

$14,999

 

$2,511

 

 

$22,735

 

$11,731

 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

 

52

 

71

 

 

187

 

131

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(11,607)

 

486

 

 

(7,569)

 

3,380

 

Interest expense

 

807

 

1,129

 

 

3,086

 

3,542

 

Investment and other (income) loss, net (1)

 

(122)

 

317

 

 

(421)

 

225

 

Depreciation and amortization expense and other operating gains

 

2,609

 

3,197

 

 

9,688

 

10,676

 

Adjustments (2)

 

 

480

 

 

250

 

480

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$6,738

 

$8,191

 

 

$27,956

 

$30,165

 

 

Reconciliation from Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow3 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$5,404

 

$5,790

 

 

$21,261

 

$24,297

 

Capital expenditures

 

(2,711)

 

(3,167)

 

 

(9,550)

 

(9,774)

 

Cash paid for capitalized software and other intangible assets

 

(469)

 

(560)

 

 

(1,605)

 

(1,935)

 

Adjustments (4)

 

(325)

 

 

 

(325)

 

 

Total free cash flow

 

$1,899

 

$2,063

 

 

$9,781

 

$12,588

 

 

Alternate Presentation of Free Cash Flow3 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$6,738

 

$8,191

 

 

$27,956

 

$30,165

 

Capital expenditures

 

(2,711)

 

(3,167)

 

 

(9,550)

 

(9,774)

 

Cash paid for capitalized software and other intangible assets

 

(469)

 

(560)

 

 

(1,605)

 

(1,935)

 

Cash interest expense

 

(543)

 

(657)

 

 

(2,820)

 

(2,897)

 

Cash taxes

 

(642)

 

(822)

 

 

(4,057)

 

(2,355)

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

(367)

 

(802)

 

 

(546)

 

(1,313)

 

Noncash share-based compensation

 

157

 

219

 

 

751

 

826

 

Other (5)

 

61

 

(339)

 

 

(23)

 

(129)

 

Adjustments (4)

 

(325)

 

 

 

(325)

 

 

Total free cash flow

 

$1,899

 

$2,063

 

 

$9,781

 

$12,588

 

 

(1)     Investment and other (income) loss, net, includes equity in net (income) losses of investees, net, realized and unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities, net, and other (income) loss, net.

 

(2)     Fourth quarter 2018 Adjusted EBITDA excludes $355 million of other operating and administrative expense related to the Sky transaction and $125 million of other operating and administrative expense related to a legal settlement. 2017 year to date Adjusted EBITDA excludes $250 million of other operating and administrative expense related to a legal settlement.

 

(3)     Beginning in the first quarter 2018, we have implemented changes that simplify our definition of Free Cash Flow to the following: Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities (as stated in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows) reduced by capital expenditures and cash paid for intangible assets. From time to time, we may exclude from Free Cash Flow the impact of certain cash receipts or payments (such as significant legal settlements) that affect period-to-period comparability. Cash payments for acquisitions and construction of real estate properties and the construction of Universal Beijing Resort are presented separately in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and are therefore excluded from capital expenditures for Free Cash Flow. Following this change, our new definition of Free Cash Flow no longer adjusts for, among other things, the effects of economic stimulus packages, distributions to noncontrolling interests and dividends for redeemable preferred stock and certain nonoperating items. The prior period amounts have been adjusted to reflect this change.

 

(4)     2017 year to date adjustments for this presentation include a $250 million payment in the fourth quarter related to a legal settlement and a $575 million tax benefit related to the debt exchange.

 

(5)     Other for this presentation includes a decrease of $125 million related to a legal settlement and $355 million related to Sky transaction related costs in fourth quarter 2018 and $250 million in 2017 year to date related to a legal settlement, as these are not included in Adjusted EBITDA.

 

Note: Minor differences may exist due to rounding.

 

13


 

TABLE 5

 

 

Reconciliation of EPS Excluding Adjustments (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

(in millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

EPS

 

$

 

EPS

 

 

$

 

EPS

 

$

 

EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation

 

$14,999

 

$3.17

 

$2,511

 

$0.55

 

 

$22,735

 

$4.75

 

$11,731

 

$2.53

 

Growth %

 

 

 

 

 

(83.3)%

 

(82.6)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

(48.4)%

 

(46.7)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value investments (1)

 

(97)

 

(0.02)

 

291

 

0.06

 

 

(162)

 

(0.03)

 

162

 

0.03

 

Gain on spectrum auction (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(209)

 

(0.05)

 

 

 

