“In Content & Experiences, we’re building momentum across NBC and Peacock as we head into one of the most exciting stretches of live sports in our history, including robust NBA coverage which just began last week,” he said.
Strong theme park numbers” reflect the strength of our newest attractions and the enduring appeal of the Universal brand.”
Comcast execs will host a call at 8:30 am ET and likely field queries about potential M&A with WBD formally in auction mode.
David Ellison’s Paramount has made three bids for the company already and is considered the likely buyer but Comcast has also been circling. Rich Greenfield of Lightshed Partners has been thumping recently about a potential Comcast deal, insisting that it wouldn’t necessarily run into the regulatory wall that many anticipate.
“Comcast has always had Disney envy, and now it has a clear opportunity to create a Disney-like story, with an asset mix that could be even more compelling than Disney. Investors and the press keep telling us all the reasons Comcast and Brian will not bid. Whereas all we think about is how can Comcast not take a shot, even if the risk is that Paramount and Ellison still outbid them by dramatically overpaying. This is a once in a generation opportunity for Brian Roberts and Comcast.”
Roberts made a hostile bid for Disney years ago and lost. Later, he tried to outbid Disney for Fox, also unsuccessfully. Comcast shares are down 21% year to date, 30% over the past year, and effectively flat over the past decade, Greenfield said in a note yesterday.
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