Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x

Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

OR

 

¨

Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Transition Period from                      to                     

 

 

 

LOGO

 

Commission File Number  

Registrant; State of

Incorporation; Address and Telephone

Number

  I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
001-32871   COMCAST CORPORATION   27-0000798
 

PENNSYLVANIA

One Comcast Center

Philadelphia, PA 19103-2838

(215) 286-1700

 
001-36438   NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA, LLC   14-1682529
 

DELAWARE

30 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10112-0015

(212) 664-4444

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Comcast Corporation

 

Yes x

 

No ¨

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

 

Yes x

 

No ¨

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

Comcast Corporation

 

Yes x

 

No ¨

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

 

Yes x

 

No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Comcast Corporation

  Large accelerated filer   x   Accelerated filer   ¨   Non-accelerated filer   ¨   Smaller reporting company   ¨

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

  Large accelerated filer   ¨   Accelerated filer   ¨   Non-accelerated filer   x   Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

Comcast Corporation

 

Yes ¨

 

No x

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

 

Yes ¨

 

No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of stock, as of the latest practical date:

As of September 30, 2014, there were 2,150,368,818 shares of Comcast Corporation Class A common stock, 416,484,168 shares of Comcast Corporation Class A Special common stock and 9,444,375 shares of Comcast Corporation Class B common stock outstanding.

Not applicable for NBCUniversal Media, LLC.

NBCUniversal Media, LLC meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

          Page
Number
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  

Item 1.

  Comcast Corporation Financial Statements     1   
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (Unaudited)     1   
  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)     2   
  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)     3   
  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)     4   
  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)     5   
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)     6   

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     28   

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     44   

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures     44   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  

Item 1.

  Legal Proceedings     45   

Item 1A.

  Risk Factors     45   

Item 2.

  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds     45   

Item 6.

  Exhibits     46   
SIGNATURES       47   

NBCUniversal Media, LLC Financial Statements

    48   

 

 

Explanatory Note

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report being filed separately by Comcast Corporation (“Comcast”) and NBCUniversal Media, LLC (“NBCUniversal”). Comcast owns all of the common equity interests in NBCUniversal, and NBCUniversal meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing its information within this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format. Each of Comcast and NBCUniversal is filing on its own behalf the information contained in this report that relates to itself, and neither company makes any representation as to information relating to the other company. Where information or an explanation is provided that is substantially the same for each company, such information or explanation has been combined in this report. Where information or an explanation is not substantially the same for each company, separate information and explanation has been provided. In addition, separate condensed consolidated financial statements for each company, along with notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, are included in this report. Unless indicated otherwise, throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we refer to Comcast Corporation as “Comcast;” Comcast and its consolidated subsidiaries, including NBCUniversal and its consolidated subsidiaries, as “we,” “us” and “our;” Comcast Cable Communications, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries as “Comcast Cable;” Comcast Holdings Corporation as “Comcast Holdings;” and NBCUniversal, LLC as “NBCUniversal Holdings.”

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. This Quarterly Report modifies and supersedes documents filed prior to this Quarterly Report. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you directly to those documents. Information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this Quarterly Report. In addition, information that we file with the SEC in the future will automatically update and supersede information contained in this Quarterly Report.

You should carefully review the information contained in this Quarterly Report and particularly consider any risk factors set forth in this Quarterly Report and in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the SEC. In this Quarterly Report, we state our beliefs of future events and of our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify these so-called “forward-looking statements” by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of those words, and other comparable words. You should be aware that these statements are only our predictions. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, including the risks outlined below and in other reports we file with the SEC. Actual events or our actual results may differ materially from any of our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Our businesses may be affected by, among other things, the following:

   

our businesses currently face a wide range of competition, and our businesses and results of operations could be adversely affected if we do not compete effectively

 

 

   

changes in consumer behavior driven by new technologies may adversely affect our businesses

 

 

   

our businesses depend on keeping pace with technological developments

 

 

   

programming expenses for our video services are increasing, which could adversely affect our businesses

 

 

   

we are subject to regulation by federal, state, local and foreign authorities, which may impose additional costs and restrictions on our businesses

 

 

   

weak economic conditions may have a negative impact on our businesses

 

 

   

a decline in advertising expenditures or changes in advertising markets could negatively impact our businesses

 

 

   

NBCUniversal’s success depends on consumer acceptance of its content, which is difficult to predict, and its businesses may be adversely affected if its content fails to achieve sufficient consumer acceptance or the costs to create or acquire content increase

 

 

   

the loss of NBCUniversal’s programming distribution agreements, or the renewal of these agreements on less favorable terms, could adversely affect its businesses

 

 

   

our businesses depend on using and protecting certain intellectual property rights and on not infringing the intellectual property rights of others

 

 

   

we rely on network and information systems and other technologies, as well as key properties, and a disruption, cyber attack, failure or destruction of such networks, systems, technologies or properties may disrupt our businesses

 

 

   

we may be unable to obtain necessary hardware, software and operational support

 

 

   

labor disputes, whether involving employees or sports organizations, may disrupt our operations and adversely affect our businesses

 

 

   

the loss of key management personnel or popular on-air and creative talent could have an adverse effect on our businesses

 

 

   

we face risks relating to doing business internationally that could adversely affect our businesses

 

 

   

acquisitions and other strategic transactions, including the proposed transactions with Time Warner Cable Inc. and Charter Communications, Inc., present many risks, and we may not realize the financial and strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of any transaction

 

 

   

our Class B common stock has substantial voting rights and separate approval rights over several potentially material transactions, and our Chairman and CEO has considerable influence over our company through his beneficial ownership of our Class B common stock

 


Table of Contents

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

(Unaudited)

 

(in millions, except share data)   September 30,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

Assets

   

Current Assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 4,547      $ 1,718   

Investments

    531        3,573   

Receivables, net

    6,172        6,376   

Programming rights

    992        928   

Other current assets

    1,694        1,480   

Total current assets

    13,936        14,075   

Film and television costs

    5,560        4,994   

Investments

    3,129        3,770   

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $44,821 and $42,574

    30,362        29,840   

Franchise rights

    59,364        59,364   

Goodwill

    27,323        27,098   

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $9,649 and $8,874

    17,089        17,329   

Other noncurrent assets, net

    2,474        2,343   

Total assets

  $ 159,237      $ 158,813   

Liabilities and Equity

   

Current Liabilities:

   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

  $ 5,680      $ 5,528   

Accrued participations and residuals

    1,444        1,239   

Deferred revenue

    976        898   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    5,461        7,967   

Current portion of long-term debt

    3,523        3,280   

Total current liabilities

    17,084        18,912   

Long-term debt, less current portion

    44,827        44,567   

Deferred income taxes

    32,227        31,935   

Other noncurrent liabilities

    10,388        11,384   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

   

Redeemable noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

    1,058        957   

Equity:

   

Preferred stock—authorized, 20,000,000 shares; issued, zero

             

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized, 7,500,000,000 shares; issued, 2,515,829,568 and 2,503,535,883; outstanding, 2,150,368,818 and 2,138,075,133

    25        25   

Class A Special common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized, 7,500,000,000 shares; issued, 487,418,932 and 529,964,944; outstanding, 416,484,168 and 459,030,180

    5        5   

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value—authorized, 75,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 9,444,375

             

Additional paid-in capital

    38,977        38,890   

Retained earnings

    21,805        19,235   

Treasury stock, 365,460,750 Class A common shares and 70,934,764 Class A Special common shares

    (7,517     (7,517

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    3        56   

Total Comcast Corporation shareholders’ equity

    53,298        50,694   

Noncontrolling interests

    355        364   

Total equity

    53,653        51,058   

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 159,237      $ 158,813   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions, except per share data)   2014     2013     2014     2013  

Revenue

  $ 16,791      $ 16,151      $ 51,043      $ 47,731   

Costs and Expenses:

       

Programming and production

    4,772        4,787        15,554        14,418   

Other operating and administrative

    5,019        4,751        14,695        13,787   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    1,296        1,283        3,748        3,737   

Depreciation

    1,539        1,520        4,707        4,669   

Amortization

    420        396        1,222        1,204   
      13,046        12,737        39,926        37,815   

Operating income

    3,745        3,414        11,117        9,916   

Other Income (Expense):

       

Interest expense

    (663     (639     (1,953     (1,928

Investment income (loss), net

    21        464        254        549   

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    33        (130     87        (96

Other income (expense), net

    (96     (310     (150     (280
      (705     (615     (1,762     (1,755

Income before income taxes

    3,040        2,799        9,355        8,161   

Income tax expense

    (407     (1,021     (2,759     (2,994

Net income

    2,633        1,778        6,596        5,167   

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

    (41     (46     (141     (264

Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 2,592      $ 1,732      $ 6,455      $ 4,903   

Basic earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders

  $ 1.00      $ 0.66      $ 2.49      $ 1.86   

Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders

  $ 0.99      $ 0.65      $ 2.46      $ 1.84   

Dividends declared per common share

  $ 0.225      $ 0.195      $ 0.675      $ 0.585   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013         2014     2013  

Net income

  $ 2,633      $ 1,778      $ 6,596      $ 5,167   

Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of deferred taxes of $—, $(11), $(19) and $(82)

           19        34        136   

Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of deferred taxes of $2, $(26), $1 and $(6)

    (4     45        (2     10   

Amounts reclassified to net income:

       

Realized (gains) losses on marketable securities, net of deferred taxes of $—, $165, $58 and $177

    (1     (278     (98     (301

Realized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges, net of deferred taxes of $(22), $22, $(10) and $(6)

    38        (38     18        10   

Employee benefit obligations, net of deferred taxes of $—, $(34), $— and $(36)

           57        (1     60   

Currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes of $10, $(5), $3 and $9

    (16     8        (4     (23

Comprehensive income

    2,650        1,591        6,543        5,059   

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

    (41     (46     (141     (264

Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

                         9   

Comprehensive income attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 2,609      $ 1,545      $ 6,402      $ 4,804   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013      

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 12,302      $ 11,679   

Investing Activities

   

Capital expenditures

    (5,196     (4,593

Cash paid for intangible assets

    (735     (694

Acquisitions and construction of real estate properties

    (28     (1,705

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

    (477     (42

Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments

    622        655   

Return of capital from investees

    6        146   

Purchases of investments

    (145     (1,177

Other

    (127     83   

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (6,080     (7,327

Financing Activities

   

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

    (437     395   

Proceeds from borrowings

    4,182        2,933   

Repurchases and repayments of debt

    (3,172     (2,442

Repurchases and retirements of common stock

    (2,250     (1,500

Dividends paid

    (1,676     (1,454

Issuances of common stock

    33        35   

Purchase of NBCUniversal noncontrolling common equity interest

           (10,761

Distributions to noncontrolling interests and dividends for redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

    (170     (164

Settlement of Station Venture liability

           (602

Other

    97        (140

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (3,393     (13,700

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    2,829        (9,348

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    1,718        10,951   

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 4,547      $ 1,603   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)

 

   

Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests and
Redeemable
Subsidiary
Preferred Stock

            

 

Common Stock

    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Treasury
Stock at
Cost
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   

Non-

controlling
Interests

    Total
Equity
 
(in millions)              A     A Special     B              

Balance, January 1, 2013

  $ 16,998              $ 25      $ 6      $  —      $ 40,547      $ 16,280      $ (7,517   $ 15      $ 440      $ 49,796   

Stock compensation plans

                  433        (255           178   

Repurchases and retirements of common stock

              (1       (432     (1,067           (1,500

Employee stock purchase
plans

                  75                75   

Dividends declared

                    (1,537           (1,537

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    (9                       (99       (99

Purchase of NBCUniversal noncontrolling common
equity interest

    (17,006                 (1,482         (26       (1,508

Redeemable subsidiary
preferred stock

    725                           

Contributions from
(distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net

    (14                         (103     (103

Other

    (24                 (150           (2     (152

Net income (loss)

    183                                                4,903                        81        4,984   

Balance, September 30, 2013

  $ 853              $ 25      $ 5      $      $ 38,991      $ 18,324      $ (7,517   $ (110   $ 416      $ 50,134   

Balance, January 1, 2014

  $ 957            $ 25      $ 5      $      $ 38,890      $ 19,235      $ (7,517   $ 56      $ 364      $ 51,058   

Stock compensation plans

                  580        (391           189   

Repurchases and retirements of common stock

                  (504     (1,746           (2,250

Employee stock purchase
plans

                  91                91   

Dividends declared

                    (1,748           (1,748

Other comprehensive
income (loss)

                        (53       (53

Issuance of subsidiary shares
to noncontrolling interests

    85                            13        13   

Contributions from
(distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net

    (11                         (101     (101

Other

    (22                 (80           (13     (93

Net income (loss)

    49                                                6,455                        92        6,547   

Balance, September 30, 2014

  $ 1,058              $ 25      $ 5      $      $ 38,977      $ 21,805      $ (7,517   $ 3      $ 355      $ 53,653   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1: Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Basis of Presentation

We have prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based on SEC rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. These financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows for the periods shown, including normal, recurring accruals and other items. The consolidated results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). For a more complete discussion of our accounting policies and certain other information, refer to our consolidated financial statements included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Note 2: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Discontinued Operations

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) updated the accounting guidance related to discontinued operations. The updated accounting guidance provides a narrower definition of discontinued operations than existing GAAP. The updated accounting guidance requires that only disposals of components of an entity, or groups of components, that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a material effect on the reporting entity’s operations be reported in the financial statements as discontinued operations. The updated accounting guidance also provides guidance on the financial statement presentations and disclosures of discontinued operations. The updated accounting guidance will be effective prospectively for us on January 1, 2015, with early adoption permitted in 2014.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board updated the accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. The updated accounting guidance provides a single, contract-based revenue recognition model to help improve financial reporting by providing clearer guidance on when an entity should recognize revenue, and by reducing the number of standards to which entities have to refer. The updated accounting guidance will be effective for us on January 1, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. The updated accounting guidance allows for either a full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption. We are currently in the process of determining the impact that the updated accounting guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and our method of adoption.

 

6


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

Note 3: Earnings Per Share

Computation of Diluted EPS

 

    Three Months Ended September 30  
    2014      2013  
(in millions, except per share data)   Net Income
Attributable to
Comcast
Corporation
     Shares      Per Share
Amount
     Net Income
Attributable to
Comcast
Corporation
     Shares      Per Share
Amount
 

Basic EPS attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders

  $ 2,592         2,580       $ 1.00       $ 1,732         2,622       $ 0.66   

Effect of dilutive securities:

                

Assumed exercise or issuance of shares relating to stock plans

             36                           36            

Diluted EPS attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders

  $ 2,592         2,616       $ 0.99       $ 1,732         2,658       $ 0.65   

 

    Nine Months Ended September 30  
    2014      2013  
(in millions, except per share data)   Net Income
Attributable to
Comcast
Corporation
     Shares      Per Share
Amount
     Net Income
Attributable to
Comcast
Corporation
     Shares      Per Share
Amount
 

Basic EPS attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders

  $ 6,455         2,592       $ 2.49       $ 4,903         2,629       $ 1.86   

Effect of dilutive securities:

                

Assumed exercise or issuance of shares relating to stock plans

             37                           39            

Diluted EPS attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders

  $ 6,455         2,629       $ 2.46       $ 4,903         2,668       $ 1.84   

 

Our potentially dilutive securities include potential common shares related to our stock options and our restricted share units (“RSUs”). Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders (“diluted EPS”) considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities by using the treasury stock method.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, diluted EPS excluded 17 million and 13 million, respectively, of potential common shares related to our share-based compensation plans, because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have had an antidilutive effect. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, diluted EPS excluded 18 million and 13 million, respectively, of potential common shares.