Income tax adjustments (3)

 

 

 

(244)

 

(0.05)

 

 

(68)

 

(0.01)

 

(224)

 

(0.05)

 

Gains on the sales of businesses and investments(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(65)

 

(0.01)

 

(301)

 

(0.06)

 

Legal settlement (5)

 

 

 

93

 

0.02

 

 

157

 

0.03

 

93

 

0.02

 

Costs related to Sky transaction and Twenty-First Century Fox offer (6)

 

 

 

280

 

0.06

 

 

 

 

383

 

0.08

 

2017 tax reform (7)

 

(12,679)

 

(2.68)

 

 

 

 

(12,679)

 

(2.65)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation (excluding adjustments)

 

$2,223

 

$0.47

 

$2,931

 

$0.64

 

 

$9,709

 

$2.03

 

$11,844

 

$2.55

 

Growth %

 

 

 

 

 

31.8%

 

36.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

22.0%

 

25.6%

 

 

(1)     Fair value investments include realized and unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities, net (as stated in Table 1), as well as the equity in net (income) losses, net, for our investment in Atairos.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

2017

 

2018

 

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities, net

 

$17

 

$137

 

$17

 

$187

 

Equity in net (income) losses, net for investment in Atairos

 

(175)

 

255

 

(281)

 

31

 

Fair value investments before income taxes

 

(158)

 

392

 

(264)

 

218

 

Fair value investments, net of tax

 

($97)

 

$291

 

($162)

 

$162

 

 

(2)     2017 year to date net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes $337 million of other operating gains, $209 million net of tax, recognized in connection with NBCUniversal’s relinquishment of certain spectrum rights in the FCC’s spectrum auction.

 

(3)     4th quarter 2018 net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes a $244 million income tax benefit for the worldwide impact of the Sky transaction. 2018 year to date net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes a $148 million income tax expense adjustment recorded in the 3rd quarter 2018 related to the impact of certain state tax law changes and federal tax reform and a $128 million net income tax benefit recorded in the 1st quarter 2018 as a result of federal tax legislation enacted in 2018. 2017 year to date net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes $68 million of income tax adjustments related to an internal legal reorganization offset by the impact of certain state tax law changes.

 

(4)     2018 year to date net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes $141 million of other operating gains, $105 million net of tax, related to the sale of a business in our Filmed Entertainment segment, $200 million of other operating gains, $148 million net of tax, resulting from the sale of a controlling interest in our arena management-related businesses and $64 million of other income, $48 million net of tax, resulting from a gain on the sale of our investment in The Weather Channel. 2017 year to date net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes $105 million of other operating gains, $65 million net of tax, resulting from the sale of a business.

 

(5)     4th quarter 2018 net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes $125 million of other operating and administrative expense, $93 million net of tax, related to a legal settlement. 2017 year to date net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes $250 million of other operating and administrative expense, $157 million net of tax, related to a legal settlement.

 

(6)     4th quarter 2018 net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes $355 million of operating costs and expenses, $18 million of interest expense and $64 million of income in other (income) loss, net,($309 million in total, $280 million net of tax) related to the Sky transaction. 2018 year to date net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes $389 million of operating costs and expenses, $63 million of interest expense and $4 million of income in other (income) loss, net, ($448 million in total, $383 million net of tax) related to the Sky transaction and the Twenty-First Century Fox offer.

 

(7)     4th quarter 2017 net income attributable to Comcast Corporation includes $12.7 billion of net income tax benefits as a result of the enactment of the 2017 tax reform legislation, primarily due to a reduction of our net deferred tax liabilities.

 

 

Note: Minor differences may exist due to rounding.

 

14


 

TABLE 6

 

 

Reconciliation of Cable Networks Revenue Excluding 2018 Olympics (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

2018

 

Growth %

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

Growth %

 

Revenue

 

$2,654

 

$2,892

 

8.9%

 

 

$10,497

 

$11,773

 

12.2%

 

2018 Olympics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(378)

 

 

 

Revenue excluding 2018 Olympics

 

$2,654

 

$2,892

 

8.9%

 

 

$10,497

 

$11,395

 

8.6%

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Broadcast Television Revenue Excluding 2018 Olympics and 2018 Super Bowl (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

 

2018

 

Growth %

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

Growth %

 

Revenue

 

$2,989

 

$3,099

 

3.7%

 

 

$9,563

 

$11,439

 

19.6%

 

2018 Olympics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(770)

 

 

 

2018 Super Bowl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(423)

 

 

 

Revenue excluding 2018 Olympics and 2018 Super Bowl

 

$2,989

 

$3,099

 

3.7%

 

 

$9,563

 

$10,246

 

7.1%

 

 

 

Note: Minor differences may exist due to rounding.

