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Comcast Earnings Beat Estimates on Peacock, Box Office Successes

Created at 23 Jul · 10:11 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Comcast reported first-quarter 2026 results, with revenue of $31.5 billion beating analyst forecasts. The company saw strong performance from Peacock, driven by increased subscribers and higher average rates, and benefited from advertising revenue generated by the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl.

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Key Numbers

$31.5 billionfirst-quarter revenue
$30.4 billionanalyst revenue forecast
$2.0 billionPeacock revenue
46 millionPeacock paid subscribers
$2.2 billionnet income
$0.79adjusted earnings per share
$0.73analyst EPS forecast
117,000year-over-year improvement in broadband net losses
435,000domestic wireless line net additions
$3.9 billionfree cash flow
$2.5 billionreturned to shareholders

Who's Involved

Comcast Corporation
reported first-quarter 2026 financial results
Brian L. Roberts
Co-CEO of Comcast Corporation
Mike Cavanagh
Co-CEO of Comcast Corporation
Jason Armstrong
Comcast CFO
Comcast Earnings Beat Estimates on Peacock, Box Office Successes

↳ Why This Matters

Comcast's ability to beat earnings estimates, particularly with strong performance in its Peacock streaming service and broadband business, indicates resilience and successful execution of its strategy amidst a competitive media landscape. The record wireless line additions and improved broadband subscriber trends suggest positive momentum for its core connectivity offerings.

Key facts

  • Comcast reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $31.5 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $30.4 billion.
  • Peacock's revenue increased to $2.0 billion, with paid subscribers growing to 46 million.
  • The company's net income decreased by 35.6% to $2.2 billion, while adjusted earnings per share were $0.79, surpassing analyst estimates.
  • Broadband subscriber losses improved by 117,000 year-over-year, and domestic wireless line additions hit a record 435,000.
  • Comcast generated $3.9 billion in free cash flow and returned $2.5 billion to shareholders.

Comcast Corporation reported first-quarter 2026 results, with revenue of $31.5 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $30.4 billion. The company's media unit, NBCUniversal, saw its streaming service Peacock post revenue of $2.0 billion, up from $1.2 billion in the prior year, driven by an increase in paid subscribers to 46 million. This growth was aided by the inclusion of NBA games and the Winter Olympics.

Despite the revenue gains, Comcast's net income attributable to the company fell 35.6% to $2.2 billion. However, adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.79, beating analyst forecasts of $0.73. The company highlighted improvements in its broadband business, with net losses decreasing by 117,000 year-over-year, and a record 435,000 domestic wireless line net additions.

Comcast generated $3.9 billion in free cash flow and returned $2.5 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company's media portfolio benefited significantly from the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl, driving record advertising revenue and strong Peacock growth, which also helped market connectivity products.

Frequently asked questions

Comcast reported total revenue of $31.5 billion for the first quarter of 2026.

Peacock ended March 2026 with 46 million paying subscribers.

Comcast's net income attributable to the company decreased by 35.6% to $2.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026.

Comcast saw an improvement in domestic residential broadband customer net losses by 117,000 year-over-year, and achieved a record 435,000 domestic wireless customer line net additions.

What Happens Next

01Peacock is expected to approach profitability in the second quarter.

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How It Developed

Comcast reported first-quarter 2026 results.
Consolidated revenue reached $31.5 billion, a 5.3% increase year-over-year.
Peacock's revenue rose to $2.0 billion, with paid subscribers reaching 46 million.
Net income attributable to Comcast fell 35.6% to $2.2 billion.
Adjusted earnings per share were $0.79, exceeding analyst forecasts of $0.73.
Broadband subscriber losses improved by over 100,000 year-over-year.
Domestic wireless line additions reached a quarterly record of 435,000.
Free cash flow generated was $3.9 billion.
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Sources

T1
Comcast Earnings Beat Estimates on Peacock, Box Office SuccessesBloomberg
T2
Comcast Reports 1st Quarter 2026 Results | Comcast Corporationcmcsa.com
T2
NBCUniversal Reports Peacock Q1 2026 Loss, Subscribers Gainhollywoodreporter.com

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