Note 4: Significant Transactions

Time Warner Cable Merger

On February 12, 2014, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “merger agreement”) with Time Warner Cable Inc. (“Time Warner Cable”) whereby Time Warner Cable will become our wholly owned subsidiary (the “Time Warner Cable merger”). Time Warner Cable stockholders will receive, in exchange for each share of Time Warner Cable common stock owned immediately prior to the Time Warner Cable merger, 2.875 shares of our Class A common stock. We estimate that at the time of closing, Time Warner Cable stockholders will own approximately 24% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Because the exchange ratio was fixed at the time of the merger agreement and the market value of our Class A common stock will continue to fluctuate, the number of shares of Class A common stock to be issued and the total value of the consideration exchanged will not be determinable until the closing date. The Time Warner Cable merger was approved by Comcast shareholders on October 8, 2014 and by Time Warner Cable stockholders on October 9, 2014. The Time Warner Cable merger remains subject to regulatory review and other customary conditions and is expected to close in early 2015.

 

7


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

Divestiture Transactions

The terms of the merger agreement contemplate that we are prepared to divest systems serving up to approximately 3 million video customers of our company following the Time Warner Cable merger in order to obtain applicable regulatory approvals. As a result of this commitment, on April 25, 2014, we entered into a transactions agreement with Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) that, if consummated, would satisfy the divestiture undertaking. Under the transactions agreement, following the close of the Time Warner Cable merger and subject to various conditions, we would divest cable systems resulting in a net disposition of approximately 3.9 million video customers through three transactions: (1) a spin-off of cable systems serving approximately 2.5 million of our video customers (the “spin-off transaction”) into a newly formed public entity (“SpinCo”), (2) an exchange of cable systems serving approximately 1.5 million Time Warner Cable video customers for cable systems serving approximately 1.7 million Charter video customers, and (3) a sale to Charter of cable systems serving approximately 1.5 million Time Warner Cable video customers for cash (collectively, the “divestiture transactions”).

In connection with the spin-off transaction and prior to the spin-off, it is expected that SpinCo will incur new debt to fund a cash distribution to us and to issue notes to us, which notes will enable us to then retire a portion of our debt. In the spin-off transaction, we will distribute common stock of SpinCo pro rata to the holders of all of our outstanding common stock, including the former Time Warner Cable stockholders who continue to hold shares through the record date of the spin-off transaction. After the spin-off transaction, a newly formed, wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Charter will merge with and into Charter with the effect that all shares of Charter will be converted into shares of a new holding company, which will survive as the publicly traded parent company of Charter (“New Charter”). New Charter will then acquire an interest in SpinCo by issuing New Charter stock in exchange for a portion of the outstanding SpinCo stock, following which it is expected that Comcast shareholders will own approximately 67% of SpinCo and New Charter will own approximately 33% of SpinCo. In addition, it is expected that Comcast shareholders will own approximately 10% of New Charter, though the actual percentage of New Charter that will be owned by Comcast shareholders will depend on a number of factors, some of which will not be known until completion of the divestiture transactions. Following the close of the divestiture transactions, we will no longer have any ownership interest in SpinCo.

The close of the divestiture transactions is subject to the completion of the Time Warner Cable merger, Charter stockholder approval, completion of the SpinCo financing transactions, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. The Time Warner Cable merger and the divestiture transactions are subject to separate conditions, and the Time Warner Cable merger can be completed regardless of whether the divestiture transactions are ultimately completed.

Note 5: Film and Television Costs

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Film Costs:

    

Released, less amortization

  $ 1,313       $ 1,630   

Completed, not released

    193         70   

In production and in development

    1,143         658   
    2,649         2,358   

Television Costs:

    

Released, less amortization

    1,187         1,155   

In production and in development

    445         370   
    1,632         1,525   

Programming rights, less amortization

    2,271         2,039   
    6,552         5,922   

Less: Current portion of programming rights

    992         928   

Film and television costs

  $ 5,560       $ 4,994   

 

8


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

Note 6: Investments

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Fair Value Method

  $ 588       $ 4,345   

Equity Method:

    

The Weather Channel

    333         333   

Hulu

    188         187   

Other

    503         469   
    1,024         989   

Cost Method:

    

AirTouch

    1,564         1,553   

Other

    484         456   
    2,048         2,009   

Total investments

    3,660         7,343   

Less: Current investments

    531         3,573   

Noncurrent investments

  $ 3,129       $ 3,770   

Investment Income (Loss), Net

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013             2014             2013      

Gains on sales and exchanges of investments, net

  $ 3      $ 445      $ 176      $ 483   

Investment impairment losses

    (6     (12     (30     (25

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities underlying prepaid forward sale agreements

    15        345        (13     1,197   

Mark to market adjustments on derivative component of prepaid forward sale agreements and indexed debt instruments

    (13     (348     19        (1,189

Interest and dividend income

    29        28        85        84   

Other, net

    (7     6        17        (1

Investment income (loss), net

  $ 21      $ 464      $ 254      $ 549   

Fair Value Method

As of September 30, 2014, the majority of our fair value method investments were equity securities held as collateral that were related to our obligations under prepaid forward sale agreements.

Prepaid Forward Sale Agreements

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Assets:

    

Fair value equity securities held as collateral

  $ 444       $ 3,959   

Liabilities:

    

Obligations under prepaid forward sale agreements

  $ 117       $ 811   

Derivative component of prepaid forward sale agreements

    277         2,800   

Total liabilities

  $ 394       $ 3,611   

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we settled $3.2 billion of obligations under certain of our prepaid forward sale agreements by delivering equity securities. As of September 30, 2014, the carrying values of our remaining prepaid forward sale obligations approximated their fair values. The estimated fair values are based on Level 2 inputs that use pricing models whose inputs are derived primarily from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

 

9


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

Cost Method

AirTouch

We hold two series of preferred stock of AirTouch Communications, Inc. (“AirTouch”), a subsidiary of Verizon Communications Inc., which are redeemable in April 2020. As of September 30, 2014, the estimated fair values of the AirTouch preferred stock and the associated liability related to the redeemable preferred shares issued by one of our consolidated subsidiaries were each $1.7 billion. The estimated fair values are based on Level 2 inputs that use pricing models whose inputs are derived primarily from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Note 7: Long-Term Debt

As of September 30, 2014, our debt had a carrying value of $48.4 billion and an estimated fair value of $54.4 billion. The estimated fair value of our publicly traded debt is primarily based on Level 1 inputs that use quoted market values for the debt. The estimated fair value of debt for which there are no quoted market prices is based on Level 2 inputs that use interest rates available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Debt Borrowings

In February 2014, we issued $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.60% senior notes due 2024 and $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.75% senior notes due 2044. The proceeds from this offering were used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including the repayment of a portion of our outstanding commercial paper and $900 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.10% senior notes due April 2014 at maturity.

In August 2014, we issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.375% senior notes due 2025 and $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.20% senior notes due 2034. The proceeds from this offering were used for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may, in the future, include the repayment of certain of our senior notes.

Debt Repayments

In January 2014, we repaid at maturity $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.30% senior notes due 2014. In February 2014, we repaid $1.25 billion of borrowings outstanding under NBCUniversal Enterprise Inc.’s (“NBCUniversal Enterprise”) revolving credit facility with the proceeds from $990 million of borrowings under its new commercial paper program and cash on hand.

Revolving Credit Facilities

As of September 30, 2014, amounts available under our consolidated revolving credit facilities, net of amounts outstanding under our commercial paper programs and outstanding letters of credit, totaled $6.4 billion, which included $440 million available under NBCUniversal Enterprise’s revolving credit facility.

Commercial Paper Programs

In February 2014, NBCUniversal Enterprise entered into a commercial paper program. The maximum borrowing capacity under this commercial paper program is $1.35 billion, and it is supported by NBCUniversal Enterprise’s existing $1.35 billion revolving credit facility due March 2018. The commercial paper program is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us and our 100% owned cable holding company subsidiaries, Comcast Cable Communications, LLC (“CCCL Parent”), Comcast MO Group, Inc. (“Comcast MO Group”), Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC (“CCH”) and Comcast MO of Delaware, LLC (“Comcast MO of Delaware”) (collectively, the “cable guarantors”). As of September 30, 2014, NBCUniversal Enterprise had $910 million face amount of commercial paper outstanding.

 

10


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

Note 8: Fair Value Measurements

The accounting guidance related to financial assets and financial liabilities (“financial instruments”) establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques (market approach, income approach and cost approach). Level 1 consists of financial instruments whose values are based on quoted market prices for identical financial instruments in an active market. Level 2 consists of financial instruments that are valued by using models or other valuation methodologies. These models use inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 3 consists of financial instruments whose values are determined by using pricing models that use significant inputs that are primarily unobservable, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques, as well as financial instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. Our financial instruments that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis are presented in the table below.

Recurring Fair Value Measures

 

    Fair Value as of  
    September 30, 2014      December 31,
2013
 
(in millions)   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Total  

Assets

             

Trading securities (see Note 6)

  $ 450       $       $       $ 450       $ 3,956   

Available-for-sale securities

    6         121         10         137         389   

Interest rate swap agreements

            81                 81         110   

Other

            67         1         68         81   

Total

  $ 456       $ 269       $ 11       $ 736       $ 4,536   

Liabilities

             

Derivative component of prepaid forward sale agreements and indexed debt instruments (see Note 6)

  $       $ 288       $       $ 288       $ 2,816   

Contractual obligation

                    818         818         747   

Contingent consideration

                    653         653         684   

Other

            8                 8         16   

Total

  $       $ 296       $ 1,471       $ 1,767       $ 4,263   

 

Contractual Obligation and Contingent Consideration

The estimated fair values of the contractual obligation and contingent consideration in the table above are primarily based on certain expected future discounted cash flows, the determination of which involves the use of significant unobservable inputs. The most significant unobservable inputs we use include our estimates of the future revenue we expect to generate from certain NBCUniversal businesses, which are related to our contractual obligation, and future net tax benefits that will affect payments to General Electric Company (“GE”), which are related to our contingent consideration. The discount rates used in the measurements of fair value were between 5% and 13% and are based on the underlying risk associated with our estimate of future revenue, the terms of the respective contracts, and the uncertainty in the timing of our payments to GE. The fair value adjustments to contractual obligation and contingent consideration are sensitive to the assumptions related to future revenue and tax benefits, respectively, as well as to current interest rates, and therefore, the adjustments are recorded to other income (expense), net in our condensed consolidated statement of income.

 

11


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

Changes in Contractual Obligation and Contingent Consideration

 

(in millions)   Contractual
Obligation
    Contingent
Consideration
 

Balance, January 1, 2014

  $ 747      $ 684   

Fair value adjustments

    120        23   

Payments

    (49     (54

Balance, September 30, 2014

  $ 818      $ 653   

Fair Value of Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock Financial Instrument

As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of the NBCUniversal Enterprise redeemable subsidiary preferred stock was $752 million. The estimated fair value is based on Level 2 inputs that use pricing models whose inputs are derived primarily from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Note 9: Share-Based Compensation

Our share-based compensation primarily consists of awards of stock options and RSUs to certain employees and directors as part of our approach to long-term incentive compensation. Additionally, through our employee stock purchase plans, employees are able to purchase shares of Comcast Class A common stock at a discount through payroll deductions.

In March 2014, we granted 16.4 million stock options and 5.4 million RSUs related to our annual management awards. The weighted-average fair values associated with these grants were $11.09 per stock option and $46.57 per RSU.

Recognized Share-Based Compensation Expense

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
     Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014              2013              2014              2013      

Stock options

  $ 38       $ 34       $ 121       $ 102   

Restricted share units

    55         44         171         130   

Employee stock purchase plans

    5         4         18         15   

Total

  $ 98       $ 82       $ 310       $ 247   

 

As of September 30, 2014, we had unrecognized pretax compensation expense of $356 million and $489 million related to nonvested stock options and nonvested RSUs, respectively.

Note 10: Income Taxes

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we reduced our accruals for uncertain tax positions and the related accrued interest on these tax positions. The reduction resulted in a decrease of $724 million in income tax expense, which excludes the benefits of uncertain tax positions for which we have been indemnified by GE. The table below presents a reconciliation of our uncertain tax positions from January 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014.

 

(in millions)       

Balance, January 1, 2014

  $ 1,701   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

    54   

Additions based on tax positions related to prior years

    31   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

    (168

Reductions due to expiration of statutes of limitations

    (436

Settlements with taxing authorities

    (15

Balance, September 30, 2014

  $ 1,167   

 

12


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our accrued interest associated with tax positions was $460 million and $780 million, respectively.

Note 11: Supplemental Financial Information

Receivables

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Receivables, gross

  $ 6,679       $ 6,972   

Less: Allowance for returns and customer incentives

    284         375   

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

    223         221   

Receivables, net

  $ 6,172       $ 6,376   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
    September 30,
2013
 

Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

  $ 3      $ 18   

Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

    (29     (47

Unrecognized gains (losses) on employee benefit obligations

    70        (50

Cumulative translation adjustments

    (41     (31

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred taxes

  $ 3      $ (110

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013      

Net income

  $ 6,596      $ 5,167   

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

   

Depreciation and amortization

    5,929        5,873   

Share-based compensation

    386        312   

Noncash interest expense (income), net

    132        122   

Equity in net (income) losses of investees, net

    (87     96   

Cash received from investees

    71        89   

Net (gain) loss on investment activity and other

    (24     (239

Deferred income taxes

    358        (52

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

   

Current and noncurrent receivables, net

    89        145   

Film and television costs, net(a)

    (471     408   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

    119        (108

Other operating assets and liabilities

    (796     (134

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 12,302      $ 11,679   

 

(a)

Comprised of additions to our film and television cost assets of $7,198 million and $5,590 million, net of film and television cost amortization of $6,727 million and $5,998 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Cash Payments for Interest and Income Taxes

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
     Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014              2013              2014              2013      

Interest

  $ 656       $ 636       $ 1,820       $ 1,768   

Income taxes

  $ 974       $ 958       $ 2,878       $ 3,180   

 

13


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

 

   

we acquired $847 million of property and equipment and intangible assets that were accrued but unpaid

 

 

   

we recorded a liability of $580 million for a quarterly cash dividend of $0.225 per common share paid in October 2014

 

 

   

we used $3.2 billion of equity securities to settle our obligations under certain prepaid forward sale agreements

 

Note 12: Commitments and Contingencies

Contingencies

Antitrust Cases

We are defendants in two purported class actions originally filed in December 2003 in the United States District Courts for the District of Massachusetts and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The potential class in the Massachusetts case, which has been transferred to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, is our customer base in the “Boston Cluster” area, and the potential class in the Pennsylvania case is our customer base in the “Philadelphia and Chicago Clusters,” as those terms are defined in the complaints. In each case, the plaintiffs allege that certain customer exchange transactions with other cable providers resulted in unlawful horizontal market restraints in those areas and seek damages under antitrust statutes, including treble damages.

