NBCU Revenue Boosted by Minions, Jurassic World

PHILADELPHIA: NBCUniversal revenue increased 20.8 percent in the third quarter, while operating cash flow was up 17 percent, driven in part by the box-office success of Minions and Jurassic World.

Revenue for NBCU in Q3 reached $7.2 billion, compared to the $5.9 billion delivered in the same quarter a year ago. Operating cash flow was $1.7 billion, compared to the $1.4 billion in Q3 2014, thanks to strong results in filmed entertainment and theme parks.

Revenue from the cable networks segment was up 7 percent to $2.4 billion, with an 8.6 percent increase in distribution revenue and a 2 percent increase in ad revenue, as well as a 17.6 percent increase in content licensing and other revenue. Operating cash flow was down by 3 percent to $835 million, with higher revenue offset by increased sports programming costs with NASCAR.

The broadcast TV segment saw its revenue increase 11.3 percent to $2 billion, with a 33.5 percent gain in content licensing revenue, higher retransmission consent fees and a 2.8 percent lift in ad revenue. Operating cash flow increased 6.1 percent to $150 million, with higher revenue being partially offset by an increase in programming and production costs associated with the timing of content provided under licensing agreements and studio production costs.

Filmed entertainment delivered a 64 percent hike in segment revenues to $1.9 billion, with higher theatrical revenues thanks to Minions and Jurassic World, along with the continuing success of Furious 7. Operating cash flow was $376 million, compared to the $151 million in last year's Q3, as higher revenues were partially offset by an increase in the amortization of film costs and higher advertising, marketing and promotion expenses from the larger film slate.

There was a 14.1 percent gain in revenue within the theme parks segment, delivering $896 million. Operating cash flow was also up 14.1 percent, to $458 million.

Overall at Comcast, revenue was up 11.2 percent, operating cash flow was up 8.4 percent and operating income increased 6.9 percent.

Brian L. Roberts, the chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation, said: "I'm pleased to report that our businesses generated outstanding revenue and operating cash flow growth for the third quarter of 2015. At Cable Communications, overall customer relationships increased 156,000, a 90 percent improvement compared to last year, video subscriber results were the best for a third quarter in nine years, high-speed internet subscriber results were the best for a third quarter in six years, and churn across all product categories continues to improve. NBCUniversal also delivered terrific results, including another record-breaking box office quarter driven by Minions and Jurassic World, the highest summer attendance ever at our theme parks, and maintaining the number one broadcast network ranking for the fifth summer in a row. These outstanding results from our unique portfolio of complementary businesses underscore our confidence that we are well positioned to compete, continue our strong performance and drive shareholder value."