 

15


 

TABLE 7

 

 

Reconciliation of As Reported to Pro Forma(1) Financial Information (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sky

 

 

 

 

 

Comcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

As Reported

 

Adjustments(1)

 

Sky

 

As Reported

 

Adjustments(1)

 

Comcast

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$—

 

$4,905

 

$4,905

 

 

$22,075

 

$4,816

 

$26,891

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

 

 

4,203

 

4,203

 

 

15,337

 

4,117

 

19,454

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$—

 

$702

 

$702

 

 

$6,738

 

$699

 

$7,437

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$4,587

 

$434

 

$5,021

 

 

$27,846

 

$433

 

$28,279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

 

3,895

 

361

 

4,256

 

 

19,655

 

361

 

20,016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$692

 

$73

 

$765

 

 

$8,191

 

$72

 

$8,263

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

NM

 

 

 

2.4

%

 

26.1%

 

 

 

5.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

 

NM

 

 

 

1.3

%

 

28.1%

 

 

 

2.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

NM

 

 

 

8.9

%

 

21.6%

 

 

 

11.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$—

 

$18,273

 

$18,273

 

 

$85,029

 

$17,942

 

$102,971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

 

 

15,325

 

15,325

 

 

57,073

 

15,017

 

72,090

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$—

 

$2,948

 

$2,948

 

 

$27,956

 

$2,925

 

$30,881

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$4,587

 

$15,227

 

$19,814

 

 

$94,507

 

$15,011

 

$109,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

 

3,895

 

13,025

 

16,920

 

 

64,342

 

12,814

 

77,156

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$692

 

$2,202

 

$2,894

 

 

$30,165

 

$2,197

 

$32,362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growth Rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

NM

 

 

 

8.4

%

 

11.1%

 

 

 

6.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

 

NM

 

 

 

10.4

%

 

12.7%

 

 

 

7.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

NM

 

 

 

(1.8

)%

 

7.9%

 

 

 

4.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NM=comparison not meaningful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)     Pro Forma information is presented as if the Sky transaction occurred January 1, 2017. Our pro forma information is primarily based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the effects of acquisition accounting and the elimination of costs and expenses directly attributable to the transaction, but does not include adjustments for costs related to integration activities, cost savings or synergies that have been or may be achieved by the combined businesses. Our pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of future results or what our results would have been had we operated Sky since January 1, 2017. Pro forma adjustments have been made for the purpose of providing pro forma financial information based on current estimates and currently available information, and are subject to revision based on final determination of fair value and the final allocation of the purchase price to the assets and liabilities of Sky, and the revisions could be material.

 

16


 

TABLE 8

 

 

Reconciliation of Sky Constant Currency Growth (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

(in millions)

 

2017(1)

 

2018

 

Growth %

 

 

2017(1)

 

2018

 

Growth %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct-to-Consumer

 

$3,824

 

$3,976

 

4.0%

 

 

$15,470

 

$16,077

 

3.9%

 

Content

 

267

 

363

 

35.7%

 

 

1,074

 

1,248

 

16.5%

 

Advertising

 

663

 

682

 

2.9%

 

 

2,419

 

2,489

 

2.9%

 

Revenue

 

$4,754

 

$5,021

 

5.6%

 

 

$18,963

 

$19,814

 

4.5%

 

Operating costs and expenses

 

$4,073

 

$4,256

 

4.5%

 

 

$15,905

 

$16,920

 

6.4%

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$681

 

$765

 

12.4%

 

 

$3,058

 

$2,894

 

(5.3)%

 

 

(1)    2017 results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars using the average exchange rates from the current period rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods.

 

17


Exhibit 99.2

 

Exhibit 99.2 - Explanation of Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

 

This Exhibit 99.2 to the accompanying Current Report on Form 8-K for Comcast Corporation (“we”, “us” or “our”) sets forth the reasons we believe that presentation of financial measures not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) contained in the earnings press release filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K provides useful information to investors regarding our results of operations and financial condition. To the extent material, this Exhibit also discloses the additional purposes, if any, for which our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations between these non-GAAP financial measures and their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the earnings press release itself. Non-GAAP financial information should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income, net income, net income attributable to Comcast Corporation, earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders, net cash provided by operating activities or other measures of performance or liquidity reported in accordance with GAAP.