Classes of Chicago Cluster and Philadelphia Cluster customers were certified in October 2007 and January 2010, respectively. We appealed the class certification in the Philadelphia Cluster case to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which affirmed the class certification in August 2011. In June 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court granted our petition to review the Third Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling and in March 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that the class had been improperly certified and reversed the judgment of the Third Circuit. The matter has been returned to the District Court for action consistent with the Supreme Court’s opinion. In August 2013, the plaintiffs in the Philadelphia Cluster case moved to certify a new, smaller class, which we opposed in January 2014. The parties have been discussing possible resolution of the Philadelphia Cluster case. Accordingly, in February 2014, the plaintiff filed an unopposed motion to stay the case, which the District Court granted. In April 2014, the District Court granted our unopposed motion to de-certify the Chicago Cluster class and the plaintiffs’ unopposed motion to amend the Pennsylvania case so as to dismiss claims relating to the Chicago Cluster. In April 2014, lead counsel for the Boston Cluster cases withdrew, and in June 2014, new counsel requested the Boston Cluster cases be transferred to the federal court in Boston, which we have opposed.

In addition, we are the defendant in 22 purported class actions filed in federal district courts throughout the country. All of these actions have been consolidated by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for pre-trial proceedings. In a consolidated complaint filed in November 2009 on behalf of all plaintiffs in the multidistrict litigation, the plaintiffs allege that we improperly “tie” the rental of set-top boxes to the provision of premium cable services in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, various state antitrust laws and unfair/deceptive trade practices acts in California, Illinois and Alabama. The plaintiffs also allege a claim for unjust enrichment and seek relief on behalf of a nationwide class of our premium cable customers and on behalf of subclasses consisting of premium cable customers from California, Alabama, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Washington. In January 2010, we moved to compel arbitration of the plaintiffs’ claims for unjust enrichment and violations of the unfair/deceptive trade practices acts of Illinois and Alabama. In September 2010, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint alleging violations of additional state antitrust laws and unfair/deceptive trade practices acts on behalf of new subclasses in Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico and West Virginia. In the amended complaint, plaintiffs omitted their unjust enrichment claim, as well as their state law claims on behalf of the Alabama, Illinois and Pennsylvania subclasses. In June 2011, the plaintiffs filed another amended complaint

 

14


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

alleging only violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, antitrust law in Washington and unfair/deceptive trade practices acts in California and Washington. The plaintiffs seek relief on behalf of a nationwide class of our premium cable customers and on behalf of subclasses consisting of premium cable customers from California and Washington. In July 2011, we moved to compel arbitration of most of the plaintiffs’ claims and to stay the remaining claims pending arbitration. The West Virginia Attorney General also filed a complaint in West Virginia state court in July 2009 alleging that we improperly “tie” the rental of set-top boxes to the provision of digital cable services in violation of the West Virginia Antitrust Act and the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act. The Attorney General also alleges a claim for unjust enrichment/restitution. We removed the case to the United States District Court for West Virginia, and it was subsequently transferred to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and consolidated with the multidistrict litigation described above. Although a comprehensive settlement agreement for all 23 cases that had been submitted to the District Court for preliminary approval in June 2013 was withdrawn in October 2014, we do not expect these cases to have a material effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

We believe the claims in each of the pending actions described above in this item are without merit, except as otherwise set forth above, and intend to defend the actions vigorously. We cannot predict the outcome of any of the actions described above, including a range of possible loss, or how the final resolution of any such actions would impact our results of operations or cash flows for any one period or our financial position. In addition, as any action nears a trial, there is an increased possibility that the action may be settled by the parties. Nevertheless, the final disposition of any of the above actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, but could possibly be material to our consolidated results of operations or cash flows for any one period.

Other

We are a defendant in several unrelated lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of our businesses. In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants, and also in certain of these cases we expect that any potential liability would be in part or in whole the responsibility of our equipment and technology vendors under applicable contractual indemnification provisions. We are also subject to other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. While the amount of ultimate liability with respect to such actions is not expected to materially affect our results of operations, cash flows or financial position, any litigation resulting from any such legal proceedings or claims could be time consuming and injure our reputation.

Note 13: Financial Data by Business Segment

We present our operations in five reportable business segments:

 

   

Cable Communications: Consists of the operations of Comcast Cable, which is the nation’s largest provider of video, high-speed Internet and voice services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand, and we also provide similar services to businesses and sell advertising.

 

 

   

Cable Networks: Consists primarily of our national cable networks, our regional sports networks, our international cable networks and our cable television production operations.

 

 

   

Broadcast Television: Consists primarily of the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, our NBC and Telemundo owned local broadcast television stations, and our broadcast television production operations.

 

 

   

Filmed Entertainment: Consists primarily of the studio operations of Universal Pictures, which produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide.

 

 

   

Theme Parks: Consists primarily of our Universal theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood.

 

 

15


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

In evaluating the profitability of our operating segments, the components of net income (loss) below operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization are not separately evaluated by our management. Our financial data by business segment is presented in the tables below.

 

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2014  
(in millions)   Revenue(e)     Operating Income (Loss)
Before Depreciation and
Amortization(f)
    Depreciation
and
Amortization
     Operating
Income
(Loss)
    Capital
Expenditures
 

Cable Communications(a)

  $ 11,041      $ 4,464      $ 1,561       $ 2,903      $ 1,644   

NBCUniversal

          

Cable Networks(b)

    2,255        868        189         679        11   

Broadcast Television

    1,770        142        24         118        15   

Filmed Entertainment(b)

    1,186        151        6         145        4   

Theme Parks

    786        402        68         334        184   

Headquarters and Other(c)

    4        (142     84         (226     81   

Eliminations(d)

    (80     (5             (5       

NBCUniversal

    5,921        1,416        371         1,045        295   

Corporate and Other

    174        (197     27         (224     11   

Eliminations(d)

    (345     21                21          

Comcast Consolidated

  $ 16,791      $ 5,704      $ 1,959       $ 3,745      $ 1,950   

 

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2013  
(in millions)   Revenue(e)     Operating Income (Loss)
Before Depreciation and
Amortization(f)
    Depreciation
and
Amortization
    Operating
Income
(Loss)
    Capital
Expenditures
 

Cable Communications(a)

  $ 10,491      $ 4,246      $ 1,549      $ 2,697      $ 1,432   

NBCUniversal

         

Cable Networks(b)

    2,239        853        183        670        19   

Broadcast Television

    1,644        34        23        11        21   

Filmed Entertainment(b)

    1,400        189        4        185        1   

Theme Parks

    661        343        73        270        142   

Headquarters and Other(c)

    7        (167     69        (236     101   

Eliminations(d)

    (100     (2            (2       

NBCUniversal

    5,851        1,250        352        898        284   

Corporate and Other

    133        (178     16        (194     10   

Eliminations(d)

    (324     12        (1     13          

Comcast Consolidated

  $ 16,151      $ 5,330      $ 1,916      $ 3,414      $ 1,726   

 

16


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014  
(in millions)   Revenue(e)     Operating Income (Loss)
Before Depreciation and
Amortization(f)
    Depreciation
and
Amortization
     Operating
Income
(Loss)
    Capital
Expenditures
 

Cable Communications(a)

  $ 32,827      $ 13,428      $ 4,749       $ 8,679      $ 4,282   

NBCUniversal

          

Cable Networks(b)

    7,236        2,677        558         2,119        30   

Broadcast Television

    6,207        504        78         426        52   

Filmed Entertainment(b)

    3,713        634        16         618        8   

Theme Parks

    1,888        816        210         606        486   

Headquarters and Other(c)

    10        (464     244         (708     308   

Eliminations(d)

    (241     (6             (6       

NBCUniversal

    18,813        4,161        1,106         3,055        884   

Corporate and Other

    520        (532     74         (606     30   

Eliminations(d)

    (1,117     (11             (11       

Comcast Consolidated

  $ 51,043      $ 17,046      $ 5,929       $ 11,117      $ 5,196   

 

    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013  
(in millions)   Revenue(e)     Operating Income (Loss)
Before Depreciation and
Amortization(f)
    Depreciation
and
Amortization
     Operating
Income
(Loss)
    Capital
Expenditures
 

Cable Communications(a)

  $ 31,175      $ 12,800      $ 4,780       $ 8,020      $ 3,766   

NBCUniversal

          

Cable Networks(b)

    6,877        2,572        549         2,023        67   

Broadcast Television

    4,893        205        74         131        38   

Filmed Entertainment(b)

    4,004        291        11         280        4   

Theme Parks

    1,669        747        218         529        427   

Headquarters and Other(c)

    25        (416     193         (609     271   

Eliminations(d)

    (282     (5             (5       

NBCUniversal

    17,186        3,394        1,045         2,349        807   

Corporate and Other

    431        (380     48         (428     20   

Eliminations(d)

    (1,061     (25             (25       

Comcast Consolidated

  $ 47,731      $ 15,789      $ 5,873       $ 9,916      $ 4,593   

 

(a)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Cable Communications segment revenue was derived from the following sources:

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
         2014             2013             2014             2013      

Residential:

       

Video

    46.9     48.9     47.5     49.4

High-speed Internet

    25.7     24.7     25.6     24.6

Voice

    8.3     8.8     8.4     8.8

Business services

    9.2     8.0     8.8     7.6

Advertising

    5.5     5.2     5.3     5.1

Other

    4.4     4.4     4.4     4.5

Total

    100     100     100     100

Subscription revenue received from customers who purchase bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated proportionally to each service based on the individual service’s price on a stand-alone basis.

For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 2.8% of Cable Communications segment revenue was derived from franchise and other regulatory fees. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 2.9% of Cable Communications segment revenue was derived from franchise and other regulatory fees.

 

(b)

Beginning in 2014, Fandango, our movie ticketing and entertainment business that was previously presented in our Cable Networks segment, is now presented in the Filmed Entertainment segment to reflect the change in our management reporting presentation. Due to

 

17


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

 

 

immateriality, prior period amounts have not been adjusted. The change in presentation resulted in the reclassification of $195 million of goodwill from our Cable Networks segment to our Filmed Entertainment segment.

 

(c)

NBCUniversal Headquarters and Other activities includes costs associated with overhead, allocations, personnel costs and headquarter initiatives.

 

(d)

Included in Eliminations are transactions that our segments enter into with one another. The most common types of transactions are the following:

 

   

our Cable Networks and Broadcast Television segments generate revenue by selling programming to our Cable Communications segment, which represents a substantial majority of the revenue elimination amount

 

 

   

our Cable Communications segment generates revenue by selling advertising and by selling the use of satellite feeds to our Cable Networks segment

 

 

   

our Filmed Entertainment and Broadcast Television segments generate revenue by licensing content to our Cable Networks segment

 

 

   

our Cable Communications segment receives incentives offered by our Cable Networks segment in connection with its distribution of the Cable Networks’ content that are recorded as a reduction to programming expenses

 

 

(e)

No single customer accounted for a significant amount of revenue in any period.

 

(f)

We use operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, excluding impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of assets, if any, as the measure of profit or loss for our operating segments. 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. Additionally, it is unaffected by our capital structure or investment activities. We use this 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. We believe that this measure 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 may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies. This measure should not be considered a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Comcast Corporation, net cash provided by operating activities, or other measures of performance or liquidity we have reported in accordance with GAAP.

 

18


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Note 14: Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

Comcast Corporation (“Comcast Parent”), our cable guarantors and NBCUniversal Media, LLC (referred to as “NBCUniversal Media Parent” in the tables below) have fully and unconditionally guaranteed each other’s debt securities. Comcast MO Group, CCH and Comcast MO of Delaware are collectively referred to as the “Combined CCHMO Parents.”

Comcast Parent and the cable guarantors also fully and unconditionally guarantee NBCUniversal Enterprise’s $4 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, its $1.35 billion revolving credit facility due March 2018 and the associated commercial paper program. NBCUniversal Media Parent does not guarantee the NBCUniversal Enterprise senior notes, credit facility or commercial paper program.

Comcast Parent provides an unconditional subordinated guarantee of the $185 million principal amount currently outstanding of Comcast Holdings’ ZONES due October 2029. Neither the cable guarantors nor NBCUniversal Media Parent guarantee the Comcast Holdings’ ZONES due October 2029. None of Comcast Parent, the cable guarantors nor NBCUniversal Media Parent guarantee the $62 million principal amount currently outstanding of Comcast Holdings’ ZONES due November 2029.

 

19


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

September 30, 2014

 

(in millions)   Comcast
Parent
    Comcast
Holdings
    CCCL
Parent
    Combined
CCHMO
Parents
    NBCUniversal
Media Parent
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation
 

Assets

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $  —      $  —      $  —      $  —      $ 196      $ 4,351      $  —      $ 4,547   

Investments

                                5        526               531   

Receivables, net

                                       6,172               6,172   

Programming rights

                                       992               992   

Other current assets

    222                             43        1,429               1,694   

Total current assets

    222                             244        13,470               13,936   

Film and television costs

                                       5,560               5,560   

Investments

    21                             373        2,735               3,129   

Investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries eliminated upon consolidation

    84,503        103,462        110,327        59,160        41,038        95,665        (494,155       

Property and equipment, net

    202                                    30,160               30,362   

Franchise rights

                                       59,364               59,364   

Goodwill

                                       27,323               27,323   

Other intangible assets, net

    9                                    17,080               17,089   

Other noncurrent assets, net

    1,187        148                      94        2,059        (1,014     2,474   

Total assets

  $ 86,144      $ 103,610      $ 110,327      $ 59,160      $ 41,749      $ 253,416      $ (495,169   $ 159,237   

Liabilities and Equity

               

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

  $ 11      $      $      $      $      $ 5,669      $      $ 5,680   

Accrued participations and residuals

                                       1,444               1,444   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    1,374        283        347        21        415        3,997               6,437   

Current portion of long-term debt

    900                      679        1,008        936               3,523   

Total current liabilities

    2,285        283        347        700        1,423        12,046               17,084   

Long-term debt, less current portion

    28,401        131        1,827        822        9,219        4,427               44,827   

Deferred income taxes

           719                      59        32,319        (870     32,227   

Other noncurrent liabilities

    2,160                             945        7,427        (144     10,388   

Redeemable noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

                                       1,058               1,058   

Equity:

               

Common stock

    30                                                  30   

Other shareholders’ equity

    53,268        102,477        108,153        57,638        30,103        195,784        (494,155     53,268   

Total Comcast Corporation shareholders’ equity

    53,298        102,477        108,153        57,638        30,103        195,784        (494,155     53,298   

Noncontrolling interests

                                       355               355   

Total equity

    53,298        102,477        108,153        57,638        30,103        196,139        (494,155     53,653   

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 86,144      $ 103,610      $ 110,327      $ 59,160      $ 41,749      $ 253,416      $ (495,169   $ 159,237   

 

20


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2013

 

(in millions)   Comcast
Parent
    Comcast
Holdings
    CCCL
Parent
    Combined
CCHMO
Parents
    NBCUniversal
Media Parent
   

