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Comcast

Comcast is made up of three parts. The core cable business owns networks capable of providing television, internet access, and phone services to 63 million US homes and businesses, or nearly half of the country. About 50% of the locations in this territory subscribe to at least one Comcast service. Comcast acquired NBCUniversal from General Electric in 2011. NBCU owns several cable networks, including CNBC, MSNBC, and USA, the NBC network, the Peacock streaming platform, several local NBC affiliates, Universal Studios, and several theme parks. Sky, acquired in 2018, is a large television provider in the UK and has invested heavily in proprietary content to build this position. Sky is also a large pay-television provider in Italy and has a presence in Germany and Austria.

Comcast Corporation - Class A Common Stock

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Comcast shares are trading higher after Scotiabank maintained a Sector Perform rating and raised its price target from $47.25 to $47.75

Providing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish, 6 analysts have published ratings on Comcast (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) in the last three months.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $44.29, a high estimate of $49.00, and a low estimate of $40.00. Experiencing a 0.94% decline, the current average is now lower than the previous average price target of $44.71. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729281670_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Exploring Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Overview</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Comcast is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Maher Yaghi</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$47.75</td>
<td>$47.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kannan Venkateshwar</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$41.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Nollen</td>
<td>Macquarie</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Nispel</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryan Kraft</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$49.00</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Barton Crockett</td>
<td>Rosenblatt</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Comcast. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of Comcast compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for Comcast's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
For valuable insights into Comcast's market performance, consider these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators. Stay well-informed and make prudent decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CMCSA/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Comcast analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Comcast's Background</h2>
Comcast is made up of three parts. The core cable business owns networks capable of providing television, internet access, and phone services to 63 million US homes and businesses, or nearly half of the country. About 50% of the locations in this territory subscribe to at least one Comcast service. Comcast acquired NBCUniversal from General Electric in 2011. NBCU owns several cable networks, including CNBC, MSNBC, and USA, the NBC network, the Peacock streaming platform, several local NBC affiliates, Universal Studios, and several theme parks. Sky, acquired in 2018, is a large television provider in the UK and has invested heavily in proprietary content to build this position. Sky is also a large pay-television provider in Italy and has a presence in Germany and Austria.
<h3>Breaking Down Comcast's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization: Boasting an elevated market capitalization, the company surpasses industry averages. This signals substantial size and strong market recognition.
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Comcast's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 30 June, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -2.71% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Communication Services sector.
Net Margin: Comcast's net margin is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 13.23%, the company may encounter challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Comcast's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 4.74%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 1.49%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: Comcast's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 1.18.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

In-Depth Examination Of 6 Analyst Recommendations For Comcast

Scotiabank analyst Maher Yaghi maintains Comcast (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) with a Sector Perform and raises the price target from $47.25 to $47.75.

News

Price Target

Scotiabank Maintains Sector Perform on Comcast, Raises Price Target to $47.75

Comcast Installs Its First Flagship Lift Zone In Partnership With Inspiredu In Atlanta, Georgia

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/nbcuniversal-to-stream-local-sports-on-peacock-in-bid-for-cord-cutters-68e1d941?mod=latest_headlines" title="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/nbcuniversal-to-stream-local-sports-on-peacock-in-bid-for-cord-cutters-68e1d941?mod=latest_headlines">https://www.wsj.com/business/media/nbcuniversal-to-stream-local-sports-on-peacock-in-bid-for-cord-cutters-68e1d941?mod=latest_headlines</a>

NBCUniversal To Add Regional Sports Channels To Peacock Streaming Service Starting In Early 2025, Including Boston, Philadelphia, And Northern California Markets

A campaign stop by Donald Trump and a quick detour to work as the fry cook at a McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) could show just how far political candidates will go to win over swing state voters in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election">2024 presidential election.</a>
What Happened: Pennsylvania is quickly becoming one of the most important states in the 2024 election, with its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/swing-states">swing state status</a> and 19 electoral college votes up for grabs.
In an upcoming campaign stop in the state, Trump will visit a McDonald's restaurant and "work the fry cooker," according to a <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/donald-trump-mcdonalds-fry-cooker-pennsylvania-20241015.html">report </a>from the Philadelphia Inquirer.
While the specific McDonald's location and the duration of Trump's visit remain unclear, the campaign stop follows his response to his opponent&#8217;s statements about having worked at a McDonald's in the past.
Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff have both said <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40521488/kamala-harris-and-doug-emhoffs-mcdonalds-work-experience-acts-as-working-class-vote-magnet-democrats">they previously worked</a> at McDonald's locations, with Harris saying she did so when in college and Emhoff even saying he once won an Employee of the Month award.
"We don't want to hear fake promises, even something like she worked very long and hard hours over french fries at McDonald's. She never worked at McDonald's. It's a fake story," Trump <a href="https://x.com/atrupar/status/1838993936586592488">said </a>at a campaign rally in September.
Trump said at the time that he planned to "work" at a McDonald's in the future.
"I think I'm going to a McDonald's in two weeks actually and I'm gonna work the french fries because I will have worked longer and harder at McDonald's than she did if I do that even for a half hour."
Trump won the state of Pennsylvania in the 2016 election but lost it in the 2020 election. As reported by 270towin.com, the state has voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in seven of the last eight elections and eight of the last 12. The 2016 election marked the only time in the past six presidential elections that the Democratic candidate did not get at least 50% of the vote.
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Why It's Important: Sunday's visit to Pennsylvania will mark Trump's third time in the state during the week.
Trump is also scheduled to attend the Pittsburgh Steelers home Sunday Night Football game against the New York Jets. The game will air on NBC, a unit of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>).
Harris has also visited Pennsylvania several times in recent months, including a stop on Monday in Erie and a planned stop in the Philadelphia suburbs on Wednesday.
The current vice president has used her past employment at McDonald's to connect with middle-class workers and voters and to paint the contrast between herself and Trump, who inherited wealth.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) previously used Harris&#8217; McDonald's employment to illustrate the contrast.
"One candidate worked at McDonald's… The other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and helped his daddy in the family business: housing discrimination," Crockett said.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris&#8217; running mate, referenced her experience working at McDonald&#8217;s to highlight the vice president's middle-class upbringing in contrast to Trump during a September speech.
"I keep asking this to make a contrast here. Can you simply picture Trump working at a McDonald's trying to make a McFlurry or something?" Walz <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwTX72iZ3OE">asked</a>. "He couldn't run that damn McFlurry machine."
Trump is known for his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/23/06/32906325/trump-promised-food-for-everyone-at-a-miami-cuban-restaurant-diners-didnt-cash-in-and-the-former">love of McDonald's</a>, and it was his food of choice after a court appearance last year the day before his birthday. After covering his staff's food orders at Versailles, a Cuban restaurant, and taking photos with fans, Trump opted for a meal from the fast food giant instead.
The former president asked the White House staff to make similar versions of popular McDonald's menu items while in office.
In 2023, Trump bought food from McDonald's for first responders following&nbsp;the Ohio train derailment. Trump told a McDonald's worker that he might know the menu better than all the workers.
Read Next: 
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</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Politics

