Comcast Faces Analyst Concerns Over Broadband Losses Despite Revenue And Peacock Gains

Core Viewpoint - Comcast's Q1 2025 earnings report revealed a higher-than-expected broadband subscriber loss, impacting stock performance despite some revenue and EBITDA growth [1][2]. Financial Performance - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $29.9 billion, a decrease of 0.6% year-over-year, but approximately $100 million above consensus estimates [3]. - Adjusted EBITDA rose to $9.5 billion, reflecting a 1.9% year-over-year increase and about $400 million above estimates [3]. - Adjusted EPS increased by 4.8% year-over-year to $1.09, exceeding estimates by $0.10 [3]. Subscriber Trends - Broadband subscribers decreased by 199,000 quarter-over-quarter to 31.643 million, worse than the consensus estimate of a 146,000 loss [3]. - Video subscribers fell by 427,000 to 12.1 million, exceeding the consensus loss by 11,000 [4]. - Wireless subscribers increased by 323,000, bringing the total to 8.15 million, which was 27,000 above estimates [4]. Strategic Initiatives - Comcast introduced a new 5-year fixed-cost pricing plan starting at $55/month, which includes unlimited data, Wi-Fi, and a free mobile service line for one year [3][4]. - The company anticipates that the new pricing plan will require investment, potentially impacting EBITDA growth [4]. Market and Competitive Landscape - The advertising market remained flat, excluding political and sports influences, with no immediate macroeconomic impacts observed [2]. - Competitive intensity has increased, contributing to subscriber losses and necessitating a strategic transition in pricing [2]. Future Developments - Comcast is planning new attractions, including a Universal Theme Park and Resort in Bedford, England, set to open in 2031, with construction starting in 2026 [6]. - The company reported strong demand for the upcoming Epic Universe, with pre-opening costs of $100 million as previously guided [5].