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is the primary basis used to measure the operational strength and performance of our businesses as well as to assist in the evaluation of underlying trends in our businesses. This measure eliminates the significant level of noncash depreciation and amortization expense that results from the capital-intensive nature of certain of our businesses and from intangible assets recognized in business combinations. It is also unaffected by our capital and tax structures, and by our investment activities, including the results of entities that we do not consolidate, as our management excludes these results when evaluating our operating performance. Our management and Board of Directors use this financial measure to evaluate our consolidated operating performance and the operating performance of our operating segments and to allocate resources and capital to our operating segments. It is also a significant performance measure in our annual incentive compensation programs. Additionally, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it is one of the bases for comparing our operating performance with that of other companies in our industries, although our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies.

 

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Comcast Corporation before net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock, income tax benefit (expense), investment and other income (loss), net, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and other operating gains and losses (such as impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of long-lived assets), if any. From time to time, we may exclude from Adjusted EBITDA the impact of certain events, gains, losses or other charges (such as significant legal settlements) that affect the period-to-period comparability of our operating performance.

 

We also use Adjusted EBITDA as the measure of profit or loss for our segments. Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA for our segments is not a non-GAAP financial measure under rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Adjusted EPS

 

Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure that presents the earnings generated by our ongoing core operations on a per share basis. We believe Adjusted EPS is helpful to investors in evaluating our ongoing core operations and can assist in making meaningful period-over-period comparisons. Our presentation of Adjusted EPS is our diluted earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders adjusted to exclude the effects of fair value investments, as well as the impact of certain events, gains, losses or other charges (such as from the sales of investments). For Adjusted EPS, the effects of fair value investments include realized and unrealized gains and losses, net, including impairments, on equity securities not accounted for under the equity method, as well as the equity in net income (losses), net, for our investment in Atairos Group, Inc. (Atairos follows investment company accounting and records its investments at their fair values each reporting period).

 

Free Cash Flow

 

Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe provides a meaningful measure of liquidity and a useful basis for assessing our ability to repay debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments, and return capital to investors through stock repurchases and dividends. It is also a significant performance measure in our annual incentive compensation programs. Additionally, we believe Free Cash Flow is useful to investors as a basis for comparing our performance and coverage ratios with other companies in our industries, although our measure of Free Cash Flow may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Free Cash Flow has certain limitations, including that it does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures since other non-discretionary payments, such as mandatory debt repayments, are not deducted from the measure.

 


 

Exhibit 99.2 - Explanation of Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures, cont’d

 

Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities (as stated in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows) reduced by capital expenditures and cash paid for intangible assets. From time to time, we may exclude from Free Cash Flow the impact of certain cash receipts or payments (such as significant legal settlements) that affect period-to-period comparability. Cash payments for acquisitions and construction of real estate properties and the construction of Universal Beijing Resort are presented separately in our Statement of Cash Flows and are therefore excluded from capital expenditures for Free Cash Flow.

 

Constant Currency

 

Constant currency growth rates are a non-GAAP financial measure that present our results of operations excluding the estimated effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Certain of our businesses, including Sky, have operations outside the United States that are conducted in local currencies. As a result, the comparability of the financial results reported in U.S. dollars is affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We use constant currency growth rates to evaluate the underlying performance of certain of our businesses, and we believe it is also helpful for investors for the same reasons and to present operating results on a comparable basis period over period.

 

Constant currency growth rates are calculated by comparing the comparative period results in the prior year adjusted to reflect the average exchange rates from the current year period rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective prior year periods.

 

Other Adjustments

 

We also present adjusted information (e.g., Adjusted Revenues), to exclude the impact of certain events, gains, losses or other charges.  This adjusted information is a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe, among other things, that the adjusted information may help investors evaluate our ongoing operations and can assist in making meaningful period-over-period comparisons.

 

Pro Forma Information

 

Pro forma information is used by management to evaluate performance when certain acquisitions or dispositions occur. Historical information reflects results of acquired businesses only after the acquisition dates while pro forma information enhances comparability of financial information between periods by adjusting the information as if the acquisitions or dispositions occurred at the beginning of a preceding year. Our pro forma information is adjusted for the timing of acquisitions or dispositions, the effects of acquisition accounting and the elimination of costs and expenses directly related to the transaction, but does not include adjustments for costs related to integration activities, cost savings or synergies that have been or may be achieved by the combined businesses. Pro forma information is not a non-GAAP financial measure under Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Our pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of future results or what our results would have been had the acquired businesses been operated by us during the pro forma period.