Comcast
Comcast Corporation is an American multinational telecommunications and media conglomerate headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1963 by Ralph J. Roberts, Daniel Aaron, and Julian A. Brodsky through the purchase of a 1,200-subscriber cable system in Tupelo, Mississippi, the company has grown from a regional cable operator into a dominant force in broadband internet, cable television, and entertainment.[1][2] Operating primarily under the Xfinity brand, Comcast provides residential and business connectivity services, including high-speed internet, video streaming, voice, and mobile offerings, serving as the largest broadband provider in the United States with millions of subscribers.[3][4] Its media division, centered on NBCUniversal, encompasses major film and television production, networks such as NBC and MSNBC, Peacock streaming, and Universal theme parks, alongside international holdings like Sky Group.[5][6] With trailing twelve-month revenue of $124.18 billion as of mid-2025, Comcast ranks among the world's largest telecommunications firms by revenue, though it contends with subscriber losses in broadband amid competition from wireless and fiber alternatives.[7][8] The company, led by Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts—son of the founder—has pursued aggressive expansion via acquisitions, including NBCUniversal in 2011 and Sky in 2018, but has drawn regulatory scrutiny for alleged anticompetitive practices, such as regional cable swap agreements and joint ventures imposing content licensing conditions.[9][10][11] Additionally, Comcast has faced persistent consumer complaints and legal findings regarding billing practices, service cancellations, and violations of consumer protection laws, contributing to its reputation for suboptimal customer satisfaction.[12][13]Corporate Profile
Leadership and Governance
Comcast Corporation was founded in 1963 by Ralph J. Roberts, who acquired American Cable Systems, a small community antenna television operator in Tupelo, Mississippi, for $500,000.[14] Roberts served as president from 1969 to 1970 and chairman from 1969 to 2002, overseeing the company's transformation from a regional cable provider into a major telecommunications entity.[15] He maintained significant influence as chairman emeritus until his death on June 18, 2015, at age 95.[14] Leadership transitioned to Ralph's son, Brian L. Roberts, who joined the company after graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and was named president in 1990.[9] Brian Roberts became chief executive officer in 2002 and chairman in 2004, roles he continues to hold.[9] Through strategic acquisitions and expansions, including the 2011 purchase of NBCUniversal, he has guided Comcast's growth into a global media and technology conglomerate.[9] Brian Roberts exercises sole voting power over approximately one-third of the company's shares via a dual-class stock structure, enabling concentrated family control despite public ownership.[16] As of October 2025, Michael J. Cavanagh serves as president, having joined Comcast following the 2013 acquisition of NBCUniversal from General Electric.[17] On September 29, 2025, Comcast announced Cavanagh's appointment as co-chief executive officer effective January 2026, partnering with Brian Roberts, who will retain the titles of chairman and co-CEO to navigate "transformative times" in media and technology.[18] Other key executives include Jason S. Armstrong as chief financial officer.[17] Comcast's board of directors comprises independent members focused on oversight, with Brian Roberts as chairman.[19] The board maintains three standing committees: Audit, Compensation and Human Capital, and Governance and Corporate Responsibility, all composed primarily of independent directors.[20] Corporate governance guidelines emphasize fairness, transparency, and accountability, governed by the company's articles of incorporation and bylaws, with a lead independent director to balance executive influence.[19] Approximately 90% of director nominees are independent, and tenure is evaluated to ensure fresh perspectives.[21]Headquarters and Global Operations
Comcast Corporation maintains its corporate headquarters at the Comcast Center, situated at 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.[22] This 58-story skyscraper, completed in 2008, stands as a prominent landmark in Center City Philadelphia and houses the company's executive leadership, administrative functions, and key operational teams.[23] While Comcast's primary operations are concentrated in the United States, serving millions of broadband, video, and voice customers through its Xfinity brand, the company extends its reach internationally via media content distribution and enterprise services.[5] NBCUniversal, a major subsidiary, produces and licenses programming for global audiences, including films from Universal Pictures and television content broadcast in numerous countries.[24] Additionally, Comcast Business provides secure networking and connectivity solutions to enterprise clients across more than 130 countries, bolstered by the 2021 acquisition of Masergy Communications, which enhanced its global IP network capabilities.[25] As of 2024, Comcast employs approximately 182,000 people worldwide, with the majority based in the U.S. across regional offices, data centers, and customer service facilities.[26] The company's international footprint includes advertising operations expanded into Europe and other regions as of 2025, focusing on premium video solutions for global media buyers.[27] This structure supports Comcast's role as a leading provider of connectivity and entertainment platforms, reaching hundreds of millions of users domestically and abroad.[5]Financial Metrics and Shareholder Returns
Comcast's trailing twelve-month revenue as of June 30, 2025, stood at $124.18 billion, reflecting steady growth driven primarily by its broadband and media segments.[28] In the second quarter of 2025, quarterly revenue reached $30.313 billion, marking a 2.1% increase from the prior-year period, while adjusted EBITDA grew 1.1% to $10.283 billion.[29] For the full fiscal year 2024, net income attributable to Comcast totaled $16.192 billion, a 5.22% rise from $15.388 billion in 2023.[30] Operating cash flow over the trailing twelve months amounted to $31.21 billion, supporting capital expenditures and shareholder distributions, with free cash flow for fiscal 2024 estimated at $15.49 billion.[28] [31] The company's net debt-to-EBITDA ratio remained at 2.3 times for the latest twelve months, indicating manageable leverage relative to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $38.22 billion.[32] [28] Net debt stood at $91.77 billion as of the end of 2024.[31]| Metric | Trailing Twelve Months (as of Q2 2025) | Fiscal Year 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $124.18 billion | N/A |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $38.22 billion | N/A |
| Operating Cash Flow | $31.21 billion | N/A |
| Free Cash Flow | N/A | $15.49 billion |
| Net Debt / EBITDA | 2.3x | N/A |