Restaurants

Trump To Ask 'Would You Like Fries With That?': McDonald's Fry Cook Stint Included In Swing State Campaign Stop

The company is planning for its 750-acre Universal Epic Universe park to be fully opened as early as Memorial Day weekend of next year—earlier than expected—with tickets on sale as soon as this month, according to people familiar with the matter.
<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/universal-plans-early-summer-launch-of-new-park-with-marquee-harry-potter-ride-d6e5113b?mod=latest_headlines" title="https://www.wsj.com/business/universal-plans-early-summer-launch-of-new-park-with-marquee-harry-potter-ride-d6e5113b?mod=latest_headlines">https://www.wsj.com/business/universal-plans-early-summer-launch-of-new-park-with-marquee-harry-potter-ride-d6e5113b?mod=latest_headlines</a>

'Universal Plans Early Summer Launch of New Park With Marquee Harry Potter Ride' - WSJ

NBCUniversal subsidiary of Comcast Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) has announced a significant restructuring of its advertising executive team. This move sees the departure of several key figures, including Dan Lovinger, who was instrumental in the company&#8217;s advertising success during the Paris Olympics.
What Happened: The restructuring was disclosed on Monday by Alison Levin, President of Advertising and Partnerships at NBCU, the news publication, Deadline <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/10/nbcuniversal-restructures-ad-execs-sports-olympics-dan-lovinger-1236115753/">reported</a> on Monday. 
The changes will also involve the recruitment of new talent in emerging business sectors. Levin is set to address these changes in a virtual all-hands meeting on Tuesday.
Levin&#8217;s memo also outlined a new approach to sports advertising, with Peter Lazarus set to lead the expanded team. This team will now encompass all Olympic sales and the Sports vertical. The memo also expressed gratitude to the departing colleagues and highlighted the company&#8217;s future prospects with the new streamlined structure.
"As we look forward, it is imperative that we support one another and continue to foster a culture of transparency and collaboration. I am incredibly bullish on our future, and with this new streamlined structure, I know we have the right strategy, the right assets, and the right team in place to grow our market share and better position us to succeed," Levin wrote. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41306985/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-wants-to-know-how-elon-musk-gets-so-much-done-wants-an-in-dep?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Wants To Know How Elon Musk Gets So Much Done — Wants An In-Depth Study Done After SpaceX Starship Booster Success, &#8216;CyberCab&#8217; Unveil</a>
Under Lovinger&#8217;s leadership, NBCU generated over $1.25 billion in ad and sponsorship revenue from the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, setting a new Olympic record. Lovinger, who held the title of President, Olympic and Paralympic Sales, joined NBCU in 2011 and has had a significant impact on the company&#8217;s advertising success.
Why It Matters: NBCUniversal&#8217;s restructuring comes at a time when the company has been making significant strides in its advertising and media operations. 
Earlier in the year, the company partnered with DoubleVerify to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/03/37651009/doubleverify-expands-ott-measurement-solutions-in-collaboration-with-nbcuniversal">expand its OTT measurement solutions</a>, offering program-level measurement solutions for OTT devices, particularly Connected TV (CTV). This advancement in streaming verification empowered NBCUniversal advertisers to assess brand safety, suitability, and content performance at the program level.
Moreover, Comcast Corporation recently sold a portion of its stake in BuzzFeed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/05/39014369/thanks-vivek-comcast-sells-part-of-buzzfeed-after-stock-rally-from-politicians-purchase">after a stock rally resulting</a> from former 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy&#8216;s disclosure of a 7.7% stake in the company. 
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Image Via Shutterstock 
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Entertainment

Equities

Management

Markets

NBCU's Comcast Announces Major Ad Team Overhaul Amid Leadership Departures, Eyes New Strategy For Sports And Olympics Sales

Following the success of &#8220;Oppenheimer,&#8221; renowned director&nbsp;Christopher Nolan&nbsp;has reportedly joined forces with actor&nbsp;Matt Damon&nbsp;for a new IMAX Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IMAX#NYSE">IMAX</a>) film. 
What Happened: Nolan, who bagged an Oscar for &#8220;Oppenheimer,&#8221; is returning to Universal Pictures, which is owned by the&nbsp;Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) for his upcoming project, <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/10/christopher-nolan-new-movie-matt-damon-release-date-1236099940/">reported</a> Deadline, citing sources.
The film is set for an IMAX&nbsp;release on July 17, 2026,&nbsp;and shooting could start in early 2025.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41222158/apples-smart-ring-could-launch-by-2026-in-line-with-tim-cooks-health-centric-vision?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s Smart Ring Could Launch By 2026 In Line With Tim Cook&#8217;s Health-Centric Vision, Says Analyst: &#8216;One Of His Major Legacies From Apple Would Be Around Personal Health&#8217;</a>
This will be the third collaboration between Damon and Nolan, following &#8220;Interstellar&#8221; and &#8220;Oppenheimer.&#8221;
Nolan is known for his tendency to reteam with actors, and Damon joins Christian Bale and Cillian Murphy in the list of actors who&nbsp;have worked with Nolan on&nbsp;multiple occasions.
With the project now officially underway, it is expected to attract a host of A-list talent to join Damon in the ensemble cast, the report noted.
Why It Matters: Nolan&#8217;s decision to continue with Universal is not surprising, considering the success of &#8220;Oppenheimer.&#8221; 
The film raked in $328.9 million domestically and $975.6 million worldwide, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/03/37600557/oppenheimer-scoops-the-96th-academy-awards-with-7-oscars-emma-stone-a-second-actress-award-">bagging seven Oscars</a> including Best Picture and Best Director.
&#8220;Oppenheimer&#8221; significantly contributed to Comcast&#8217;s third-quarter <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/23/10/35437693/comcast-says-oppenheimer-grossed-more-than-900m-loses-broadband-subs-in-q3-stock-tanks">financial year 2023 revenue</a> growth. The company reportedly revenue growth reaching $30.12 billion, surpassing the expected $29.69 billion at the time.
Peacock, a streaming service owned by NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, reported an almost 80% year-over-year increase, reaching 28 million. The platform&#8217;s revenue surged by 64%, hitting $830 million during the same time.
Similarly, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/23/10/35416714/imax-q3-earnings-smashes-estimates-on-box-office-strength">IMAX&#8217;s third-quarter earning</a> in financial year 2023 was also driven by the success of Oppenheimer.
At the time, IMAX reported a 51% year-over-year increase in sales, reaching $103.90 million, surpassing the analyst consensus of $100.72 million.
The movie company also noted that the third quarter was its second-highest-grossing quarter ever at the IMAX global box office.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Tech

Media

IMAX

Christopher Nolan Taps Matt Damon For Mystery 2026 IMAX Epic: Is Universal's Big Bet Likely To Payoff?