Non-

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

    Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation
 

Assets

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $  —      $  —      $  —      $  —      $ 336      $ 1,382      $  —      $ 1,718   

Investments

                                       3,573               3,573   

Receivables, net

                                       6,376               6,376   

Programming rights

                                       928               928   

Other current assets

    237                             35        1,208               1,480   

Total current assets

    237                             371        13,467               14,075   

Film and television costs

                                       4,994               4,994   

Investments

    11                             374        3,385               3,770   

Investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries eliminated upon consolidation

    79,956        97,429        102,673        54,724        40,644        85,164        (460,590       

Property and equipment, net

    220                                    29,620               29,840   

Franchise rights

                                       59,364               59,364   

Goodwill

                                       27,098               27,098   

Other intangible assets, net

    11                                    17,318               17,329   

Other noncurrent assets, net

    1,078        145                      103        1,899        (882     2,343   

Total assets

  $ 81,513      $ 97,574      $ 102,673      $ 54,724      $ 41,492      $ 242,309      $ (461,472   $ 158,813   

Liabilities and Equity

               

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

  $ 8      $      $      $      $      $ 5,520      $      $ 5,528   

Accrued participations and residuals

                                       1,239               1,239   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    1,371        266        180        47        323        6,678               8,865   

Current portion of long-term debt

    2,351                             903        26               3,280   

Total current liabilities

    3,730        266        180        47        1,226        13,463               18,912   

Long-term debt, less current portion

    25,170        132        1,827        1,505        10,236        5,697               44,567   

Deferred income taxes

           777                      59        31,840        (741     31,935   

Other noncurrent liabilities

    1,919                             931        8,675        (141     11,384   

Redeemable noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

                                       957               957   

Equity:

               

Common stock

    30                                                  30   

Other shareholders’ equity

    50,664        96,399        100,666        53,172        29,040        181,313        (460,590     50,664   

Total Comcast Corporation shareholders’ equity

    50,694        96,399        100,666        53,172        29,040        181,313        (460,590     50,694   

Noncontrolling interests

                                       364               364   

Total equity

    50,694        96,399        100,666        53,172        29,040        181,677        (460,590     51,058   

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 81,513      $ 97,574      $ 102,673      $ 54,724      $ 41,492      $ 242,309      $ (461,472   $ 158,813   

 

21


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

(in millions)   Comcast
Parent
    Comcast
Holdings
    CCCL
Parent
    Combined
CCHMO
Parents
    NBCUniversal
Media Parent
   

Non-

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

    Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation
 

Revenue:

               

Service revenue

  $      $      $      $      $      $ 16,791      $      $ 16,791   

Management fee revenue

    237               237        146                      (620       
      237               237        146               16,791        (620     16,791   

Costs and Expenses:

               

Programming and production

                                       4,772               4,772   

Other operating and administrative

    197               237        146        203        4,856        (620     5,019   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

                                       1,296               1,296   

Depreciation

    10                                    1,529               1,539   

Amortization

    1                                    419               420   
      208               237        146        203        12,872        (620     13,046   

Operating income (loss)

    29                             (203     3,919               3,745   

Other Income (Expense):

               

Interest expense

    (412     (2     (43     (29     (111     (66            (663

Investment income (loss), net

    1        2                      (14     32               21   

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    2,840        2,556        2,362        1,801        1,144        835        (11,505     33   

Other income (expense), net

                                (3     (93            (96
      2,429        2,556        2,319        1,772        1,016        708        (11,505     (705

Income (loss) before income taxes

    2,458        2,556        2,319        1,772        813        4,627        (11,505     3,040   

Income tax (expense) benefit

    134               15        10        (11     (555            (407

Net income (loss)

    2,592        2,556        2,334        1,782        802        4,072        (11,505     2,633   

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

                                       (41            (41

Net income (loss) attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 2,592      $ 2,556      $ 2,334      $ 1,782      $ 802      $ 4,031      $ (11,505   $ 2,592   

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 2,609      $ 2,551      $ 2,335      $ 1,781      $ 785      $ 4,031      $ (11,483   $ 2,609   

 

22


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

(in millions)   Comcast
Parent
    Comcast
Holdings
    CCCL
Parent
    Combined
CCHMO
Parents
    NBCUniversal
Media Parent
   

Non-

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

    Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation
 

Revenue:

               

Service revenue

  $      $      $      $      $      $ 16,151      $      $ 16,151   

Management fee revenue

    225               219        137                      (581       
      225               219        137               16,151        (581     16,151   

Costs and Expenses:

               

Programming and production

                                       4,787               4,787   

Other operating and administrative

    92               219        137        211        4,673        (581     4,751   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

                                       1,283               1,283   

Depreciation

    7                                    1,513               1,520   

Amortization

    1                                    395               396   
      100               219        137        211        12,651        (581     12,737   

Operating income (loss)

    125                             (211     3,500               3,414   

Other Income (Expense):

               

Interest expense

    (382     (3     (45     (30     (123     (56            (639

Investment income (loss), net

    1        (5                   (3     471               464   

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    1,898        1,787        1,850        1,371        576        106        (7,718     (130

Other income (expense), net

                                       (310            (310
      1,517        1,779        1,805        1,341        450        211        (7,718     (615

Income (loss) before income taxes

    1,642        1,779        1,805        1,341        239        3,711        (7,718     2,799   

Income tax (expense) benefit

    90        3        15        11        (3     (1,137            (1,021

Net income (loss)

    1,732        1,782        1,820        1,352        236        2,574        (7,718     1,778   

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

                                       (46            (46

Net income (loss) attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 1,732      $ 1,782      $ 1,820      $ 1,352      $ 236      $ 2,528      $ (7,718   $ 1,732   

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 1,545      $ 1,828      $ 1,864      $ 1,415      $ 244      $ 2,327      $ (7,678   $ 1,545   

 

23


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

(in millions)   Comcast
Parent
    Comcast
Holdings
    CCCL
Parent
    Combined
CCHMO
Parents
    NBCUniversal
Media Parent
   

Non-

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

    Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation
 

Revenue:

               

Service revenue

  $      $      $      $      $      $ 51,043      $      $ 51,043   

Management fee revenue

    704               691        432                      (1,827       
      704               691        432               51,043        (1,827     51,043   

Costs and Expenses:

               

Programming and production

                                       15,554               15,554   

Other operating and administrative

    471               691        432        697        14,231        (1,827     14,695   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

                                       3,748               3,748   

Depreciation

    25                                    4,682               4,707   

Amortization

    4                                    1,218               1,222   
      500               691        432        697        39,433        (1,827     39,926   

Operating income (loss)

    204                             (697     11,610               11,117   

Other Income (Expense):

               

Interest expense

    (1,199     (8     (132     (88     (360     (166            (1,953

Investment income (loss), net

    3        5                      (9     255               254   

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    7,100        6,731        6,301        4,866        3,386        2,385        (30,682     87   

Other income (expense), net

                                       (150            (150
      5,904        6,728        6,169        4,778        3,017        2,324        (30,682     (1,762

Income (loss) before income taxes

    6,108        6,728        6,169        4,778        2,320        13,934        (30,682     9,355   

Income tax (expense) benefit

    347        1        46        31        (22     (3,162            (2,759

Net income (loss)

    6,455        6,729        6,215        4,809        2,298        10,772        (30,682     6,596   

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

                                       (141            (141

Net income (loss) attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 6,455      $ 6,729      $ 6,215      $ 4,809      $ 2,298      $ 10,631      $ (30,682   $ 6,455   

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 6,402      $ 6,732      $ 6,217      $ 4,809      $ 2,302      $ 10,566      $ (30,626   $ 6,402   

 

24


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

(in millions)   Comcast
Parent
    Comcast
Holdings
    CCCL
Parent
    Combined
CCHMO
Parents
    NBCUniversal
Media Parent
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation
 

Revenue:

               

Service revenue

  $      $      $      $      $      $ 47,731      $      $ 47,731   

Management fee revenue

    668               650        407                      (1,725       
      668               650        407               47,731        (1,725     47,731   

Costs and Expenses:

               

Programming and production

                                       14,418               14,418   

Other operating and administrative

    291               650        407        641        13,523        (1,725     13,787   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

                                       3,737               3,737   

Depreciation

    22                                    4,647               4,669   

Amortization

    4                                    1,200               1,204   
      317               650        407        641        37,525        (1,725     37,815   

Operating income (loss)

    351                             (641     10,206               9,916   

Other Income (Expense):

               

Interest expense

    (1,141     (8     (169     (96     (366     (148            (1,928

Investment income (loss), net

    3        (2                   (2     550               549   

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    5,416        5,438        5,448        3,982        2,236        1,118        (23,734     (96

Other income (expense), net

    (2            2                      (280            (280
      4,276        5,428        5,281        3,886        1,868        1,240        (23,734     (1,755

Income (loss) before income taxes

    4,627        5,428        5,281        3,886        1,227        11,446        (23,734     8,161   

Income tax (expense) benefit

    276        4        58        34        (13     (3,353            (2,994

Net income (loss)

    4,903        5,432        5,339        3,920        1,214        8,093        (23,734     5,167   

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

                                       (264            (264

Net income (loss) attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 4,903      $ 5,432      $ 5,339      $ 3,920      $ 1,214      $ 7,829      $ (23,734   $ 4,903   

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 4,804      $ 5,471      $ 5,386      $ 3,983      $ 1,176      $ 7,741      $ (23,757   $ 4,804   

 

25


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

 

(in millions)   Comcast
Parent
    Comcast
Holdings
    CCCL
Parent
    Combined
CCHMO
Parents
    NBCUniversal
Media Parent
   

Non-

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

    Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation
 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ (433   $ 11      $ 84      $ (88   $ (998   $ 13,726      $  —      $ 12,302   

Investing Activities

               

Net transactions with affiliates

    2,349        (11     (84     88        1,761        (4,103              

Capital expenditures

    (3                                 (5,193            (5,196

Cash paid for intangible assets

    (2                                 (733            (735

Acquisitions and construction of real estate properties

                                       (28            (28

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

                                       (477            (477

Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments

                                1        621               622   

Return of capital from investees

                                       6               6   

Purchases of investments

    (10                          (6     (129            (145

Other

                                4        (131            (127

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    2,334        (11     (84     88        1,760        (10,167            (6,080

Financing Activities

               

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

    (1,350                                 913               (437

Proceeds from borrowings

    4,180                                    2               4,182   

Repurchases and repayments of debt

    (1,000                          (902     (1,270            (3,172

Repurchases and retirements of common stock

    (2,250                                               (2,250

Dividends paid

    (1,676                                               (1,676

Issuances of common stock

    33                                                  33   

Distributions to noncontrolling interests and dividends for redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

                                       (170            (170

Other

    162                                    (65            97   

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (1,901                          (902     (590            (3,393

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

                                (140     2,969               2,829   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

                                336        1,382               1,718   

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $      $      $      $      $ 196      $ 4,351      $      $ 4,547   

 

26


Table of Contents

Comcast Corporation

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

(in millions)   Comcast
Parent
    Comcast
Holdings
    CCCL
Parent
    Combined
CCHMO
Parents
    NBCUniversal
Media Parent
   

Non-

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

    Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
    Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation
 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ (451   $ (7   $ (3   $ (99   $ (767   $ 13,006      $  —      $ 11,679   

Investing Activities

               

Net transactions with affiliates

    (116     7        2,100        337        (900     (1,428              

Capital expenditures

    (3                                 (4,590            (4,593

Cash paid for intangible assets

    (1                                 (693            (694

Acquisitions and construction of real estate properties

                                       (1,705            (1,705

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

                                       (42            (42

Proceeds from sales of businesses and investments

                                       655               655   

Return of capital from investees

                                128        18               146   

Purchases of investments

    (8                          (2     (1,167            (1,177

Other

                                (20     103               83   

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (128     7        2,100        337        (794     (8,849            (7,327

Financing Activities

               

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

    400                                    (5            395   

Proceeds from borrowings

    2,933                                                  2,933   

Repurchases and repayments of debt

                  (2,097     (238     (88     (19            (2,442

Repurchases and retirements of common stock

    (1,500                                               (1,500

Dividends paid

    (1,454                                               (1,454

Issuances of common stock

    35                                                  35   

Purchase of NBCUniversal noncontrolling common equity interest

                                (3,200     (7,561            (10,761

Distributions to noncontrolling interests and dividends for redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

                                       (164            (164

Settlement of Station Venture liability

                                       (602            (602

Other

    165                             (40     (265            (140

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    579               (2,097     (238     (3,328     (8,616            (13,700

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

                                (4,889     (4,459            (9,348

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

                                5,129        5,822               10,951   

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $      $  —      $      $      $ 240      $ 1,363      $      $ 1,603   

 

27


Table of Contents

ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

We are a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. We present our operations for Comcast Cable in one reportable business segment, referred to as Cable Communications, and our operations for NBCUniversal in four reportable business segments.

Cable Communications Segment

Comcast Cable is the nation’s largest provider of video, high-speed Internet and voice services (“cable services”) to residential customers under the XFINITY brand, and we also provide similar and other services to small and medium-sized businesses. As of September 30, 2014, our cable systems served 22.4 million video customers, 21.6 million high-speed Internet customers and 11.1 million voice customers, with 26.9 million total customer relationships and passed more than 54 million homes and businesses. Our Cable Communications segment generates revenue primarily from subscriptions to our cable services, which we market individually and in packages, and from the sale of advertising. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, our Cable Communications segment generated 64% of our consolidated revenue and 79% of our operating income before depreciation and amortization.

NBCUniversal Segments

NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies that develops, produces and distributes entertainment, news and information, sports, and other content for global audiences. The Cable Networks, Broadcast Television, Filmed Entertainment and Theme Parks segments comprise the NBCUniversal businesses and are collectively referred to as the NBCUniversal segments.

Cable Networks

Our Cable Networks segment consists primarily of a diversified portfolio of cable television networks. Our cable networks are comprised of our national cable networks, which provide a variety of entertainment, news and information, and sports content, our regional sports networks, various international cable networks, and our cable television production operations. Our Cable Networks segment generates revenue primarily from the distribution of our cable network programming to multichannel video providers, from the sale of advertising on our cable networks and related digital media properties, and from the licensing of our owned programming.

Broadcast Television

Our Broadcast Television segment consists primarily of the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, our NBC and Telemundo owned local broadcast television stations, and our broadcast television production operations. Our Broadcast Television segment generates revenue primarily from the sale of advertising on our broadcast networks, owned local broadcast television stations and related digital media properties, from the licensing of our owned programming, and from fees received under retransmission consent agreements.

Filmed Entertainment

Our Filmed Entertainment segment primarily produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide, and it also develops, produces and licenses live stage plays. Our Filmed Entertainment segment generates revenue primarily from the worldwide distribution of our owned and acquired films for exhibition in movie theaters, from the licensing of our owned and acquired films through various distribution platforms, and from the sale of our owned and acquired films on standard-definition video discs and Blu-ray discs (together, “DVDs”) and electronically through digital distributors. Our Filmed Entertainment segment also generates revenue from producing and licensing live stage plays, from distributing filmed entertainment produced by third parties, and from various digital media properties.

