NBCU Helps Lift Comcast Q2 Results

NEW YORK: Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 8.9 percent to $6 billion in the second quarter, helping to boost Comcast Corporation’s overall results. 

Operating cash flow for NBCU rose 21.3 percent to $1.2 billion, led by Filmed Entertainment and Cable Networks. Revenue from the Cable Networks segment grew 7.7 percent to $2.4 billion, reflecting a new content licensing agreement, a 4.4-percent increase in distribution revenue and a 5.7-percent increase in ad revenue.

Revenue from the Broadcast Television segment rose 11.6 percent to $1.7 billion, led by a 13-percent increase in ad revenue, thanks to higher prime-time ratings at the NBC broadcast network led by The Voice. There were also higher retransmission consent fees, which were partially offset by lower content licensing revenue due to the timing of content availability.

For Filmed Entertainment, revenue grew 12.8 percent to $1.4 billion, driven by the successful box-office performance of Fast and Furious 6. Revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 1.1 percent to $546 million.

For the quarter that ended June 30, Comcast reported revenue of $16.3 billion, up from the $15.2 billion in the same period in 2012. Operating income increased 11.6 percent, to $3.4 billion. Net income was up 28.6 percent for the quarter, to $1.7 billion.

Brian L. Roberts, the chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation, said, “We are pleased with our results this quarter. Cable had outstanding growth, particularly in high-speed Internet, and NBCUniversal had strong performance across all of its businesses. Our focus on delivering innovative products and a superior customer experience is driving our success, including stronger video, voice and business services results in cable. NBCUniversal has real momentum, with solid growth in revenue and double-digit cash flow growth. We have a fantastic combination of cable and content businesses with many opportunities ahead.”