Insurance, regional banks, fitness centers, utilities, hospitals and theme parks are among the sectors that could be negatively impacted when Hurricane Milton hits Florida Wednesday night or <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41231817/hurricane-milton-dire-warning-if-you-choose-to-stay-youre-going-to-die-officials-encourage-writing-n">early </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41209505/hurricane-milton-is-floridas-second-storm-in-two-weeks-how-disney-theme-parks-insurance-companie">Thursday </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41231817/hurricane-milton-dire-warning-if-you-choose-to-stay-youre-going-to-die-officials-encourage-writing-n">morning.</a>
Here's a look at some of the sectors and stocks that investors should be watching with Hurricane Milton on the way.
Hurricane Milton Update: According <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/map-hurricane-milton-path-forecast-status-track-rcna174203">to </a>NBC News, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/hurricane-milton">Hurricane Milton was downgraded </a>to a Category 4 storm on Wednesday morning. The hurricane is expected to make landfall Wednesday night and could hit some of Florida&#8217;s most populous areas, including the Tampa Bay area.
Evacuation orders are in place for multiple Florida counties with government officials warning that failure to follow the orders could lead to casualties.
With evacuations taking place, Florida service stations are running out of gas, and there are concerns about charging electric vehicles on evacuation routes.
The constant changes in the storm's path could have a major effect on the damage and potential casualties. A landfall in the Tampa Bay area is seen as the worst-case scenario for the hurricane, as reported by <a href="https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-milton-florida-10-09-24/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a>.
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Regional Banks: DA Davidson analyst Gary Tenner looked at the regional banks that could be most impacted by Hurricane Milton in a new investor note.
"Based on experience, we would expect the banks in the market to be impacted in multiple ways in the post-hurricane period, including a potential deposit boost related to insurance settlements, elevated near term expenses and provision, with lending opportunities related to rebuilding efforts,&#8221; Tenner said.
The analyst said banks in the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas could see near-term increased expenses but could see "positive offsets over the longer term."
Based on market share in the region, Tenner highlights the following regional banks:
<ul>
<li>Regions Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>): Buy rating</li>
<li>Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FITB#NASDAQ">FITB</a>): Neutral rating</li>
<li>Synovus Financial Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNV#NYSE">SNV</a>): Buy rating</li>
<li>SouthState Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSB#NYSE">SSB</a>): Buy rating</li>
<li>Cadence Bank (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CADE#NYSE">CADE</a>): Buy rating</li>
<li>Hancock Whitney Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWC#NASDAQ">HWC</a>): Buy rating</li>
</ul>
Hospitals Impact: Hospital operators in the Florida region could be negatively impacted by Hurricane Milton and face IV shortages, RBC analyst Ben Hendrix said in a new investor note.
"Hospital operators traded slightly lower on Thursday, which we believe reflects at least in part weather-related concerns as Hurricane Milton moves toward Florida's west coast," Hendrix said.
The analyst said hospitals could see "some disruptions to facilities" in the coming days.
RBC highlights the following hospitals in the report:
<ul>
<li>Community Health Systems (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CYH#NYSE">CYH</a>): Outperform rating</li>
<li>HCA Healthcare (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCA#NYSE">HCA</a>): Outperform rating</li>
<li>Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THC#NYSE">THC</a>): Outperform rating</li>
<li>Universal Health Services (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>): Sector Perform rating</li>
</ul>
"We believe HCA may be spared the worst of the storm damage with most of its hospital concentration in Central Florida located in the Tampa Bay area, which is north of the expected Sarasota landfall," Hendrix said.
Utilities Impact: Hurricane Milton could have a negative impact on utility stocks, Scotiabank analyst Andrew Weisel warned investors in a new note.
"While we remain bullish on U.S. utility fundamentals and valuations, we're growing somewhat cautious about investor sentiment, which had finally started to turn positive after years of negativity or indifference," Weisel said.
The analyst said they generally caution against trading around storms like Hurricane Milton.
"Rising hurricane activity is no doubt worrisome."
Weisel said the utility sector has several catalysts like rate cuts and the 2024 election, aside from the hurricane impact.
Top utility picks from Weisel are CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMS#NYSE">CMS</a>), WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) and DTE Energy Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DTE#NYSE">DTE</a>). After these three top picks, the analyst highlights Southern Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SO#NYSE">SO</a>), NextEra Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEE#NYSE">NEE</a>), Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LNT#NASDAQ">LNT</a>) and American Electric Power Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEP#NASDAQ">AEP</a>) as other favorable utility names. 
Weisel also said he would buy Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUK#NYSE">DUK</a>) because of its weakness ahead of Hurricane Milton.
"While outages often lead to lost revenues, slightly weighing on near-term earnings, the impacts are generally very modest," Weisel said.
Another major utility that could be impacted by Hurricane Milton is Tampa Electric, owned by Emera Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EMRAF#OTC">EMRAF</a>). Serving the Tampa Bay area, Tampa Electric is particularly vulnerable to the storm&#8217;s effects.
Insurance Stocks: The insurance sector is one of the sectors most on watch for the damaging impact and cleanup aftermath from Hurricane Milton.
Insurance stocks like Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>), Allstate (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALL#NYSE">ALL</a>), Progressive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGR#NYSE">PGR</a>), Travelers Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRV#NYSE">TRV</a>) and Chubb (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CB#NYSE">CB</a>) are among the large insurers that could be impacted.
RBC analyst Derald Goh, who covers European insurance stocks, shared a note on the potential damage from the hurricane.
"A potential $60bn industry loss from Hurricane Milton appears very manageable for a sector that is keen to demonstrate stronger earnings resiliency and should drive a re-rating," Goh said.
The $60 billion estimate comes as Hurricane Milton is expected to cause destruction similar to that caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Based on the estimated damage from that storm, the analyst considers this estimate the most reliable method for predicting the impact on insurance companies.
Goh said five hurricanes have made landfall in the U.S. this season, and the previous average forecast was 12.
Leisure Sector: Hurricane Milton could also impact theme parks, with the state of Florida home to Disney World, owned by The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), and Universal Studios Orlando, owned by Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>).
Disney announced it is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41245886/disney-world-closes-early-as-hurricane-milton-approaches-florida-parks-brace-for-impact">closing Disney World parks early </a>on Wednesday and transportation services could remain limited, with a plan to re-open on Thursday. The storm may have scared away a large amount of tourists. Goldman Sachs recently said Disney could see a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41229099/disney-faces-150m-200m-blow-from-hurricane-milton-attendance-set-to-drop-6-says-goldman-sac"> $150 million to $200 million</a> negative impact from Hurricane Milton.
Morgan Stanley analyst Megan Alexander sees Hurricane Milton having a negative impact on fitness centers Planet Fitness (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLNT#NYSE">PLNT</a>) and Life Time Group Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LTH#NYSE">LTH</a>) and indoor golf facility company Topgolf Callaway Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MODG#NYSE">MODG</a>).
"Overall, PLNT appears to be the most exposed across our coverage particularly given the concentration of corporate locations in the state," Alexander said.
The analyst, who has an Overweight rating and a $84 price target on Planet Fitness, said Florida represents around 25% of corporate-owned locations. Store closures could negatively impact new membership additions, but Alexander added that the monthly membership fee revenue model could insulate the company from a negative impact.
The analyst sees Life Time Group, rated Equal Weight with a $21 price target, having a minimal impact with only five locations in Florida, which is less than 3% of total locations.
Alexander said Topgolf has nine locations in Florida, with five currently closed due to Hurricane Milton. The analyst, who has an Underweight rating and a $10 price target on the stock, said Topgolf will likely see a minimal impact unless locations have severe storm damage and have to be closed for an extended time period.  
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41231817/hurricane-milton-dire-warning-if-you-choose-to-stay-youre-going-to-die-officials-encourage-writing-n">Hurricane Milton Dire Warning: &#8216;If You Choose To Stay &#8230; You&#8217;re Going To Die,&#8217; Officials Encourage Writing Name On Arm In Permanent Marker For ID</a></li>
</ul>
Image of Hurricane Milton courtesy of NASA.