Theme Parks

Our Theme Parks segment consists primarily of our Universal theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood. Our Theme Parks segment generates revenue primarily from theme park attendance and per capita spending. Per

 

28


Table of Contents

capita spending includes ticket price and in-park spending on food, beverages and merchandise. Our Theme Parks segment also receives fees from third parties that own and operate Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore for intellectual property licenses and other services.

Other

Our other business interests primarily include Comcast-Spectacor, which owns the Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center arena in Philadelphia and operates arena management-related businesses.

Significant Developments

The following are the more significant developments in our businesses during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

 

   

the entry into an agreement and plan of merger with Time Warner Cable Inc. (“Time Warner Cable”) whereby Time Warner Cable would become our wholly owned subsidiary; see “Time Warner Cable Merger” below for additional information

 

 

   

the entry into a transactions agreement with Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”), contemplating three transactions that would result in a net disposition of approximately 3.9 million video customers; see “Divestiture Transactions” below for additional information

 

 

   

an agreement with the International Olympic Committee to extend NBCUniversal’s broadcast rights of the Olympic Games from 2022 through 2032 for $7.75 billion

 

Time Warner Cable Merger

On February 12, 2014, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “merger agreement”) with Time Warner Cable Inc. (“Time Warner Cable”) whereby Time Warner Cable will become our wholly owned subsidiary (the “Time Warner Cable merger”). Time Warner Cable stockholders will receive, in exchange for each share of Time Warner Cable common stock owned immediately prior to the Time Warner Cable merger, 2.875 shares of our Class A common stock. We estimate that at the time of closing, Time Warner Cable stockholders will own approximately 24% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Because the exchange ratio was fixed at the time of the merger agreement and the market value of our Class A common stock will continue to fluctuate, the number of shares of Class A common stock to be issued and the total value of the consideration exchanged will not be determinable until the closing date. The Time Warner Cable merger was approved by Comcast shareholders on October 8, 2014 and by Time Warner Cable stockholders on October 9, 2014. The Time Warner Cable merger remains subject to regulatory review and other customary conditions and is expected to close in early 2015.

Divestiture Transactions

The terms of the merger agreement contemplate that we are prepared to divest systems serving up to approximately 3 million video customers of our company following the Time Warner Cable merger in order to obtain applicable regulatory approvals. As a result of this commitment, on April 25, 2014, we entered into a transactions agreement with Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) that, if consummated, would satisfy the divestiture undertaking. Under the transactions agreement, following the close of the Time Warner Cable merger and subject to various conditions, we would divest cable systems resulting in a net disposition of approximately 3.9 million video customers through three transactions: (1) a spin-off of cable systems serving approximately 2.5 million of our video customers (the “spin-off transaction”) into a newly formed public entity (“SpinCo”), (2) an exchange of cable systems serving approximately 1.5 million Time Warner Cable video customers for cable systems serving approximately 1.7 million Charter video customers, and (3) a sale to Charter of cable systems serving approximately 1.5 million Time Warner Cable video customers for cash (collectively, the “divestiture transactions”).

In connection with the spin-off transaction and prior to the spin-off, it is expected that SpinCo will incur new debt to fund a cash distribution to us and to issue notes to us, which notes will enable us to then retire a portion of our debt. In the spin-off transaction, we will distribute common stock of SpinCo pro rata to the holders of all of our outstanding common stock, including the former Time Warner Cable stockholders who continue to hold

 

29


Table of Contents

shares through the record date of the spin-off transaction. After the spin-off transaction, a newly formed, wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Charter will merge with and into Charter with the effect that all shares of Charter will be converted into shares of a new holding company, which will survive as the publicly traded parent company of Charter (“New Charter”). New Charter will then acquire an interest in SpinCo by issuing New Charter stock in exchange for a portion of the outstanding SpinCo stock, following which it is expected that Comcast shareholders will own approximately 67% of SpinCo and New Charter will own approximately 33% of SpinCo. In addition, it is expected that Comcast shareholders will own approximately 10% of New Charter, though the actual percentage of New Charter that will be owned by Comcast shareholders will depend on a number of factors, some of which will not be known until the completion of the divestiture transactions. Following the close of the divestiture transactions, we will no longer have any ownership interest in SpinCo.

The close of the divestiture transactions is subject to the completion of the Time Warner Cable merger, Charter stockholder approval, completion of the SpinCo financing transactions, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. The Time Warner Cable merger and the divestiture transactions are subject to separate conditions, and the Time Warner Cable merger can be completed regardless of whether the divestiture transactions are ultimately completed.

Competition

The results of operations of our reportable business segments are affected by competition, as all of our businesses operate in competitive, consumer-driven and rapidly changing environments and compete with a growing number of companies that provide a broad range of communications products and services and entertainment, news and information content to consumers. Additionally, there continue to be new companies with significant financial resources that potentially may compete on a larger scale with our cable services, as well as with our cable and broadcast networks and filmed entertainment businesses.

Competition for the cable services we offer consists primarily of direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) providers, which have a national footprint and compete in all of our service areas, and phone companies with fiber-based networks, which overlap over 50% of our service areas and are continuing to expand their fiber-based networks. We also compete with other providers of traditional cable services. All of these companies typically offer features, pricing and packaging for services comparable to our cable services.

Each of NBCUniversal’s businesses also faces substantial and increasing competition from providers of similar types of content, as well as from other forms of entertainment and recreational activities. NBCUniversal also must compete to obtain talent, programming and other resources required in operating these businesses.

Technological changes are further intensifying and complicating the competitive landscape for all of our businesses by challenging existing business models and affecting consumer behavior. Services and devices that enable online digital distribution of movies, television shows, and other cable and broadcast video programming continue to gain consumer acceptance and evolve, including some services that charge a nominal or no fee for such programming. These services and devices may negatively affect demand for our video services, as well as demand for our cable network, broadcast television and filmed entertainment content, as the number of entertainment choices available to consumers increases and intensifies challenges posed by audience fragmentation. Wireless services and devices also continue to evolve that allow consumers to access information, entertainment and communication services, which could negatively impact demand for our cable services, including for our voice services as people substitute mobile phones for landline phones. In addition, delayed viewing and advertising skipping have become more common as the penetration of digital video recorders (“DVRs”) and similar products has increased and as content has become increasingly available via video-on-demand services and Internet sources, which may have a negative impact on our advertising revenue.

In our Cable Communications segment, we believe that adding more content and delivering it on an increasing variety of platforms will assist in attracting and retaining customers for our cable services. To further enhance our video and high-speed Internet services, we continue to develop and launch new technology initiatives, such as our X1 platform and Cloud DVR technology, and deploy new wireless gateway devices. In our NBCUniversal segments, to compete for consumers of our content and for customers at our theme parks, we have invested, and will continue to invest, substantial amounts in acquiring content and producing original content for our cable

 

30


Table of Contents

networks and broadcast television networks, including the acquisition of sports rights, and will continue to invest in our film productions and in the development of new theme park attractions.

Seasonality and Cyclicality

Each of our businesses is subject to seasonal and cyclical variations. In our Cable Communications segment, our results are impacted by the seasonal nature of customers receiving our cable services in college and vacation markets. This generally results in a reduction in net customer additions in the second calendar quarter and an increase in net customer additions in the third and fourth calendar quarters of each year.

Revenue in our Cable Communications, Cable Networks and Broadcast Television segments is subject to cyclicality, with a benefit in even-numbered years from advertising related to candidates running for political office and issue-oriented advertising. Revenue and operating costs and expenses in our Cable Networks and Broadcast Television segments are also cyclical as a result of our periodic broadcasts of the Olympic Games and the Super Bowl. Our advertising revenue generally increases in the period of these broadcasts as a result of increased demand for advertising time, and our operating costs and expenses also increase as a result of our production costs and the amortization of the related rights fees.

Revenue in our Filmed Entertainment segment fluctuates due to the timing of the release of films in movie theaters and the release of our films on DVD and through digital distributors. Release dates are determined by several factors, including competition and the timing of vacation and holiday periods. As a result, revenue tends to be seasonal, with increases experienced each year during the summer months and around the holidays. Revenue in our Cable Networks and Broadcast Television segments fluctuates depending on the timing of when our programming is aired on television, which typically results in higher advertising revenue in the second and fourth calendar quarters of each year. Revenue in our Cable Networks, Broadcast Television and Filmed Entertainment segments also fluctuates due to the timing of when our owned content is made available to licensees.

Revenue in our Theme Parks segment fluctuates with changes in theme park attendance that result from the seasonal nature of vacation travel, local entertainment offerings and seasonal weather variations. Our theme parks generally experience peak attendance during the summer months when schools are closed and during early winter and spring holiday periods.

Consolidated Operating Results

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Increase/
(Decrease)
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
    Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014             2013                2014     2013         

Revenue

  $ 16,791      $ 16,151        4.0   $ 51,043      $ 47,731        6.9

Costs and Expenses:

           

Programming and production

    4,772        4,787        (0.3     15,554        14,418        7.9   

Other operating and administrative

    5,019        4,751        5.7        14,695        13,787        6.6   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    1,296        1,283        0.9        3,748        3,737        0.3   

Depreciation

    1,539        1,520        1.3        4,707        4,669        0.8   

Amortization

    420        396        6.2        1,222        1,204        1.6   

Operating income

    3,745        3,414        9.7        11,117        9,916        12.1   

Other income (expense) items, net

    (705     (615     14.5        (1,762     (1,755     0.3   

Income before income taxes

    3,040        2,799        8.6        9,355        8,161        14.6   

Income tax expense

    (407     (1,021     (60.1     (2,759     (2,994     (7.8

Net income

    2,633        1,778        48.0        6,596        5,167        27.7   

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

    (41     (46     (12.7     (141     (264     (46.6

Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 2,592      $ 1,732        49.7   $ 6,455      $ 4,903        31.7

All percentages are calculated based on actual amounts. Minor differences may exist due to rounding.

Percentage changes that are considered not meaningful are denoted with NM.

 

31


Table of Contents

Consolidated Revenue

Our Cable Communications, Cable Networks, Broadcast Television and Theme Parks segments, as well as our other businesses accounted for the increases in consolidated revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Excluding $1.1 billion of revenue associated with the broadcast of the 2014 Sochi Olympics in February 2014, consolidated revenue increased 4.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Revenue for our Cable Communications and NBCUniversal segments is discussed separately below under the heading “Segment Operating Results.” Revenue for our other businesses is discussed separately below under the heading “Corporate and Other Results of Operations.”

Consolidated Costs and Expenses

Our Cable Communications, Cable Networks, Broadcast Television and Theme Parks segments accounted for substantially all of the increases in consolidated costs and expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization (“operating costs and expenses”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The increases were partially offset by lower operating costs and expenses in our Filmed Entertainment segment. Operating costs and expenses for our Cable Communications and NBCUniversal segments are discussed separately below under the heading “Segment Operating Results.”

Our Corporate and Other operating costs and expenses includes transaction-related costs associated with the Time Warner Cable merger and the divestiture transactions of $77 million and $138 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Operating costs and expenses for our corporate and other businesses are discussed separately below under the heading “Corporate and Other Results of Operations.”

Segment Operating Results

Our segment operating results are presented based on how we assess operating performance and internally report financial information. We use operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, excluding impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of assets, if any, as the measure of profit or loss for our operating segments. 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. Additionally, it is unaffected by our capital structure or investment activities. We use this 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. We believe that this measure 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 may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Because we use operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization to measure our segment profit or loss, we reconcile it to operating income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), in the business segment footnote to our condensed consolidated financial statements (see Note 13 to Comcast’s condensed consolidated financial statements and Note 10 to NBCUniversal’s condensed consolidated financial statements). This measure should not be considered a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Comcast Corporation or NBCUniversal, net cash provided by operating activities, or other measures of performance or liquidity we have reported in accordance with GAAP.

Beginning in 2014, Fandango, our movie ticketing and entertainment business that was previously presented in our Cable Networks segment, is now presented in the Filmed Entertainment segment to reflect the change in our management reporting presentation. Due to immateriality, prior period amounts have not been adjusted.

 

32


Table of Contents

Cable Communications Segment Results of Operations

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014              2013          $     %  

Revenue

         

Residential:

         

Video

  $ 5,179       $ 5,127       $ 52        1.0

High-speed Internet

    2,840         2,592         248        9.6   

Voice

    913         919         (6     (0.5

Business services

    1,011         836         175        21.0   

Advertising

    607         541         66        12.3   

Other

    491         476         15        2.4   

Total revenue

    11,041         10,491         550        5.2   

Operating costs and expenses

         

Programming

    2,450         2,288         162        7.1   

Technical and product support

    1,378         1,346         32        2.3   

Customer service

    556         527         29        5.6   

Franchise and other regulatory fees

    328         313         15        4.5   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    827         757         70        9.1   

Other

    1,038         1,014         24        2.6   

Total operating costs and expenses

    6,577         6,245         332        5.3   

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 4,464       $ 4,246       $ 218        5.1

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)   2014      2013      $      %  

Revenue

          

Residential:

          

Video

  $ 15,596       $ 15,415       $ 181         1.2

High-speed Internet

    8,409         7,684         725         9.4   

Voice

    2,755         2,729         26         1.0   

Business services

    2,893         2,365         528         22.3   

Advertising

    1,725         1,587         138         8.7   

Other

    1,449         1,395         54         3.7   

Total revenue

    32,827         31,175         1,652         5.3   

Operating costs and expenses

          

Programming

    7,335         6,821         514         7.5   

Technical and product support

    4,120         3,996         124         3.1   

Customer service

    1,648         1,565         83         5.3   

Franchise and other regulatory fees

    974         932         42         4.4   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    2,312         2,150         162         7.5   

Other

    3,010         2,911         99         3.5   

Total operating costs and expenses

    19,399         18,375         1,024         5.6   

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 13,428       $ 12,800       $ 628         4.9

Beginning in 2014, our Cable Communications segment revised its methodology for counting customers related to how we count and report customers who reside in multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) that are billed under bulk contracts (the “billable customers method”). For MDUs whose residents have the ability to receive additional cable services, such as additional programming choices or our high-definition (“HD”) or DVR services, we now count and report customers based on the number of potential billable relationships within each MDU. For MDUs whose residents are not able to receive additional cable services, the MDU is now counted as a single customer. Previously, we had counted and reported these customers on an equivalent billing unit basis by dividing monthly revenue received under an MDU’s bulk contract by the standard monthly residential rate where the MDU was located (the “EBU method”). We believe the billable customers method is consistent with the methodology used by other companies in our industry, including Time Warner Cable, to count and report customers.

 

33


Table of Contents

The tables below present customer metrics using the billable customers method. Because the differences in the number of customers using the billable customers method and the EBU method for high-speed Internet and voice customers were not material, high-speed Internet and voice customer metrics as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are presented using the EBU method.

