ARTICLES - HOT OFF THE FAGGOT

Comcast lost 7,000 residential video subscribers in the forth quarter



We reaffirm our long-term Neutral recommendation on Comcast Corp. (CMCSA). Although the company’s fourth-quarter 2012 financial results fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimates, the year-over-year growth was strong.

Why Kept at Neutral?

Comcast’s Cable business continued to beat market expectations and the NBC Universal division made a solid turnaround. In spite of challenges, the video operation continued with its positive momentum. Comcast has also completed its major technical innovations, such as DOCSIS 3.0, all digital networks, and a multi-platform content delivery network. Moreover, several newly launched services, such as Xfinity Home, Wi-Fi, X1 and high-speed Metro Ethernet will act as long-term growth catalysts for the company.

Nevertheless, following last year’s 40% stock price growth, we are apprehensive of restricted market gain in the near term. Hence, we see the Comcast shares as currently fairly valued. Comcast currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).  

RISK/Reward Virtually Balanced 

Comcast is gradually deploying its next-generation Xfinity TV, an on-demand, Web-based service, for subscribers, who will have access to both video programming and Internet. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the company gained a net 341,000 high-speed Internet subscribers and 168,000 telephony customers. Quarterly consolidated average revenue per user (:ARPU) was $153.54, up 8.7% year over year. Moreover, Comcast has formed a deal with Fox Networks of  News Corp. (NWSA) to distribute Fox’s programming to its Xfinity customers.

Recently, Comcast has decided to purchase the remaining 49% stake of NBC Universal from General Electric Co. (GE) for a total consideration of $16.7 billion. As the 100% owner of NBC Universal, Comcast has successfully transformed itself as a cable TV technology giant with state-of-the-art integrated content and distribution network. With NBC Universal in its kitty, we believe Comcast will become a major competitor to The Walt Disney Co. (DIS).

Nevertheless, a major concern for the pay-TV industry is the prolonged macro-economic fluctuations in the U.S. Despite impressive subscriber retention, Comcast still lost 7,000 residential video subscribers in the reported quarter. Management is hopeful of seeing a net video subscriber addition in the near future. However, we do not foresee this in the next couple of quarters.

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http://finance.yahoo.com/news/comcast-still-neutral-200838475.html 

RELATED QUOTES

SymbolPriceChange
CMCSA39.69
GE23.05



Maybe they should have permitted people to pick and choose the channels they want, instead of  making you pay for a package of garbage channels that no one wants!

Maybe they should of thought twice about telling Firearms Shops: "Your Money's No Good Here."

Comcast To Firearms Shops: Your Money’s No Good Here 


By Christy Strawser
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/


DETROIT (CBS Detroit) Williams Gun Sight and Outfitters in Davison, Mich., said they learned their money’s no good with Comcast when the cable giant rejected their advertising because they no longer accept ads promoting firearms or fireworks.



The change in policy happened February 8 after a deal that gave Comcast controlling interest in NBC Universal, which previously had a policy of not accepting firearms ads.

But Comcast is the monopoly cable provider in two-thirds of the markets in the country, said John Kupiec, president of the advertising agency Canadian American Corp., so their policy now affects every cable channel and major network. And it affects major advertisers including Cabela’s and Walmart.

“The next step is we want to get the lawmakers on Capitol Hill to review the monopolistic rights this company (Comcast) currently enjoys as the largest cable provider in the United States,” Kupiec said, adding as a last resort, his firm will consider legal action.

Kupiec first discovered the firearms ad ban when he tried to place an ad for Williams Gun Sight, and was told by Comcast they’ll no longer air them.

“Comcast Spotlight has decided it will not accept new advertising for firearms or weapons moving forward,” the company said in a press statement. “This policy aligns us with the guidelines in place at many media organizations.”

Williams Gun Sight staffers think it’s a hypocritical, anti-constitutional stance.

“We’re a perfectly legal company selling a perfectly legal product and they have chosen us out of all the industries out there to make a stand on what’s right or wrong,” said Williams’ chief operating officer Dan Compeau, adding they’re one of the largest firearms retailers in Michigan.

Compeau added his company spent a “good portion of their advertising” on Comcast. “We were totally caught off guard by it,” he added. “All these TV stations are taking millions, if not billions, from alcohol companies — and alcohol deaths, alcohol sickness … way outpaces anything a gun can do. They’re two-faced.

“We follow all the rules and regulations, they’ve picked us to be holier than thou about … There are a lot of other issues out there that they ignore. I’m sure they air many other shows where people get shot, killed, blown up.”

Compeau put out word on his company’s Facebook page about the Comcast ad ban and said thousands of people responded. The post got 971 shares and 422 comments, including this from customer Philip Novack: “Just called Comcast and cancelled. I am tired of my $$ going to support anti 2nd amendment corporations. I can’t believe the way they talk out both sides by showing gun violence every single night but won’t accept $$ from a legitimate, legal, honest business like Williams! ENOUGH! Time to take a stand!”

Kupiec said he’s been in the advertising business since 1980 and this is the first major ban of its kind he’s experienced. “If you’re a gun range, if you sell firearms, ammunition, whatever, they will not accept your advertising,” he said. “That applies to The Outdoor Channel, NBC Sports … If I wanted to buy The Discovery Channel, Comcast will not allow those advertisements on the air.”

He added he thinks it’s a violation of his constitutional rights. “I’m an avid hunter and I believe this is a direct threat on the Second Amendment, a direct assault on legal businesses in the United States, and I think it’s antitrust.”

http://www.gcnlive.com/wp/2013/02/20/comcast-to-firearms-shops-your-money%E2%80%99s-no-good-here/

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