Analyst Color

Health Care

Reiteration

Trading Ideas

Insurance

CADE

EMRAF

FITB

MODG

PLNT

Hurricane Milton Descends On Florida: Analysts Warn Of Impact On Disney, NextEra's Florida Power & Light, Regional Banks

In the dynamic and fiercely competitive business environment, conducting a thorough analysis of companies is crucial for investors and industry enthusiasts. In this article, we will perform an extensive industry comparison, evaluating Comcast (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) in relation to its major competitors in the Media industry. By closely examining crucial financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, we aim to offer valuable insights for investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>Comcast Background</h3>
Comcast is made up of three parts. The core cable business owns networks capable of providing television, internet access, and phone services to 63 million US homes and businesses, or nearly half of the country. About 50% of the locations in this territory subscribe to at least one Comcast service. Comcast acquired NBCUniversal from General Electric in 2011. NBCU owns several cable networks, including CNBC, MSNBC, and USA, the NBC network, the Peacock streaming platform, several local NBC affiliates, Universal Studios, and several theme parks. Sky, acquired in 2018, is a large television provider in the UK and has invested heavily in proprietary content to build this position. Sky is also a large pay-television provider in Italy and has a presence in Germany and Austria.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Comcast Corp</td>
<td>10.89</td>
<td>1.91</td>
<td>1.36</td>
<td>4.74%</td>
<td>$9.74</td>
<td>$21.73</td>
<td>-2.71%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charter Communications Inc</td>
<td>10.45</td>
<td>3.63</td>
<td>0.89</td>
<td>9.95%</td>
<td>$5.35</td>
<td>$5.51</td>
<td>0.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cable One Inc</td>
<td>6.87</td>
<td>0.90</td>
<td>1.17</td>
<td>1.96%</td>
<td>$0.19</td>
<td>$0.29</td>
<td>-6.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Grupo Televisa SAB</td>
<td>0.14</td>
<td>0.23</td>
<td>0.37</td>
<td>-0.02%</td>
<td>$1.66</td>
<td>$5.21</td>
<td>-5.83%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>5.82</td>
<td>1.59</td>
<td>0.81</td>
<td>3.96%</td>
<td>$2.4</td>
<td>$3.67</td>
<td>-4.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
 }

 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>Through a detailed examination of Comcast, we can deduce the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
At 10.89, the stock's Price to Earnings ratio significantly exceeds the industry average by 1.87x, suggesting a premium valuation relative to industry peers.
</li>
<li>
With a Price to Book ratio of 1.91, which is 1.2x the industry average, Comcast might be considered overvalued in terms of its book value, as it is trading at a higher multiple compared to its industry peers.
</li>
<li>
With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 1.36, which is 1.68x the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
The company has a higher Return on Equity (ROE) of 4.74%, which is 0.78% above the industry average. This suggests efficient use of equity to generate profits and demonstrates profitability and growth potential.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $9.74 Billion, which is 4.06x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
The gross profit of $21.73 Billion is 5.92x above that of its industry, highlighting stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
With a revenue growth of -2.71%, which surpasses the industry average of -4.2%, the company is demonstrating robust sales expansion and gaining market share.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1728486052_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio assesses the extent to which a company relies on borrowed funds compared to its equity.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
When comparing Comcast with its top 4 peers based on the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following insights can be observed:
<ul>
<li>
When evaluating the debt-to-equity ratio, Comcast is in the middle position among its top 4 peers.
</li>
<li>
The company maintains a moderate level of debt relative to its equity with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, suggesting a relatively balanced financial structure.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Comcast, the PE, PB, and PS ratios are all high compared to its peers in the Media industry, indicating that the stock may be overvalued based on these metrics. On the other hand, Comcast's high ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth suggest strong financial performance relative to industry competitors, potentially justifying the premium valuation.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Assessing Comcast's Performance Against Competitors In Media Industry