Customer Metrics—Billable Customers Method

 

    Total Customers      Net Additional Customers  

(in thousands)

 

September 30

2014

    

September 30

2013

     Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
            2014             2013             2014             2013      

Video customers

    22,376         22,531         (81     (127     (200     (313

High-speed Internet customers

    21,586         20,283         315        297        901        917   

Voice customers

    11,070         10,496         68        169        347        541   

Total customer relationships

    26,857         26,555         82                180           

Single product customers

    8,444         8,921         (66       (308  

Double product customers

    8,650         8,491         76          110     

Triple product customers

    9,763         9,144         72                379           

Customer metrics include residential and business customers. Customer relationships represent the number of residential and business customers that subscribe to at least one of our cable services and are presented based on actual amounts. Single product, double product and triple product customers represent customers that subscribe to one, two or three of our cable services, respectively.

Cable Communications Segment—Revenue

Our Cable Communications segment leverages our existing cable distribution system to grow revenue by, among other things, adding new customers, encouraging existing customers to add additional or higher-tier services, and growing other services such as our business services offerings and our home security and automation services. We offer our cable services in bundles and often provide promotional incentives. We seek to balance promotional offers and rate increases with their expected effects on the number of customers and overall revenue.

Video

Video revenue increased 1.0% and 1.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013. An increase in the number of customers receiving additional and higher levels of video service and rate adjustments accounted for increases in revenue of 2.3% and 2.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, the number of customers who subscribed to our advanced services, which are HD and DVR services, increased 4.5% to 12.8 million customers compared to the same period in 2013. The increases in revenue in both periods were partially offset by a decline in pay-per-view revenue due to fewer events and fewer residential video customers compared to the prior year periods. The decrease in the number of residential video customers was primarily due to competitive pressures in our service areas from phone and DBS competitors and the impact of rate adjustments. We may experience further declines in the number of residential video customers.

High-Speed Internet

High-speed Internet revenue increased 9.6% and 9.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013. An increase in the number of residential customers receiving our high-speed Internet service accounted for increases in revenue of 5.8% and 6.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The remaining increases in revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were primarily due to higher rates from customers receiving higher levels of service and rate adjustments. Our customer base continues to grow as consumers choose our high-speed Internet service and seek higher-speed offerings.

Voice

Voice revenue decreased slightly for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and increased 1.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013. While the number of residential customer additions slowed, the number of residential customers still increased by 5.5% as of September 30, 2014

 

34


Table of Contents

compared to the same period in 2013. This growth was offset by promotions and our discounted bundled offerings.

Business Services

Business services revenue increased 21.0% and 22.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013. The increases were primarily due to a higher number of small business customers receiving our high-speed Internet and voice services. The remaining increases in both periods were primarily due to continued growth in the number of medium-sized business customers receiving our other services, such as Ethernet network and cellular backhaul services. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, revenue from our medium-sized business customers represented 22% and 21%, respectively, of total business services revenue. We believe the increase in business customers is primarily the result of our efforts to gain market share from competitors by offering competitive services and pricing.

Advertising

Advertising revenue increased 12.3% and 8.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to increases in political advertising revenue, as well as increases in revenue in our core national and local advertising markets.

Other

Other revenue increased 2.4% and 3.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to increases in revenue from other services, including our home security and automation services, as well as increases in franchise and other regulatory fees.

Cable Communications Segment—Operating Costs and Expenses

Our most significant operating cost is the programming expense we incur to provide content to our video customers. We anticipate that our programming expenses will continue to increase. We have and will continue to attempt to offset increases in programming expenses through rate increases and the sale of additional video and other services, as well as by achieving operating efficiencies.

Programming costs increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to increases in programming license fees, including retransmission consent fees and sports programming costs, and fees to secure rights for additional programming for our customers across an increasing number of platforms.

Technical and product support expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to expenses related to customer fulfillment activities, expenses related to the development, delivery and support of our products and services, including our X1 platform, Cloud DVR technology and wireless gateways, and the continued growth in business services.

Customer service expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to increases in total labor costs associated with increases in customer service activity. The increases in customer service activity were primarily due to sales and related support activity associated with the continued deployment of enhanced services and devices, which include our X1 platform, Cloud DVR technology, wireless gateways, home security and automation services, and continued growth in business services.

Franchise and other regulatory fees increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to increases in residential and business services revenue.

Advertising, marketing and promotion expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to increases in spending associated with attracting new residential and business services customers and encouraging existing customers to add additional or higher-tier services.

Other costs and expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to increases in costs to support the advertising sales business, as well as increases in other administrative costs.

 

35


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Segments Results of Operations

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014             2013         $     %  

Revenue

       

Cable Networks

  $ 2,255      $ 2,239      $ 16        0.7

Broadcast Television

    1,770        1,644        126        7.7   

Filmed Entertainment

    1,186        1,400        (214     (15.2

Theme Parks

    786        661        125        18.7   

Headquarters, other and eliminations

    (76     (93     17        NM   

Total revenue

  $ 5,921      $ 5,851      $ 70        1.2

Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization

       

Cable Networks

  $ 868      $ 853      $ 15        1.8

Broadcast Television

    142        34        108        318.0   

Filmed Entertainment

    151        189        (38     (20.3

Theme Parks

    402        343        59        16.9   

Headquarters, other and eliminations

    (147     (169     22        (13.9

Total operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 1,416      $ 1,250      $ 166        13.3

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
    Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)   2014     2013     $     %  

Revenue

       

Cable Networks

  $ 7,236      $ 6,877      $ 359        5.2

Broadcast Television

    6,207        4,893        1,314        26.9   

Filmed Entertainment

    3,713        4,004        (291     (7.3

Theme Parks

    1,888        1,669        219        13.1   

Headquarters, other and eliminations

    (231     (257     26        NM   

Total revenue

  $ 18,813      $ 17,186      $ 1,627        9.5

Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization

       

Cable Networks

  $ 2,677      $ 2,572      $ 105        4.1

Broadcast Television

    504        205        299        145.6   

Filmed Entertainment

    634        291        343        117.7   

Theme Parks

    816        747        69        9.1   

Headquarters, other and eliminations

    (470     (421     (49     (11.3

Total operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 4,161      $ 3,394      $ 767        22.6

Cable Networks Segment Results of Operations

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30

     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014              2013          $     %  

Revenue

         

Distribution

  $ 1,281       $ 1,219       $ 62        5.1

Advertising

    796         835         (39     (4.6

Content licensing and other

    178         185         (7     (4.5

Total revenue

    2,255         2,239         16        0.7   

Operating costs and expenses

         

Programming and production

    972         953         19        2.0   

Other operating and administrative

    302         313         (11     (3.5

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    113         120         (7     (6.2

Total operating costs and expenses

    1,387         1,386         1        0.1   

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 868       $ 853       $ 15        1.8

 

36


Table of Contents
   

Nine Months Ended

September 30

    

Increase/

(Decrease)

 
(in millions)       2014              2013          $     %  

Revenue

         

Distribution

  $ 4,024       $ 3,679       $ 345        9.4

Advertising

    2,637         2,629         8        0.3   

Content licensing and other

    575         569         6        0.9   

Total revenue

    7,236         6,877         359        5.2   

Operating costs and expenses

         

Programming and production

    3,283         2,945         338        11.5   

Other operating and administrative

    914         985         (71     (7.3

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    362         375         (13     (3.7

Total operating costs and expenses

    4,559         4,305         254        5.9   

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 2,677       $ 2,572       $ 105        4.1

Cable Networks Segment—Revenue

Cable Networks revenue increased slightly for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to an increase in distribution revenue, which was partially offset by a decrease in advertising revenue. The increase in distribution revenue was primarily due to increases in the contractual rates charged under distribution agreements. The decrease in advertising revenue was primarily due to a continuing decline in the audience ratings at our networks, which was partially offset by higher volume and prices of advertising units sold. Cable Networks revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was also impacted by the absence of the Style network and Fandango in the current year period.

Cable Networks revenue increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to an increase in distribution revenue. The increase in distribution revenue was primarily due to our broadcast of the 2014 Sochi Olympics in February 2014 and increases in the contractual rates charged under distribution agreements. Cable Networks revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was also impacted by the absence of the Style network and Fandango in the current year period. Excluding $257 million of revenue associated with the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Cable Networks revenue increased 1.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 13% and 12%, respectively, of our Cable Networks segment revenue was generated from our Cable Communications segment. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 13% of our Cable Networks segment revenue was generated from our Cable Communications segment. These amounts are eliminated in our condensed consolidated financial statements but are included in the amounts presented above.

Cable Networks Segment—Operating Costs and Expenses

Operating costs and expenses remained flat for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. Operating costs and expenses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to an increase in programming and production costs, which was partially offset by decreases in other operating and administrative expenses and advertising, marketing and promotion expenses. The increase in programming and production costs was primarily due to costs associated with the 2014 Sochi Olympics, as well as our continued investment in programming, including sports programming rights costs. The decreases in other operating and administrative costs and advertising, marketing and promotion expenses were primarily due to the absence of the Style network and Fandango in the current year period. Other operating and administrative costs also decreased due to lower employee-related costs.

 

37


Table of Contents

Broadcast Television Segment Results of Operations

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30

     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014              2013          $     %  

Revenue

         

Advertising

  $ 1,153       $ 1,104       $ 49        4.4

Content licensing

    402         355         47        12.9   

Other

    215         185         30        17.2   

Total revenue

    1,770         1,644         126        7.7   

Operating costs and expenses

         

Programming and production

    1,214         1,194         20        1.6   

Other operating and administrative

    290         295         (5     (1.2

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    124         121         3        2.4   

Total operating costs and expenses

    1,628         1,610         18        1.1   

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 142       $ 34       $ 108        318.0

 

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30

     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014              2013          $      %  

Revenue

          

Advertising

  $ 4,231       $ 3,323       $ 908         27.3

Content licensing

    1,242         1,048         194         18.4   

Other

    734         522         212         40.9   

Total revenue

    6,207         4,893         1,314         26.9   

Operating costs and expenses

          

Programming and production

    4,425         3,508         917         26.1   

Other operating and administrative

    901         879         22         2.7   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    377         301         76         25.2   

Total operating costs and expenses

    5,703         4,688         1,015         21.7   

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 504       $ 205       $ 299         145.6

Broadcast Television Segment—Revenue

Broadcast Television revenue increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to increases in advertising revenue, content licensing revenue and other revenue. The increases in advertising revenue in both periods were primarily due to increases in audience ratings and higher volume and prices of advertising units sold. The increase in content licensing revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to the timing of content provided under our licensing agreements. The increase in content licensing revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to new content licensing agreements. The increases in other revenue in both periods were primarily due to fees recognized under our retransmission consent agreements. The increases in advertising revenue and other revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were associated with our broadcast of the 2014 Sochi Olympics in February 2014. Excluding $846 million of revenue associated with the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Broadcast Television revenue increased 9.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to higher advertising revenue related to an increase in audience ratings and higher volume and prices of advertising units sold.

Broadcast Television Segment—Operating Costs and Expenses

Operating costs and expenses increased for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to an increase in programming and production costs associated with the timing of when certain shows in our primetime schedule were aired, as well as our continued investment in original programming.

Operating costs and expenses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to an increase in programming and production costs associated with our broadcast of the 2014 Sochi Olympics, as well as our continued investment in original programming.

 

38


Table of Contents

Filmed Entertainment Segment Results of Operations

 

   

Three Months Ended

September 30

     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014              2013          $     %  

Revenue

         

Theatrical

  $ 265       $ 559       $ (294     (52.5 )% 

Content licensing

    439         379         60        15.9   

Home entertainment

    321         359         (38     (10.6

Other

    161         103         58        55.8   

Total revenue

    1,186         1,400         (214     (15.2

Operating costs and expenses

         

Programming and production

    541         720         (179     (24.8

Other operating and administrative

    223         188         35        19.5   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    271         303         (32     (10.8

Total operating costs and expenses

    1,035         1,211         (176     (14.5

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 151       $ 189       $ (38     (20.3 )% 

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014              2013          $     %  

Revenue

         

Theatrical

  $ 836       $ 1,425       $ (589     (41.4 )% 

Content licensing

    1,366         1,223         143        11.7   

Home entertainment

    1,036         1,069         (33     (3.0

Other

    475         287         188        65.3   

Total revenue

    3,713         4,004         (291     (7.3

Operating costs and expenses

         

Programming and production

    1,692         2,235         (543     (24.3

Other operating and administrative

    620         519         101        19.5   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    767         959         (192     (20.0

Total operating costs and expenses

    3,079         3,713         (634     (17.1

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 634       $ 291       $ 343        117.7

Filmed Entertainment Segment—Revenue

Filmed Entertainment revenue decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to decreases in theatrical revenue, which were partially offset by increases in other revenue and content licensing revenue. The decrease in theatrical revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to the strong performance of Despicable Me 2 in the prior year period, which was partially offset by the performance of our current period releases, including Lucy. The decrease in theatrical revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to the strong performance of our prior year period releases, including Despicable Me 2, Fast and Furious 6 and Les Miserables, which were partially offset by the performance of current period releases, including Lucy and Neighbors. The increases in other revenue in both periods were primarily due to the inclusion in 2014 of Fandango, which was previously presented in our Cable Networks segment. The increases in content licensing revenue in both periods were primarily due to the timing of licensing agreements related to our film library.

Filmed Entertainment Segment—Operating Costs and Expenses

Operating costs and expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to lower amortization of film cost and decreases in advertising, marketing and promotion expenses, which were primarily due to a smaller film slate in the current year periods compared to the same periods in 2013. Operating costs and expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 included $7 million and $25 million, respectively, of expense associated with fair value adjustments to capitalized

 

39


Table of Contents

film production costs. Operating costs and expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 included $36 million and $150 million, respectively, of expense associated with fair value adjustments to capitalized film production costs.

Theme Parks Segment Results of Operations

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014              2013          $      %  

Revenue

  $ 786       $ 661       $ 125         18.7

Operating costs and expenses

    384         318         66         20.7   

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 402       $ 343       $ 59         16.9

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
     Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014              2013          $      %  

Revenue

  $ 1,888       $ 1,669       $ 219         13.1

Operating costs and expenses

    1,072         922         150         16.3   

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

  $ 816       $ 747       $ 69         9.1

Theme Parks Segment—Revenue

Theme Parks revenue increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to higher guest attendance and increases in per capita spending as a result of new attractions, such as Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™—Diagon Alley ™.

Theme Parks Segment—Operating Costs and Expenses

Operating costs and expenses increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to costs associated with new attractions, such as Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™—Diagon Alley ™, and increases in per capita spending.

NBCUniversal Headquarters, Other and Eliminations

The change in operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization for headquarters, other and eliminations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to lower expenses as a result of severance costs recorded in the prior year period.

The change in operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization for headquarters, other and eliminations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to higher employee-related costs, including severance costs, compared to the prior year period.

Corporate and Other Results of Operations

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014             2013         $     %  

Revenue

  $ 174      $ 133      $ 41        30.4

Operating costs and expenses

    371        311        60        19.5   

Operating loss before depreciation and amortization

  $ (197   $ (178   $ (19     (11.3 )% 

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
    Increase/
(Decrease)
 
(in millions)       2014             2013         $     %  

Revenue

  $ 520      $ 431      $ 89        20.5

Operating costs and expenses

    1,052        811        241        29.7   

Operating loss before depreciation and amortization

  $ (532   $ (380   $ (152     (40.2 )% 

 

40


Table of Contents

Corporate and Other—Revenue

Other revenue primarily relates to Comcast-Spectacor, which owns the Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center arena in Philadelphia and operates arena management-related businesses.

