Comcast Corporation reports developments across a global media and technology business that provides broadband, wireless and video services through Xfinity, Comcast Business and Sky. Company news commonly covers network expansion, residential and business connectivity, mobile services, managed technology solutions, and customer metrics tied to broadband and wireless performance.
Comcast updates also address its entertainment, sports, news, streaming and theme-park businesses, including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, Sky and Universal Destinations & Experiences. Recurring corporate coverage includes quarterly results, advertising technology such as Universal Ads, investor conference participation, governance matters and capital-structure disclosures.
The 2021 WiFi Trends Report from Comcast reveals a significant surge in connected devices, with a 12-fold increase since 2018. Key findings highlight that 45% of Americans prioritize reliable WiFi over transportation. Smartphones accounted for a third of all devices, while health and fitness gadgets saw a 39-fold increase. Almost 59% of Americans upgraded their WiFi, reflecting its growing importance during remote work. The report underscores a shift in consumer priorities, with Comcast's xFi Advanced Gateway addressing the demand for faster, more reliable internet connections.
Comcast Advertising has appointed Tracey Kopper-Hourin as senior vice president of human resources and customer experience, effective February 1. She will implement global initiatives to enhance talent acquisition and foster diversity and inclusion. Reporting to Marcien Jenckes, Kopper-Hourin comes from FreeWheel, where she led HR and innovation initiatives. She has over 25 years of HR experience, including more than 15 years at Comcast. The appointment follows the retirement announcement of her predecessor, Sandy Gunn.
Comcast's Xfinity Mobile will offer the new Samsung Galaxy S22 series, allowing customers to pre-order starting today ahead of nationwide availability on February 25th. Customers can save up to $750 through trade-in promotions. Those who trade in devices can receive $400 off, plus $200 in a pre-paid card and an average of $150 from Assurant, enhancing the trade-in value. Xfinity Mobile, recognized for customer satisfaction, provides competitive pricing with unlimited data plans starting at $45.
Comcast NBCUniversal has launched the NBC Olympics VR by Xfinity App, delivering over 150 hours of live and on-demand virtual reality coverage of the 2022 Winter Olympics in stunning 8K resolution. This immersive experience allows viewers to enjoy various sports, including figure skating and snowboarding, as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Users can participate in virtual watch parties and interact with friends during live broadcasts. The app is available for download on the Meta Quest 2 app store.
SkyShowtime, a joint venture between Comcast (CMCSA) and ViacomCBS (VIAC, VIACA), has received full regulatory approval to launch in over 20 European markets. This new streaming service will target approximately 90 million homes, offering an extensive library of 10,000 hours of content across various genres. CEO Monty Sarhan aims to deliver compelling entertainment to consumers. The official launch is expected later this year, with further details on pricing and specifics to follow.
FreeWheel has launched a new Partner Certification Program to enhance the media supply chain efficiency for TV buyers and sellers. The program certifies integrated partners based on specific criteria, facilitating optimal campaign execution and simplifying connections in a fragmented TV landscape. Inaugural partners will have access to the Knowledge Management portal and support services. The program aims to evolve with the industry, addressing the needs of advertisers and ensuring better collaboration among all market players.
Comcast has announced a new Winter Olympics viewing experience across its entertainment platforms, allowing customers to access over 2,800 hours of live and on-demand coverage free through Peacock's Premium tier. Users can simply say “Olympics” into their voice remote for instant access. Features include a comprehensive hub, personalized content, interactive schedules, and 4K HDR live coverage. This initiative aims to enhance customer engagement and provide seamless access to Olympic events, showcasing Comcast's commitment to innovation and customer experience in the media space.
Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) has announced an 8% increase in its annual dividend, raising it by $0.08 to $1.08 per share. This reflects the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value, with the quarterly dividend set at $0.27 per share, payable on April 27, 2022. Additionally, the Board of Directors has authorized a significant $10 billion increase in its share repurchase program, effective from January 1, 2022, aiming to further boost shareholder returns.
Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) reported record financial performance for 2021, achieving highest annual revenue, adjusted EBITDA, EPS, and free cash flow. Revenue grew 12.4% to $116.4 billion, with net income up 34.4% to $14.2 billion. Adjusted EPS increased 23.8% to $3.23, while adjusted EBITDA rose 12.6% to $34.7 billion. The company announced a dividend increase of 8% for 2022, marking the 14th consecutive year of dividend growth. Significant gains were noted in broadband and wireless customer additions, despite losses in video and voice segments. Comcast emphasized its commitment to network capacity and high-quality streaming content.
Comcast Business has partnered with Nokia to enhance its enterprise connectivity portfolio by introducing 5G private wireless networks. This partnership aims to support connected ecosystems and improve organizational operations, specifically at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, set for launch in Q1 2022. The deployment will enhance fan experience and provide critical operational data. The solution offers high-speed, reliable connectivity while addressing the unique needs of various organizations.