Hurricane Milton is nearing the west coast of Florida and bringing a second powerful storm to the state <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41073069/hurricane-helene-update-28-dead-power-outages-insurance-damages-and-more">within two weeks.</a>
Here's the latest update on the storm, expected to make landfall in the U.S. on Wednesday night.
What Happened: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41209505/hurricane-milton-is-floridas-second-storm-in-two-weeks-how-disney-theme-parks-insurance-companie">Hurricane Milton reached</a> Category 5 status Monday with winds of 180 miles per hour, making the storm one of the strongest in the world in 2024.
The hurricane was downgraded to a Category 4 storm on Tuesday, but could be elevated to Category 5 status once again Tuesday late or on Wednesday.  
"I was just briefed by members of my team who are driving our preparations for Hurricane Milton and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene," President Joe Biden <a href="https://x.com/POTUS/status/1843709155141452221">tweeted</a>. "I directed this group to do everything we can to save lives and help communities before, during, and after these extreme weather events."
Biden said there are thousands of federal personnel on the ground in the Southeast to help deliver resources as fast as possible.
"My priority is to increase the size and presence of our effort as we prepare for another potentially catastrophic storm making landfall in Florida."
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor cautioned against the spreading of false statements and rumors about government and the state of Florida not working together causing a shortage or response resources, as <a href="https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-milton-florida-10-08-24/index.html">reported </a>by CNN.
"That could not be further from the truth," Castor said.
Castor said she spoke with Biden about preparations on Monday night. The mayor also spoke with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
"They are working to get us all the resources we need."
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41231817/hurricane-milton-dire-warning-if-you-choose-to-stay-youre-going-to-die-officials-encourage-writing-n">Hurricane Milton Dire Warning: &#8216;If You Choose To Stay &#8230; You&#8217;re Going To Die,&#8217; Officials Encourage Writing Name On Arm In Permanent Marker For ID</a>
Economic Impact: Hurricane Milton could have a severe impact on the insurance sector, especially with back-to-back hurricanes hitting Florida in a short period.
Insurance stocks like Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>)(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>), Allstate Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALL#NYSE">ALL</a>), Chubb Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CB#NYSE">CB</a>), Progressive Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGR#NYSE">PGR</a>) and Travelers Companies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRV#NYSE">TRV</a>) could all be volatile as the financial impact of the hurricane becomes clear.
While insurance and other sectors could get hit, Federal Open Market Committee member Raphael Bostic, who is the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, <a href="https://www.atlantafed.org/news/press-room/media-advisories/2024/10/08/bostic-remarks-atlanta-consular-corps">said </a>the storm could have a big impact on the overall U.S. economy over the next three to six months.
Bostic said changes in storms, like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, can impact the supply and demand of housing in different cities. Bostic also said the frequency of impactful hurricanes can hit markets like insurance and food commodities.
Financial firms need to recognize how hurricanes and other catastrophic events change their risks, Bostic added.
Jefferies analyst Yaron Kinar called Hurricane Milton a potential "1-in-100 year event" that could cause damage of over $50 billion and the potential to have a $175 billion impact in a worst-case scenario, as <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/08/hurricane-milton-could-cause-as-much-as-175-billion-in-damages-according-to-early-estimates.html">reported </a>by CNBC.
Kinder Morgan Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMI#NYSE">KMI</a>) shut down its Central Florida pipeline system, according to a report from Reuters. The pipeline system delivers gasoline and diesel from Tampa to Orlando. Citgo also shut down a terminal in Tampa ahead of the storm.
Theme parks in Florida remain on watch with Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>)-owned Disney World and Comcast Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>)-owned Universal Orlando remaining open under normal conditions as of the time of writing, as <a href="https://apnews.com/live/hurricane-milton-florida-tracker-updates">reported </a>by the Associated Press. A Goldman Sachs analyst said Tuesday that the hurricane could have a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41229099/disney-faces-150m-200m-blow-from-hurricane-milton-attendance-set-to-drop-6-says-goldman-sac">$150 million to $200 million </a>negative impact on Disney.
Evacuation Orders: Of the five most populous Florida cities (Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg), four are located in counties that have evacuation orders in place, with only Jacksonville not on the list. With these highly populated regions and numerous counties on the list, Hurricane Milton is driving the most evacuations in the state since 2017.
Government officials have stressed the importance of evacuations in mandatory areas, with Tampa's mayor saying that failure to evacuate could lead to death.
Biden echoed that sentiment in a tweet.
"I urge everyone in Hurricane Milton's path to listen to local officials and follow all safety instructions. If you are under evacuation orders you should evacuate now while it is still safe to do so. It is a matter of life and death," Biden <a href="https://x.com/POTUS/status/1843696607981670523">tweeted</a>.
The Associated Press said Wednesday that around 5.9 million people are impacted by the 11 counties under mandatory evacuations based on estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41145534/hurricane-helene-adds-to-most-active-quarter-for-power-outages-driving-back-up-gene">Hurricane Helene Adds To &#8216;Most Active Quarter&#8217; For Power Outages, Driving Back-Up Generator Demand</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Government

Federal Reserve

Hurricane Milton Evacuations 'A Matter Of Life And Death,' Biden Says: Fed's Bostic Says Storm Could Have Significant Economic Impact Over Next 6 Months

Florida is bracing for another hurricane to make landfall this week, less than two weeks after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41073069/hurricane-helene-update-28-dead-power-outages-insurance-damages-and-more">Hurricane Helene.</a>
Here's a look at the forecast and stocks to watch.
Hurricane Milton Intensifies: Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit Florida, Hurricane Milton is intensifying into a potential Category 4 or Category 5 storm, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41198558/after-helene-florida-gears-up-for-another-devastating-hurricane">set to make landfall</a> in the state on Wednesday.
CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-milton-florida-10-07-2024/index.html">reported </a>that the storm has grown in size and is now considered a Category 3 hurricane. According to the report, the storm's growing size could affect a larger area of Florida than the last hurricane.
Milton is expected to hit the Gulf Coast of Florida, with the state already declaring a state of emergency and working on evacuations. Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, is among the areas expected to call for evacuations Monday.
Several school districts in the state closed school Monday.
Florida Division of Emergency Management director Kevin Guthrie said Sunday the storm could result in the state's largest evacuation since 2017.
"I urge Floridians to finalize your storm preparations now, enact your plan," Guthrie said Sunday.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis cautioned residents on the potential for more power outages in the state than with Helene.
The timing of Milton could create a double whammy for the state of Florida and surrounding regions that are still recovering from Helene. 
"You get hit with a major hurricane, what's going to happen to that debris? It's going to increase the damage dramatically," DeSantis said. 
The existing and additional debris could also make pathways tough for emergency personnel.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41145534/hurricane-helene-adds-to-most-active-quarter-for-power-outages-driving-back-up-gene">Hurricane Helene Adds To &#8216;Most Active Quarter&#8217; For Power Outages, Driving Back-Up Generator Demand</a>
Stocks to Watch: While Florida theme parks mostly avoided closures from Helene, the newest hurricane in the region could significantly impact the sector.
Orange County, home to Orlando, is one of the counties in a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Milton&#8217;s landfall.
Walt Disney World, owned by The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), is among the theme parks that could face closures due to weather, missed revenue opportunities, and refunds. The theme park is open Monday but, as of Sunday, had shut down the ability to make reservations for Tuesday and Wednesday, as <a href="https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2024/10/07/hurricane-milton-disney-orlando-florida-theme-parks-universal-busch/75543794007/">reported </a>by Florida Today.
Disney World has closed for several hurricanes in the past, most recently for Hurricane Ian in 2022. The theme park was able to escape Helene with minimal impact on some outdoor activities and night entertainment events that were canceled.
Universal Studios in Orlando, which is owned by Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>), could also face closures and cancellations due to the storm's current path.
Power companies like Duke Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUK#NYSE">DUK</a>) and Southern Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SO#NYSE">SO</a>) are among utilities that could see large numbers of customer outages. The companies could face increased labor costs and additional costs to repair infrastructure after the storm.
While theme park stocks could see a negative impact from Hurricane Milton, several other stocks and sectors could benefit from the storm and the pending damage.
Home improvement retailers like Home Depot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>) and Lowe's Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>) traditionally gain from hurricane restoration efforts. With the potential for increased damage due to the back-to-back hurricanes, home improvement retailers could see a surge in demand in the regions hit by the storm.
Generac Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GNRC#NYSE">GNRC</a>) is another company that could benefit from the hurricanes as demand for generators increases. On Monday, Generac shares hit new 52-week highs in anticipation of Hurricane Milton.
One sector facing uncertainty is insurance, as severe damage from the hurricane could hurt profits, but a weaker impact could boost earnings with fewer claims. Companies like Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>), Allstate Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALL#NYSE">ALL</a>) and Travelers Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRV#NYSE">TRV</a>) are among the publicly traded companies that could be impacted by insurance claims from the hurricane.
When Hurricane Helene initially struck, insurance companies expected minimal impact. However, as damage estimates rise, concerns grow. After a relatively mild hurricane season, the successive blows from Helene and Milton could pose challenges for insurers offering home, hurricane, and flood coverage.
Read Next: 
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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

GNRC

Hurricane Milton Is Florida's Second Storm In Two Weeks: How Disney, Theme Parks, Insurance Companies Could Be Impacted