Other revenue increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to increases in revenue from food services for sporting events associated with a new contract entered into by our Comcast-Spectacor business, as well as increases in revenue associated with newly acquired businesses.

Corporate and Other—Operating Costs and Expenses

Corporate and Other operating costs and expenses primarily include overhead, personnel costs, the costs of corporate initiatives and branding, and operating costs and expenses associated with Comcast-Spectacor.

Corporate and Other operating costs and expenses increased for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to $77 million of transaction-related costs associated with the Time Warner Cable merger and divestiture transactions, as well as an increase in costs associated with the new food services contract entered into by our Comcast-Spectacor business. The increase was partially offset by $74 million of expense recorded in the prior year period associated with the final settlement of the terminated qualified pension plan that provided benefits to former AT&T Broadband employees.

Corporate and Other operating costs and expenses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to company-wide branding initiatives, including initiatives associated with the 2014 Sochi Olympics, $138 million of transaction-related costs associated with the Time Warner Cable merger and divestiture transactions, and an increase in labor costs in our Comcast-Spectacor business.

Consolidated Other Income (Expense) Items, Net

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013         2014     2013  

Interest expense

  $ (663   $ (639   $ (1,953   $ (1,928

Investment income (loss), net

    21        464        254        549   

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    33        (130     87        (96

Other income (expense), net

    (96     (310     (150     (280

Total

  $ (705   $ (615   $ (1,762   $ (1,755

Investment Income (Loss), Net

The changes in investment income (loss), net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 were primarily due to the $443 million gain related to the sale of our investment in Clearwire Corporation recorded in the prior year periods. The components of investment income (loss), net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are presented in a table in Note 6 to Comcast’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Investees, Net

The changes in equity in net income (loss) of investees, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 were primarily due to the $135 million of equity losses recorded in the prior year periods attributable to our investment in Hulu, LLC.

Other Income (Expense), Net

The changes in other income (expense), net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 were primarily due to an impairment of $236 million of our equity method investment in, and loans to, a regional sports network based in Houston, Texas, which was recorded in the prior year periods. The remaining change in other income (expense), net for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to a $108 million gain recognized in the prior year period related to our sale of wireless communications spectrum licenses and a $27 million favorable settlement of a contingency recognized in the current year period related to the AT&T Broadband transaction.

 

41


Table of Contents

Consolidated Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 reflects an effective income tax rate that differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to adjustments associated with the accruals for uncertain tax positions. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we reduced our accruals for uncertain tax positions and the related accrued interest on these tax positions that resulted in a decrease of $724 million in income tax expense, which excludes the benefits of uncertain tax positions for which we have been indemnified. See Note 10 for additional information on the changes in our accruals for uncertain tax positions and related interest on these tax positions. We expect our 2014 annual effective tax rate to be in the range of 31% to 33%, absent changes in tax laws or further changes in uncertain tax positions.

Consolidated Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests and Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Stock

The decrease in net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to our acquisition of General Electric Company’s remaining 49% common equity interest in NBCUniversal Holdings in March 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our businesses generate significant cash flows from operating activities. We believe that we will be able to continue to meet our current and long-term liquidity and capital requirements, including fixed charges, through our cash flows from operating activities, existing cash, cash equivalents and investments, available borrowings under our existing credit facilities, and our ability to obtain future external financing. We anticipate that we will continue to use a substantial portion of our cash flows to meet our debt repayment obligations, to fund our capital expenditures, to invest in business opportunities and to return capital to shareholders.

Operating Activities

Components of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013      

Operating income

  $ 11,117      $ 9,916   

Depreciation and amortization

    5,929        5,873   

Operating income before depreciation and amortization

    17,046        15,789   

Noncash share-based compensation

    386        312   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    (343     583   

Cash basis operating income

    17,089        16,684   

Payments of interest

    (1,820     (1,768

Payments of income taxes

    (2,878     (3,180

Excess tax benefits under share-based compensation

    (240     (176

Other

    151        119   

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 12,302      $ 11,679   

The variance between changes in operating assets and liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was $926 million, of which approximately $900 million was related to the timing of film and television production and related costs, net of amortization. The remaining variance was primarily related to the recognition of deferred revenue associated with the broadcast of the 2014 Sochi Olympics in February 2014 offset by the timing of payments of our accounts payable.

The decrease in income tax payments for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to lower tax payments in the first quarter of 2014 that related to 2013 compared to the prior year period. The decrease was also due to the settlement of tax disputes recorded in 2013 and a decrease in taxes on nonrecurring gains. The decreases were partially offset by higher taxable income from operations and the expiration of the economic stimulus legislation in 2014.

 

42


Table of Contents

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consisted primarily of cash paid for capital expenditures, intangible assets and acquisitions, which was partially offset by proceeds from the sale of investments. Capital expenditures increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to increased spending in our Cable Communications segment on customer premise equipment related to the deployment of our X1 platform and Cloud DVR technology, and our continued investment in network infrastructure to increase network capacity.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consisted primarily of repayments of debt, repurchases of our common stock and dividend payments, which were partially offset by proceeds from new borrowings.

In January 2014, we repaid at maturity $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.30% senior notes due 2014. In February 2014, we repaid $1.25 billion of borrowings outstanding under NBCUniversal Enterprise Inc.’s (“NBCUniversal Enterprise”) revolving credit facility with the proceeds from $990 million of borrowings under its new commercial paper program and cash on hand.

In February 2014, we issued $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.60% senior notes due 2024 and $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.75% senior notes due 2044. The proceeds from this offering were used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including the repayment of a portion of our outstanding commercial paper and $900 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.10% senior notes due April 2014 at maturity.

In August 2014, we issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.375% senior notes due 2025 and $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.20% senior notes due 2034. The proceeds from this offering were used for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may, in the future, include the repayment of certain of our senior notes.

We have made, and may from time to time in the future make, optional repayments on our debt obligations, which may include repurchases of our outstanding public notes and debentures, depending on various factors, such as market conditions.

Available Borrowings Under Credit Facilities

We maintain significant availability under our lines of credit and our commercial paper programs to meet our short-term liquidity requirements.

In February 2014, NBCUniversal Enterprise established a commercial paper program. The maximum borrowing capacity under this commercial paper program is $1.35 billion, and it is supported by NBCUniversal Enterprise’s existing $1.35 billion revolving credit facility due March 2018. The commercial paper program is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us and the cable guarantors. The proceeds from NBCUniversal Enterprise’s issuance of commercial paper were used to repay $1.25 billion of borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2014, NBCUniversal Enterprise had $910 million face amount of commercial paper outstanding.

As of September 30, 2014, amounts available under our consolidated revolving credit facilities, net of amounts outstanding under our commercial paper programs and undrawn letters of credit, totaled $6.4 billion, which included $440 million available under NBCUniversal Enterprise’s credit facility.

Share Repurchases and Dividends

In January 2014, our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization to $7.5 billion, which does not have an expiration date. Under this authorization, we may repurchase shares in the open market or in private transactions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we repurchased a total of 44 million shares of our Class A Special and Class A common stock for $2.25 billion. We expect to make $750 million more in repurchases during the remainder of 2014, subject to market conditions. In addition, because we and Time Warner Cable have received shareholder approval for the merger, we intend to repurchase an additional $2.5 billion of shares through the close of the Time Warner Cable merger in early 2015, subject to market conditions.

 

43


Table of Contents

In January 2014, our Board of Directors approved a 15% increase in our dividend to $0.90 per share on an annualized basis. In each of January, May and July 2014, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.225 per share as part of our planned annual dividend. We expect to continue to pay quarterly dividends, although each dividend is subject to approval by our Board of Directors.

Quarterly Dividends Declared

 

(in millions)   Amount      Month of Payment

Three months ended March 31, 2014

  $ 585       April

Three months ended June 30, 2014

  $ 583       July

Three months ended September 30, 2014

  $ 580       October

Critical Accounting Judgments and Estimates

The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities. We base our judgments on our historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making estimates about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe our judgments and related estimates associated with the valuation and impairment testing of our cable franchise rights, accounting for income taxes, and accounting for film and television costs are critical in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. We performed our annual impairment testing of our cable franchise rights as of July 1, 2014 and no impairment charge was required.

For a more complete discussion of the accounting judgments and estimates that we have identified as critical in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements, please refer to our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to each of Comcast’s and NBCUniversal’s condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information related to recent accounting pronouncements.

ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We have evaluated the information required under this item that was disclosed in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and there have been no significant changes to this information.

ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Comcast Corporation

Conclusions regarding disclosure controls and procedures

Our principal executive and principal financial officers, after evaluating the effectiveness of Comcast’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report, have concluded that, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, Comcast’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were no changes in Comcast’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during Comcast’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Comcast’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

44


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Conclusions regarding disclosure controls and procedures

Our principal executive and principal financial officers, after evaluating the effectiveness of NBCUniversal’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, have concluded that, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, NBCUniversal’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were no changes in NBCUniversal’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during NBCUniversal’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, NBCUniversal’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Refer to Note 12 to Comcast’s condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of recent developments related to our legal proceedings. There have been no material developments in the matter reported in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding the California Attorney General and the Alameda County, California District Attorney’s investigation of certain of our waste disposal policies, procedures and practices.

NBCUniversal Media, LLC is subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. It does not expect the final disposition of any of these matters to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, although any such matters could be time consuming and could injure its reputation.

ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS

There have been no significant changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2: UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The table below summarizes Comcast’s common stock repurchases under its Board-authorized share repurchase program during the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
     Average
Price
Per
Share
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced  Authorization
     Total Dollar
Amount
Purchased
Under the
Authorization
     Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Authorization(a)
 

July 1-31, 2014

             

Comcast Class A

          $               $       $ 6,000,000,000   

Comcast Class A Special

          $               $       $ 6,000,000,000   

August 1-31, 2014

             

Comcast Class A

          $               $       $ 6,000,000,000   

Comcast Class A Special

          $               $       $ 6,000,000,000   

September 1-30, 2014

             

Comcast Class A

    1,277,550       $ 55.40         1,277,550       $ 70,770,180       $ 5,929,229,820   

Comcast Class A Special

    12,598,050       $ 53.92         12,598,050       $ 679,245,283       $ 5,249,984,537   

Total

    13,875,600       $ 54.05         13,875,600       $ 750,015,463       $ 5,249,984,537   

 

45


Table of Contents
(a)

In January 2014, our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization to $7.5 billion, which does not have an expiration date. Under this authorization, we may repurchase shares in the open market or in private transactions. We expect to make $750 million more in repurchases during the remainder of 2014, subject to market conditions. We also intend to repurchase an additional $2.5 billion of shares through the close of the Time Warner Cable merger in early 2015, subject to market conditions.

The total number of shares purchased during the three months ended September 30, 2014 does not include any shares received in the administration of employee share-based compensation plans.

ITEM 6: EXHIBITS

Comcast

 

Exhibit
No.
  Description

  31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  101

 

The following financial statements from Comcast Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows; (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity; and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

NBCUniversal

 

Exhibit
No.
  Description

  31.2

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  32.2

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  101

 

The following financial statements from NBCUniversal Media, LLC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows; (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity; and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

46


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Comcast

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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

COMCAST CORPORATION

By:  

 

/s/ LAWRENCE J. SALVA

 

Lawrence J. Salva

Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: October 23, 2014

NBCUniversal

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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA, LLC

By:  

 

/s/ LAWRENCE J. SALVA

 

Lawrence J. Salva

Senior Vice President

(Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: October 23, 2014

 

47


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC Financial Statements

 

Index   Page  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

    49   

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income

    50   

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

    51   

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

    52   

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

    53   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

    54   

 

 

48


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

(Unaudited)

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

Assets

   

Current Assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 865      $ 967   

Receivables, net

    4,784        4,911   

Programming rights

    976        903   

Other current assets

    779        615   

Total current assets

    7,404        7,396   

Film and television costs

    5,552        4,983   

Investments

    907        884   

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,051 and $1,599

    7,989        7,650   

Goodwill

    14,916        14,882   

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $4,430 and $4,003

    14,380        14,857   

Other noncurrent assets, net

    1,181        1,087   

Total assets

  $ 52,329      $ 51,739   

Liabilities and Equity

   

Current Liabilities:

   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

  $ 1,325      $ 1,583   

Accrued participations and residuals

    1,444        1,239   

Program obligations

    672        657   

Deferred revenue

    862        846   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    1,424        1,465   

Note payable to Comcast

    1,078        799   

Current portion of long-term debt

    1,011        906   

Total current liabilities

    7,816        7,495   

Long-term debt, less current portion

    9,242        10,259   

Accrued participations, residuals and program obligations

    1,069        1,015   

Other noncurrent liabilities

    3,514        3,412   

Commitments and contingencies

   

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

    322        231   

Equity:

   

Member’s capital

    30,115        29,056   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    (12     (16

Total NBCUniversal member’s equity

    30,103        29,040   

Noncontrolling interests

    263        287   

Total equity

    30,366        29,327   

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 52,329      $ 51,739   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

49


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013             2014             2013      

Revenue

  $ 5,921      $ 5,851      $ 18,813      $ 17,186   

Costs and Expenses:

       

Programming and production

    2,633        2,803        9,117        8,496   

Other operating and administrative

    1,363        1,251        3,977        3,623   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    509        547        1,558        1,673   

Depreciation

    160        160        498        467   

Amortization

    211        192        608        578   
      4,876        4,953        15,758        14,837   

Operating income

    1,045        898        3,055        2,349   

Other Income (Expense):

       

Interest expense

    (125     (129     (381     (386

Investment income (loss), net

    3        1        18        9   

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    20        (132     49        (105

Other income (expense), net

    (59     (298     (136     (386
      (161     (558     (450     (868

Income before income taxes

    884        340        2,605        1,481   

Income tax expense

    (51     (62     (189     (162

Net income

    833        278        2,416        1,319   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

    (31     (42     (118     (105

Net income attributable to NBCUniversal

  $ 802      $ 236      $ 2,298      $ 1,214   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

50


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013             2014             2013      

Net income

  $ 833      $ 278      $ 2,416      $ 1,319   

Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net

    (2            3          

Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net

    11        (5     9        (5

Employee benefit obligations, net

                         (1

Currency translation adjustments, net

    (26     13        (8     (32

Comprehensive income (loss)

    816        286        2,420        1,281   

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

    (31     (42     (118     (105

Comprehensive income attributable to NBCUniversal

  $ 785      $ 244      $ 2,302      $ 1,176   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

51


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013      

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 3,156      $ 3,734   

Investing Activities

   

Capital expenditures

    (884     (807

Cash paid for intangible assets

    (86     (86

Acquisitions of real estate properties

           (1,705

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

    (118     (42

Note receivable from Comcast

           (981

Return of capital from investees

    5        131   

Purchases of investments

    (29     (235

Other

    (145     (20

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    (1,257     (3,745

Financing Activities

   

Proceeds from (repayments of) borrowings from Comcast, net

    279          

Repurchases and repayments of debt

    (904     (91

Redemption Transaction distribution

           (3,200

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

    (135     (144

Distributions to member

    (1,237     (938

Settlement of Station Venture liability

           (602

Other

    (4     (65

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (2,001     (5,040

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (102     (5,051

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    967        5,921   

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 865      $ 870   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

