Comcast Corp - CMCSA STOCK NEWS

Major U.S. MVPDs including Comcast Advertising, Cox, DIRECTV Advertising, DISH Media, and others have announced unified guidance on Multiscreen TV Advertising Terminology. The initiative aims to standardize industry terms, focusing on 'multiscreen TV,' 'streaming,' and 'traditional TV.'

According to new research from Advertiser Perceptions, only 20% of advertisers report consistent terminology usage by their partners. The new lexicon defines streaming as video content delivered via internet connection, traditional TV as content delivered via wired cable, telco, satellite, or over-the-air distribution, and multiscreen TV for multiple TV/streaming endpoints.

The guidance clarifies that 'linear TV' differs from 'traditional TV,' as linear viewing can apply to both traditional and streaming formats. The initiative is supported by major industry players and the Video Advertising Bureau (VAB), aiming to simplify the increasingly complex TV advertising landscape.

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) has partnered with NBA champion Stephen Curry's Unanimous Media to premiere 'Spirit', a four-part docuseries following Philadelphia's George Washington High School cheer team. The series, which debuts on Black Experience on Xfinity and Xumo Play on February 27, chronicles the team's historic journey as the first cheer squad from the School District of Philadelphia to compete in the National Cheerleaders Association High School Nationals.

The series, directed by Philadelphia native Matt Howley, showcases how the team succeeds despite lacking resources and facing various challenges. The docuseries is produced by The WorkShop Content Studios and FreshFly Films, and will be available exclusively on Comcast's Black Experience platform, accessible through Xfinity's entertainment devices and Xumo Play.

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) and Dolby have announced a groundbreaking partnership to deliver Super Bowl LIX on FOX in both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for the first time ever. This enhanced viewing experience will be available to Xfinity TV customers through Comcast's new Enhanced 4K offering on X1.

The service will provide customers with superior picture and audio quality, featuring ultra-low latency that ensures viewers experience the action just seconds behind the live game in New Orleans. The Enhanced 4K service will be accessible through the Xfinity Stream app on compatible Dolby-enabled devices and TVs.

This innovation builds upon Comcast's existing features, including multiview capabilities, aggregated sports hubs, and Odds Zone for sports betting integration. The Enhanced 4K standard was first introduced for The Paris Olympics 2024 and represents Comcast's commitment to delivering premium sports viewing experiences.

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) has announced two significant shareholder-focused initiatives. The company is increasing its dividend by $0.08 (6.5% year-over-year) to $1.32 per share on an annualized basis for 2025. The quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per share will be payable on April 23, 2025, to shareholders of record as of April 2, 2025.

Additionally, Comcast's Board of Directors has approved a new $15 billion share repurchase program authorization, effective January 31, 2025, with no expiration date. This program demonstrates the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders through both dividends and buybacks.

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) reported strong Q4 2024 results with record revenue, EBITDA, and EPS. Revenue increased 2.1% to $31.9 billion, while net income rose 46.6% to $4.8 billion. The company highlighted 5% connectivity revenue growth and 1.2 million mobile line additions.

Key highlights include Peacock revenue growth of 28% to $1.3 billion in Q4, and 46% to $4.9 billion for the full year. The company ranked #2 in worldwide box office and announced an 11-year agreement for NBA and WNBA games starting 2025-26.

The company increased its dividend by 6.5% to $1.32 per share annually, marking the 17th consecutive annual increase. The Board approved a new $15 billion share repurchase program. In Q4, Comcast returned $3.2 billion to shareholders through $1.2 billion in dividends and $2.0 billion in share repurchases.

Comcast and Apple have announced a partnership to provide an integrated viewing experience for MLS Season Pass starting with the 2025 season. The integration allows Xfinity customers to access MLS matches directly through their channel guide on X1 and Xfinity Stream app, eliminating the need to switch between apps.

Key features include seamless access to matches in both English and Spanish, integration with Xfinity's Sports Zone app, and free access to MLS 360 for all Xfinity customers throughout the season. The service will offer a free preview from February 22 to March 2, 2025, after which customers can subscribe through Xfinity. Subscribers can also access content through the Apple TV app on various platforms.

Comcast has launched a groundbreaking ultra-low lag connectivity service for Xfinity Internet customers, becoming the first provider globally to offer this technology. The service dramatically reduces latency to faster than an eye blink for interactive applications like gaming, videoconferencing, and virtual reality.

The technology initially works with FaceTime across Apple devices including Vision Pro, apps on Meta's mixed reality headsets, NVIDIA's GeForce NOW, and many games on Valve's Steam platform. The service will be available to additional content and application providers who adopt this open standard technology.

Initial rollout has begun in cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Philadelphia, Rockville, and San Francisco, with rapid expansion planned nationwide. Testing over the past year has met or exceeded expectations, promising superior performance compared to alternatives like 5G home Internet, especially during high-traffic periods.

Comcast has announced a $15 million investment to expand its high-speed network across Charlotte County, Florida. The expansion will provide thousands of homes and businesses in Rotunda West, Gulf Cove, South Gulf Cove, Port Charlotte, and other neighborhoods with access to Xfinity and Comcast Business services. Some areas like Port Charlotte and Rotunda West are already serviceable.

The next-generation network offers residential customers speeds up to 1.2 Gbps and businesses up to 100 Gbps. Services include Internet, video, mobile, voice, and home security for consumers, while businesses can access connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, and managed solutions.

As part of its community commitment, Comcast provided a $30,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County for a new computer lab. The company also offers Internet Essentials, a program providing low-cost Internet service and digital skills training to eligible income-constrained households.

Comcast (CMCSA) has launched Sports & News TV, a new video package for Xfinity Internet customers priced at $70 monthly. The package includes 50+ broadcast, cable news and sports channels, Peacock subscription, and 300 hours of cloud DVR storage.

The service features local broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo, Univision), national news channels (CNBC, CNN, FOX News, MSNBC), and sports coverage through ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, FS1, GOLF Channel, and SEC Network. Customers can access content through the Xfinity Stream app on various platforms or add an X1 TV box for enhanced features.

Additional options include More Sports & Entertainment package for $9.95/month and StreamSaver with Netflix and Apple TV+ for $15/month. The service requires no contracts or commitments and is available to both new and existing customers.