The highly anticipated vice-presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz was watched by 43.2 million as one of the key television events ahead of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election">2024 presidential election.</a>
Here's a look at how the viewership compares to other debates and which media networks had the highest figures.
What Happened: Tuesday night's<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/41107455/walz-vs-vance-vp-debate-betting-odds-what-candidate-is-favored-plus-how-to-watch-likely-to"> vice-presidential debate </a>could be the final debate for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, with just over a month until voting day.
Hosted by Paramount Global (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NASDAQ">PARA</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARAA#NASDAQ">PARAA</a>) owned CBS News, the debate was 90 minutes with several commercial breaks.
According <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/vance-walz-vp-debate-tv-ratings-1236022692/">to </a>The Hollywood Reporter, 43.15 million people watched the vice-presidential debate across 15 networks.
Tuesday's viewership was down 25.2% from the total of 57.92 million for the 2020 vice presidential debate, which featured Mike Pence and Kamala Harris.
The official viewership figure could be bad news for those who bet on the total on prediction market Polymarket. The odds for 40 million to 45 million viewers stood at 14%, while the odds for under 40 million were 18%. When combined, this gave a 32% chance that the debate would draw 45 million or fewer viewers, making it a less likely outcome compared to higher estimates like 60 million and above.
On Polymarket, users can deposit funds using USDC (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>) via the Polygon (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/matic/usd">MATIC</a>) network, or directly from a crypto account with Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>). In each betting market, the winning option pays out at $1.
The last 11 vice-presidential debates (1976 through 2020) have averaged around 46.5 million viewers, with no debate taking place in 1980. This year's vice-presidential debate ranked below the historical average.
The 2008 vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin was the most watched, with 69.9 million viewers. The 1996 vice-presidential debate between Al Gore and Jack Kemp saw a low of 26.6 million viewers.
Two presidential debates have taken place in 2024 with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/06/39563409/heres-how-many-people-watched-the-2024-presidential-debate-and-how-fox-beat-cnn-at-its-own-game">June debate between</a> Biden and Donald Trump having 51.3 million viewers and a September debate between Harris and Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40840076/trump-vs-harris-presidential-debate-viewership-tops-trump-biden-total-but-falls-short-of-re">having 67.1 million viewers.</a>
The 2024 viewership failed to reach the same levels as the 73.1 million viewers who tuned in for the only 2020 presidential debate between Biden and Trump.
The first debate between Hillary Clinton and Trump in 2016 set a record with 84 million viewers. Two additional debates saw 66.5 million and 71.6 million viewers, respectively, ranking among the most-watched presidential debates ever.
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent100324">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
Media Winners: The report said the majority of the 43.15 million viewers came from the Big Four broadcast networks and the three largest cable news outlets.
Around 90% of the viewers were split between FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC.
While CBS was the host of the debate, they allowed simulcasting of the event.
Here's a look at some of the viewership figures by network:
<ul>
<li>CBS: 9.57 million viewers</li>
<li>Fox News, owned by Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOX#NASDAQ">FOX</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOXA#NASDAQ">FOXA</a>): 7.93 million viewers</li>
<li>ABC, owned by The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>): 6.35 million viewers</li>
<li>NBC, owned by Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>): 5.67 million viewers</li>
<li>MSNBC, owned by Comcast: 4.88 million viewers</li>
<li>CNN, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>): 3.37 million viewers</li>
<li>Fox, owned by Fox: 2.48 million viewers</li>
<li>Fox Business, owned by Fox: 276,000 viewers</li>
</ul>
The rest of the viewership was split between various media outlets, according to the report.
CBS was the likely winner of the debate as the host and with the highest viewership. With the commercial breaks, the media network was likely able to charge a premium for advertising space.
The media network could also benefit from an upcoming "60 Minutes"<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/41011819/trump-harris-could-appear-in-back-to-back-60-minutes-interviews-could-paramount-stock-be-a-"> election special airing </a>Monday Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. ET. The special will feature an interview with Harris, with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41133540/trump-backs-out-of-planned-60-minutes-interview-ex-presidents-campaign-says-cbs-asked-for-unpreceden">Trump backing out</a> of an appearance on the episode.
Fox could also be a winner, as it has not hosted any of its own debates, but its viewership figures for the simulcast broadcasts on Fox News and the Fox broadcast channel have performed well.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/10/41151403/walz-vs-vance-who-won-vp-debate-and-could-the-outcome-shift-2024-election-for-harris-or-trump">Walz vs. Vance: Who Won VP Debate, And Could The Outcome Shift 2024 Election For Harris Or Trump?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

$ETH

$MATIC

$USDC

FOXA

PARA

PARAA

Vance Vs. Walz: Here's How Many People Watched VP Debate

As we near the end of what has been a fairly solid Q3 for the equity markets, we are left with the eternal question for investors: &ldquo;What&rsquo;s next?&rdquo;
We now have the Fed&rsquo;s first rate cut in the rearview mirror, with multiple rate cuts expected into early 2025.&nbsp;We also have a highly contested election season, a rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East, and earnings season which is only a couple weeks away.
The beauty of technical analysis is that price action should compensate for investor expectations for all of the above.&nbsp;If investors are excited, nervous, euphoric, despondent, or anywhere in between, the interplay between buyers and sellers can tell us a great deal about investor sentiment.
With that in mind, here are some of the individual stock charts I&rsquo;ll be watching as we transition into the fourth quarter.
<h3>Comcast Corp.</h3>
As I reviewed hundreds of charts to eventually settle in on just ten to review, I was struck by the fact that five out of the ten are in the same sector: Communication Services.&nbsp;From Magnificent 7 names to old telecoms, there are plenty of improving charts in this sector.
<img alt="" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/u1465983/cmcsa_2024-09-27.png" style="height:312px; width:624px" />
While many stocks could be considered overextended after this week, Comcast (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cmcsa#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) is definitely not one of the them.&nbsp;This chart features a classic rotation from a distribution phase (lower highs and lower lows), through a consolidation phase (even highs and lows), into a new accumulation phase (higher highs and higher lows).
This week, CMCSA finally pushed back above its 200-day moving average, as well as the previous peak from mid-July.&nbsp;If this stock can follow through above the $42 level, we could easily see a retest of the January 2024 peak around $46 and beyond.
<h3>Meta Platforms, Inc.</h3>
One of the key questions for October is whether the market will remain strong despite the normal seasonal weakness around this time of year.&nbsp;Meta Platforms, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/meta#NASDAQ">META</a>)&nbsp;may be the best chart to watch to determine whether our benchmarks will remain in a bullish phase.
<img alt="" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/u1465983/meta_2024-09-27.png" style="height:312px; width:624px" />
Meta has tested resistance in the $520 to $540 range since first arriving at these levels in March, and a couple weeks ago that level was finally eclipsed.&nbsp;Any time a stock breaks above a well-established resistance level, I want to see it hold that breakout point on any subsequent pullbacks.
META ended the week in an overbought condition, with the RSI remaining above 70.&nbsp;This often suggests a pullback is imminent, particularly when the RSI dips back below this overbought level.&nbsp;Will Meta Platforms hold $520 as well as the 50-day moving average on a pullback? If so, then this bull market could see unusual strength in arguably the weakest of the 12 months from a seasonal perspective.
<h3>V.F.Corp</h3>
Next is V.F. Corp. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vfc#NYSE">VFC</a>), my first selection outside of the Communication Services sector.&nbsp;This producer of apparel and footwear brands, including Timberland and The North Face, has entered a new uptrend phase off a major low back in March.
<img alt="" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/u1465983/vfc_2024-09-27.png" style="height:312px; width:624px" />
While VFC has already gained about 80% off the March low, the bullish phase appears very much still in place here.&nbsp;We can see a consistent pattern of higher highs and higher lows, and the price is now trending higher above two upward-sloping moving averages.&nbsp;The RSI indicator tells us the momentum is strong but not excessive.&nbsp;I tend to think of charts like this as &ldquo;innocent until proven guilty,&rdquo; and as a trend-follower that means I follow the trend until the chart tells me to do otherwise!
Looking for the other seven charts to watch?&nbsp; Check out the full video on my YouTube channel!
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/my-ywu3D0qU?si=YxYf_BeNqjw74kOQ" width="560"></iframe>
<img alt="" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/u1465983/1200x628-twms24-keller.jpg" style="height:327px; width:624px" />
RR#6, Dave
PS- Ready to upgrade your investment process?&nbsp; Check out my free behavioral investing course!
David Keller, CMT President and Chief Strategist Sierra Alpha Research LLC
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.&nbsp; The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The author does not have a position in mentioned securities at the time of publication.&nbsp; &nbsp; Any opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person or entity.
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#39;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