52


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)

 

(in millions)   Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests
          Member’s
Capital
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total Equity  

Balance, January 1, 2013

  $ 131           $ 31,900      $ (65   $ 419      $ 32,254   

Compensation plans

           7            7   

Redemption Transaction distribution

           (3,200         (3,200

Dividends declared

           (938         (938

Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net

    (14              (125     (125

Other

           (198       (2     (200

Other comprehensive income (loss)

             (38       (38

Net income (loss)

    10             1,214                95        1,309   

Balance, September 30, 2013

  $ 127           $ 28,785      $ (103   $ 387      $ 29,069   

Balance, January 1, 2014

  $ 231           $ 29,056      $ (16   $ 287      $ 29,327   

Dividends declared

           (1,237         (1,237

Issuance of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests

    85                

Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net

    (15              (120     (120

Other

           (2       (1     (3

Other comprehensive income (loss)

             4          4   

Net income (loss)

    21             2,298                97        2,395   

Balance, September 30, 2014

  $ 322           $ 30,115      $ (12   $ 263      $ 30,366   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

53


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1: Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Basis of Presentation

Unless indicated otherwise, throughout these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, we refer to NBCUniversal Media, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries as “we,” “us” and “our.” We have prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based on SEC rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. These financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows for the periods shown, including normal, recurring accruals and other items. The consolidated results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). For a more complete discussion of our accounting policies and certain other information, refer to our consolidated financial statements included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Note 2: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Discontinued Operations

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) updated the accounting guidance related to discontinued operations. The updated accounting guidance provides a narrower definition of discontinued operations than existing GAAP. The updated accounting guidance requires that only disposals of components of an entity, or groups of components, that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a material effect on the reporting entity’s operations be reported in the financial statements as discontinued operations. The updated accounting guidance also provides guidance on the financial statement presentations and disclosures of discontinued operations. The updated accounting guidance will be effective prospectively for us on January 1, 2015, with early adoption permitted in 2014.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board updated the accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. The updated accounting guidance provides a single, contract-based revenue recognition model to help improve financial reporting by providing clearer guidance on when an entity should recognize revenue, and by reducing the number of standards to which entities have to refer. The updated accounting guidance will be effective for us on January 1, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. The updated accounting guidance allows for either a full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption. We are currently in the process of determining the impact that the updated accounting guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and our method of adoption.

Note 3: Related Party Transactions

In the ordinary course of our business, we enter into transactions with Comcast.

We generate revenue from Comcast primarily from the distribution of our cable network programming and, to a lesser extent, the sale of advertising and our owned programming, and we incur expenses primarily related to various support services provided by Comcast to us.

In 2013, as part of the Comcast cash management process, we and Comcast entered into a revolving credit agreement under which we can borrow up to $3 billion from Comcast and Comcast can borrow up to $3 billion

 

54


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

 

from us. Amounts owed by us to Comcast under the revolving credit agreement, including accrued interest, are presented under the caption “note payable to Comcast” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The revolving credit agreement bears interest at floating rates equal to the interest rate under the Comcast and Comcast Cable Communications, LLC revolving credit facility (the “Comcast revolving credit facility”). The interest rate on the Comcast revolving credit facility consists of a base rate plus a borrowing margin that is determined based on Comcast’s credit rating. As of September 30, 2014, the borrowing margin for our London Interbank Offered Rate-based borrowings was 1.00%.

In addition, Comcast is the counterparty to one of our contractual obligations. As of September 30, 2014, the carrying value of the liability associated with this contractual obligation was $383 million.

The following tables present transactions with Comcast and its consolidated subsidiaries that are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Transactions with Comcast and Consolidated Subsidiaries

    

Receivables, net

  $ 241       $ 228   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

  $ 35       $ 56   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

  $ 34       $ 37   

Note payable to Comcast

  $ 1,078       $ 799   

Other noncurrent liabilities

  $ 383       $ 383   

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013             2014             2013      

Transactions with Comcast and Consolidated Subsidiaries

       

Revenue

  $ 316      $ 299      $ 989      $ 953   

Operating costs and expenses

  $ (32   $ (29   $ (96   $ (126

Other income (expense)

  $ (10   $      $ (32   $   

Distributions to NBCUniversal Holdings

In addition to the transactions above, we make distributions to NBCUniversal Holdings on a periodic basis to enable its owners to meet their obligations to pay taxes on taxable income generated by our businesses. We also make quarterly distributions to NBCUniversal Holdings to enable it to make its required quarterly payments to NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc. (“NBCUniversal Enterprise”) at an initial annual rate of 8.25% on the $9.4 billion aggregate liquidation preference of preferred units. These distributions are presented under the caption “distributions to member” in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

55


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

 

Note 4: Film and Television Costs

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Film Costs:

    

Released, less amortization

  $ 1,313       $ 1,630   

Completed, not released

    193         70   

In production and in development

    1,143         658   
    2,649         2,358   

Television Costs:

    

Released, less amortization

    1,187         1,155   

In production and in development

    445         370   
    1,632         1,525   

Programming rights, less amortization

    2,247         2,003   
    6,528         5,886   

Less: Current portion of programming rights

    976         903   

Film and television costs

  $ 5,552       $ 4,983   

 

Note 5: Investments

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Fair Value Method

  $ 16       $ 11   

Equity Method:

    

The Weather Channel

    333         333   

Hulu

    188         187   

Other

    347         332   
    868         852   

Cost Method

    28         21   

Total investments

    912         884   

Less: Current investments

    5           

Noncurrent Investments

  $ 907       $ 884   

 

Note 6: Long-Term Debt

As of September 30, 2014, our debt, excluding the note payable to Comcast, had a carrying value of $10.3 billion and an estimated fair value of $11.3 billion. The estimated fair value of our publicly traded debt is based primarily on Level 1 inputs that use quoted market values for the debt. The estimated fair value of debt for which there are no quoted market prices is based on Level 2 inputs that use interest rates available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Debt Repayments

In April 2014, we repaid $900 million aggregate principal amount of 2.10% senior notes due April 2014 at maturity.

Cross-Guarantee Structure

In 2013, we, Comcast and certain of Comcast’s 100% owned cable holding company subsidiaries (the “cable guarantors”) entered into a series of agreements and supplemental indentures to include us as a part of Comcast’s existing cross-guarantee structure. As members of the cross-guarantee structure, Comcast and the cable guarantors fully and unconditionally guarantee our public debt securities, and we fully and unconditionally guarantee all of Comcast’s and the cable guarantors’ public debt securities. As of September 30, 2014, we

 

56


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

 

guaranteed $32.6 billion of outstanding debt securities of Comcast and the cable guarantors. We also fully and unconditionally guarantee the $6.25 billion Comcast revolving credit facility due 2017, of which no amounts were outstanding as of September 30, 2014.

We do not, however, guarantee the obligations of NBCUniversal Enterprise with respect to its $4 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, $1.35 billion revolving credit facility and associated commercial paper program, or $725 million liquidation preference of Series A cumulative preferred stock.

Note 7: Fair Value Measurements

The accounting guidance related to financial assets and financial liabilities (“financial instruments”) establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques (market approach, income approach and cost approach). Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of financial instruments and their classification within the fair value hierarchy.

Our financial instruments that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis were not material for all periods presented, except for the liability associated with our contractual obligation. The estimated fair value of the contractual obligation is primarily based on certain expected future discounted cash flows, the determination of which involves the use of significant unobservable inputs. As the inputs used are not quoted market prices or observable inputs, we classify the contractual obligation as a Level 3 financial instrument.

The most significant unobservable inputs we use include our estimates of the future revenue we expect to generate from certain of our businesses. The discount rates used in the measurement of fair value were between 12% and 13% and are based on the underlying risk associated with our estimate of future revenue and the terms of the respective contract. The fair value adjustments to the contractual obligation are sensitive to the assumptions related to future revenue, as well as to current interest rates, and therefore, the adjustments are recorded to other income (expense), net in our condensed consolidated statement of income.

Changes in Contractual Obligation

 

(in millions)   Contractual
Obligation
 

Balance, January 1, 2014

  $ 747   

Fair value adjustments

    120   

Payments

    (49

Balance, September 30, 2014

  $ 818   

 

Note 8: Share-Based Compensation

Comcast maintains share-based compensation plans that primarily consist of awards of stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”) to certain employees and directors as part of its approach to long-term incentive compensation. Additionally, through Comcast’s employee stock purchase plans, employees are able to purchase shares of its Class A common stock at a discount through payroll deductions. Certain of our employees participate in these plans and the expense associated with their participation is settled in cash with Comcast.

Recognized Share-Based Compensation Expense

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
     Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014              2013              2014              2013      

Stock options

  $ 4       $ 4       $ 13       $ 11   

Restricted share units

    15         11         52         30   

Employee stock purchase plans

    1         1         5         4   

Total

  $ 20       $ 16       $ 70       $ 45   

 

57


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

 

Note 9: Supplemental Financial Information

Receivables

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Receivables, gross

  $ 5,134       $ 5,348   

Less: Allowance for returns and customer incentives

    281         372   

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

    69         65   

Receivables, net

  $ 4,784       $ 4,911   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

(in millions)   September 30,
2014
    September 30,
2013
 

Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

  $ 3      $   

Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

    4        (5

Unrecognized gains (losses) on employee benefit obligations

    45        (51

Cumulative translation adjustments

    (64     (47

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred taxes

  $ (12   $ (103

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014             2013      

Net income

  $ 2,416      $ 1,319   

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

   

Depreciation and amortization

    1,106        1,045   

Share-based compensation

           7   

Equity in net (income) losses of investees, net

    (49     105   

Cash received from investees

    50        73   

Net (gain) loss on investment activity and other

    83        347   

Deferred income taxes

    52        (6

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

   

Current and noncurrent receivables, net

    7        142   

Film and television costs, net(a)

    (483     368   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

    (183     (262

Other operating assets and liabilities

    157        596   

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 3,156      $ 3,734   

 

(a)

Comprised of additions to our film and television cost assets of $7,188 million and $5,577 million, net of film and television cost amortization of $6,705 million and $5,945 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Cash Payments for Interest and Income Taxes

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30
     Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
(in millions)       2014              2013              2014              2013      

Interest

  $ 38       $ 38       $ 294       $ 262   

Income taxes

  $ 31       $ 59       $ 141       $ 161   

 

58


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

 

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

 

   

we acquired $194 million of property and equipment and intangible assets that were accrued but unpaid

 

Note 10: Financial Data by Business Segment

We present our operations in four reportable business segments:

 

   

Cable Networks: Consists primarily of our national cable networks, our regional sports networks, our international cable networks and our cable television production operations.

 

 

   

Broadcast Television: Consists primarily of the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, our NBC and Telemundo owned local broadcast television stations, and our broadcast television production operations.

 

 

   

Filmed Entertainment: Consists primarily of the studio operations of Universal Pictures, which produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide.

 

 

   

Theme Parks: Consists primarily of our Universal theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood.

 

In evaluating the profitability of our operating segments, the components of net income (loss) below operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization are not separately evaluated by our management. Our financial data by business segment is presented in the tables below.

 

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2014  
(in millions)   Revenue(d)     Operating Income (Loss)
Before Depreciation and
Amortization(e)
    Depreciation and
Amortization
     Operating Income
(Loss)
    Capital
Expenditures
 

Cable Networks(a)

  $ 2,255      $ 868      $ 189       $ 679      $ 11   

Broadcast Television

    1,770        142        24         118        15   

Filmed Entertainment(a)

    1,186        151        6         145        4   

Theme Parks

    786        402        68         334        184   

Headquarters and Other(b)

    4        (142     84         (226     81   

Eliminations(c)

    (80     (5             (5       

Total

  $ 5,921      $ 1,416      $ 371       $ 1,045      $ 295   

 

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2013  
(in millions)   Revenue(d)     Operating Income (Loss)
Before Depreciation and
Amortization(e)
    Depreciation and
Amortization
     Operating Income
(Loss)
    Capital
Expenditures
 

Cable Networks(a)

  $ 2,239      $ 853      $ 183       $ 670      $ 19   

Broadcast Television

    1,644        34        23         11        21   

Filmed Entertainment(a)

    1,400        189        4         185        1   

Theme Parks

    661        343        73         270        142   

Headquarters and Other(b)

    7        (167     69         (236     101   

Eliminations(c)

    (100     (2             (2       

Total

  $ 5,851      $ 1,250      $ 352       $ 898      $ 284   

 

59


Table of Contents

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

 

    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014  
(in millions)   Revenue(d)     Operating Income (Loss)
Before Depreciation and
Amortization(e)
    Depreciation and
Amortization
     Operating Income
(Loss)
    Capital
Expenditures
 

Cable Networks(a)

  $ 7,236      $ 2,677      $ 558       $ 2,119      $ 30   

Broadcast Television

    6,207        504        78         426        52   

Filmed Entertainment(a)

    3,713        634        16         618        8   

Theme Parks

    1,888        816        210         606        486   

Headquarters and Other(b)

    10        (464     244         (708     308   

Eliminations(c)

    (241     (6             (6       

Total

  $ 18,813      $ 4,161      $ 1,106       $ 3,055      $ 884   

 

    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013  
(in millions)   Revenue(d)     Operating Income (Loss)
Before Depreciation and
Amortization(e)
    Depreciation and
Amortization
     Operating Income
(Loss)
    Capital
Expenditures
 

Cable Networks(a)

  $ 6,877      $ 2,572      $ 549       $ 2,023      $ 67   

Broadcast Television

    4,893        205        74         131        38   

Filmed Entertainment(a)

    4,004        291        11         280        4   

Theme Parks

    1,669        747        218         529        427   

Headquarters and Other(b)

    25        (416     193         (609     271   

Eliminations(c)

    (282     (5             (5       

Total

  $ 17,186      $ 3,394      $ 1,045       $ 2,349      $ 807   

 

(a)

Beginning in 2014, Fandango, our movie ticketing and entertainment business that was previously presented in our Cable Networks segment, is now presented in the Filmed Entertainment segment to reflect the change in our current management reporting presentation. Due to immateriality, prior period amounts have not been adjusted. The change in presentation resulted in the reclassification of $195 million of goodwill from our Cable Networks segment to our Filmed Entertainment segment.

 

(b)

Headquarters and Other activities include costs associated with overhead, personnel costs and headquarter initiatives.

 

(c)

Included in Eliminations are transactions that our segments enter into with one another, which consist primarily of the licensing of film and television content from our Filmed Entertainment and Broadcast Television segments to our Cable Networks segment.

 

(d)

No single customer accounted for a significant amount of revenue in any period.

 

(e)

We use operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, excluding impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of assets, if any, as the measure of profit or loss for our operating segments. This measure eliminates the significant level of noncash amortization expense that results from intangible assets recognized in business combinations. Additionally, it is unaffected by our capital structure or investment activities. We use this 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. We believe that this measure 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 may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies. This measure should not be considered a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to NBCUniversal, net cash provided by operating activities, or other measures of performance or liquidity we have reported in accordance with GAAP.

 

60