Comcast tops Q1 earnings — but broadband losses have Wall Street changing the channel
Turns out folks are still cutting the cord.
Comcast shares sank more than 6% right after the media giant reported that it lost another 427,000 cable customers in Q1 as cord-cutting keeps gaining steam. On paper, the quarter was strong: earnings per share landed at $1.09, topping the $0.98 analysts were looking for. Revenue also came in just ahead of forecasts at $29.89 billion. Still, net income slipped 12.5% to $3.38 billion.
While overall broadband revenue edged higher, Comcast continues to face heat from 5G and wireless internet competitors luring customers away from traditional cable. Theme parks also dragged, with NBCUniversal’s parks division down 5% as LA wildfires kept some guests at home.
On the bright side, Peacock gave the company something to strut about. The streamer’s revenue jumped 16%, helping Comcast’s adjusted EBITDA climb 21% to $1 billion. Peacock also trimmed its losses to $215 million — less than half of the $639 million it lost a year ago.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on the launch of Universal Epic Universe, Comcast’s biggest theme park investment in 25 years, which is set to open next month in Florida.
Comcast shares are down about 12% year to date.