General

October 2024's Top 10 Charts You Can't Miss: Market Trends Every Investor Should Know

New Multi-Year Partnership Includes Continued Carriage of NBCUniversal's Broadcast and Cable Networks and Peacock Premium for Spectrum Video Customers at No Additional Cost
NEW YORK and STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NBCUniversal and Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHTR#NASDAQ">CHTR</a>) today announced a holistic content distribution agreement that further transforms the rapidly shifting video landscape by adding NBCUniversal's Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service, for Spectrum TV Select video customers. Through this mutually beneficial multi-year deal, Charter will continue its carriage of NBCUniversal's full portfolio of broadcast, entertainment, Hispanic, news and sports networks while advancing its industry-leading strategy of including streaming apps in the cable bundle by making ad-supported Peacock available to Spectrum TV Select customers at no additional cost in the coming months.

CHTR

NBCUniversal And Charter Communications Announce Renewal Agreement That Maximizes Customer Value By Combining Linear Video And Direct-To-Consumer Streaming

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Comcast (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with CMCSA, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 8 options trades for Comcast.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 0% bullish and 100%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $36,400, and 7, calls, for a total amount of $477,281.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $32.5 and $42.5 for Comcast, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Comcast options trades today is 3665.67 with a total volume of 14,338.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Comcast's big money trades within a strike price range of $32.5 to $42.5 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Comcast Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727797583_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$10.15</td>
<td>$10.05</td>
<td>$10.05</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$138.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td>232</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$0.53</td>
<td>$0.49</td>
<td>$0.49</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$99.9K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">561</td>
<td>4.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$10.15</td>
<td>$10.05</td>
<td>$10.05</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$93.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td>94</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$0.52</td>
<td>$0.49</td>
<td>$0.49</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$46.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">561</td>
<td>4.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$0.52</td>
<td>$0.49</td>
<td>$0.49</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$39.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">561</td>
<td>7.7K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Comcast</h3>
Comcast is made up of three parts. The core cable business owns networks capable of providing television, internet access, and phone services to 63 million US homes and businesses, or nearly half of the country. About 50% of the locations in this territory subscribe to at least one Comcast service. Comcast acquired NBCUniversal from General Electric in 2011. NBCU owns several cable networks, including CNBC, MSNBC, and USA, the NBC network, the Peacock streaming platform, several local NBC affiliates, Universal Studios, and several theme parks. Sky, acquired in 2018, is a large television provider in the UK and has invested heavily in proprietary content to build this position. Sky is also a large pay-television provider in Italy and has a presence in Germany and Austria.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Comcast, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Where Is Comcast Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 3,605,206, with CMCSA's price down by -0.78%, positioned at $41.45.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 30 days.</li>
</ul>
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Comcast with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Comcast

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/comcast-unit-sues-warner-discovery-in-tussle-over-shows-like-harry-potter-48b25cb2">https://www.wsj.com/business/media/comcast-unit-sues-warner-discovery-in-tussle-over-shows-like-harry-potter-48b25cb2</a>
<a href="https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/CMCSA">Comcast</a>'s <a href="https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/CMCSA">CMCSA 1.52%increase; green up pointing triangle</a> European pay-TV company Sky has sued <a href="https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/WBD">Warner Bros Discovery</a> <a href="https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/WBD">WBD 0.84%increase; green up pointing triangle</a>, accusing the entertainment giant of violating an agreement that gave Sky long-term exclusive rights to shows including a new "Harry Potter" TV series.
Sky alleges that Warner didn't give it the opportunity to co-produce a number of shows under the deal, including the "Harry Potter" project, which has begun casting and is expected to debut in 2026, according to the lawsuit that was filed Friday in a New York federal court.

Legal

'Comcast Unit Sues Warner Discovery, In Tussle Over Shows Like 'Harry Potter'; European Pay-Tv Operator Sky Accuses Warner Of Violating Co-Production Deal Giving It Exclusive Long-Term Rights To Shows' - WSJ

Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is reviewing its movie strategy, part of a turnaround strategy by its Hollywood studio leaders, Zack Van Amburg&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jamie Erlicht, to contain costs.
Apple plans to produce a dozen movies annually, most of which will cost less than $100 million, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-27/apple-movies-won-t-be-coming-to-theaters-anytime-soon?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> familiar sources.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/03/37558754/apples-1b-gamble-on-3-blockbusters-analyzing-box-office-results-streaming-impact-and-oscar-nominatio" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reportedly, Apple spent</a> $700 million on the three blockbuster movies Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon, and Argylle, which grossed $470.4 million globally.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39673877/movie-theater-analyst-sizes-up-amc-cinemark-and-more-predicts-box-office-rebound-in" rel="noreferrer noopener">Movie Theater Analyst Sizes Up AMC, Cinemark And More, Predicts &#8216;Box Office Rebound In 2025&#8217;</a>
Apple&#8217;s George Clooney&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brad Pitt-starring action comedy Wolfs began streaming on Apple TV+ after debuting in limited venues. Apple is considering a similar strategy for subsequent releases, including the World War II drama&nbsp;Blitz.
However, the streaming business emerged as a battleground led by Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>), with Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) and Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) fighting for market share.
Netflix had a market share of 22% in subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services in the second quarter of 2024. Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) streaming service Disney+ followed with a market share of 11% and Apple TV+ at 9%, as per&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/496011/usa-svod-to-tv-streaming-usage/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Statista</a>.
Netflix spends $17 billion <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/03/37896107/netflix-cfo-spence-neumann-discusses-companys-growth-strategy-and-future" rel="noreferrer noopener">annually on content</a> and eyes over $600 billion in revenue opportunity.
Disney scored a big win in 2024 with proven franchises Deadpool &amp; Wolverine, grossing $1.32 billion, and Inside Out 2 clocking $1.69 billion globally, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/2024/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Box Office Mojo</a>.
Comcast Corp&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) Despicable Me 4, another proven franchise, grossed $0.95 billion. Apple&#8217;s next theatrical release, F1, starring Pitt, is slated for June.
Price Action: AAPL stock is up 0.18% at $227.94 at the last check on Friday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/41034366/disney-stock-could-benefit-from-box-office-strength-streaming-analyst-says-dtc-set-for-cont" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Disney Stock Could Benefit From Box Office Strength, Streaming: Analyst Says DTC Set &#8216;For Continued Revenue And Profit Growth&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

AAPL

AMZN

NFLX

Apple's Reviews Strategy, Cuts Film Budgets After Blockbuster Spend - What's Next for Apple TV+?

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Comcast.
Looking at options history for Comcast (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) we detected 10 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 10% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 70% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $63,354 and 8, calls, for a total amount of $606,337.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $35.0 to $47.5 for Comcast during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Comcast's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Comcast's significant trades, within a strike price range of $35.0 to $47.5, over the past month.
<h3>Comcast Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727458493_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$8.35</td>
<td>$8.25</td>
<td>$8.25</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$171.6K</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>223</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$2.0</td>
<td>$1.91</td>
<td>$1.98</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$103.5K</td>
<td>7.2K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$1.96</td>
<td>$1.92</td>
<td>$1.94</td>
<td>$42.50</td>
<td>$101.4K</td>
<td>28.3K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$1.24</td>
<td>$1.14</td>
<td>$1.16</td>
<td>$47.50</td>
<td>$58.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMCSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$1.24</td>
<td>$1.15</td>
<td>$1.16</td>
<td>$47.50</td>
<td>$58.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>501</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Comcast</h3>
Comcast is made up of three parts. The core cable business owns networks capable of providing television, internet access, and phone services to 63 million US homes and businesses, or nearly half of the country. About 50% of the locations in this territory subscribe to at least one Comcast service. Comcast acquired NBCUniversal from General Electric in 2011. NBCU owns several cable networks, including CNBC, MSNBC, and USA, the NBC network, the Peacock streaming platform, several local NBC affiliates, Universal Studios, and several theme parks. Sky, acquired in 2018, is a large television provider in the UK and has invested heavily in proprietary content to build this position. Sky is also a large pay-television provider in Italy and has a presence in Germany and Austria.
<h3>Where Is Comcast Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 6,485,734, the CMCSA's price is up by 2.0%, now at $41.84. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 34 days.</li>
</ul>
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The communication industry is on the verge of massive growth, fueled by the rapid expansion of 5G technology, AI integration, and expectations of 6G deployment. Thus, investors looking to capitalize on this trend could grab shares of fundamentally stable communication stocks T-Mobile (TMUS), Comcast (CMCSA), and InterDigital (IDCC). Read on… The communication industry is evolving significantly, driven by the growing demand for 5G technology and the need for high-speed, low-latency networks. The ongoing expansion of 5G, alongside the anticipation of 6G deployment and harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize operations and customer experiences, are fueling substantial growth within the industry.
Amid this backdrop, investors could consider buying fundamentally sound communication stocks T-Mobile US, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TMUS/">TMUS</a>), Comcast Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CMCSA/">CMCSA</a>), and InterDigital, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IDCC/">IDCC</a>), which have their third quarter earnings just ahead of them. Moreover, these stocks have a solid history of earnings surprises.
The telecommunications industry is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by widespread wireless network adoption and substantial investments in infrastructure. Industries are experiencing boosted efficiency and productivity as they start to adopt 5G networks in their workspace.
According to a <a href="https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/industries/technology/publications/economic-impact-5g.html">PwC report</a>, the U.S. economy is expected to add $15 billion by using 5G applications in industrial manufacturing by 2030. This expansion of 5G technology and the <a href="https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/03/28/eu-us-to-announce-6g-vision-cooperation-on-ai-at-ttc-summit">anticipation of 6G innovations</a> are elevating communication capabilities, particularly benefiting the United States as a leader in digital advancements.
Moreover, AI is transforming the telecommunications sector by enhancing operational efficiency and customer experiences and managing data center demands. This integration of AI presents a lucrative investment opportunity, with the global AI in telecommunications market projected to reach $21.20 billion by 2030, growing at <a href="https://www.kbvresearch.com/ai-in-telecommunication-market/">a CAGR of 40.4%</a>.
Further, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the U.S. telecom market is forecasted to grow to $530.61 billion by 2029, reflecting <a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-telecom-market">a steady CAGR of 3.7%</a>. This growth reflects the ongoing transformation and expansion of the industry.
Considering these trends, let us discuss the fundamentals of three top-rated communication stocks that could pop off after their soon-to-be-announced third-quarter earnings.
Stock #3: T-Mobile US, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TMUS/">TMUS</a>)
TMUS provides mobile communication services, including voice, messaging, and data, through its T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile brands. It utilizes its 4G LTE and 5G networks to deliver these services. Additionally, the company offers a variety of wireless devices and accessories, along with financing options via equipment installment plans (EIP).
On October 8, TMUS announced the introduction of <a href="https://investor.t-mobile.com/events-and-presentations/news/news-details/2024/T-Mobile-Announces-5G-On-Demand-A-Portable-5G-Private-Network-Solution/default.aspx">5G On Demand</a>, a complete, portable 5G private network and services solution that includes setup, teardown and network management.
With the introduction of new advancements that fuel the 5G revolution, TMUS is securing a top spot in the communications industry, catering to the growing needs of its customers.
On September 18, TMUS and Open AI entered a <a href="https://investor.t-mobile.com/events-and-presentations/news/news-details/2024/T-Mobile-and-OpenAI-Join-Forces-to-Revolutionize-the-Customer-Experience-with-First-Ever-Intent-Driven-AI-Decisioning-Platform/default.aspx">multi-year agreement</a> to customize the first intent-driven AI-decisioning platform, IntentCX. This platform will use real-time data to understand customers' needs and intent, proactively take action and resolve issues, and improve TMUS' customer service and interactions, gathering the company a loyal following in the days to come.
In the fiscal 2024 second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, TMUS' total services revenues rose 4.4% year-over-year to $16.43 billion. Its <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/adjusted-ebitda.asp">adjusted EBITDA</a> stood at $8.05 billion, up 8.8% from the year-ago quarter. Plus, the company's net income and EPS increased 31.7% and 33.9% from the prior year's period to $2.93 billion and $2.49, respectively.
TMUS is expected to release its fiscal 2024 third-quarter results on <a href="https://investor.t-mobile.com/events-and-presentations/news/news-details/2024/T-Mobile-to-Host-Q3-2024-Earnings-Call-on-October-23-2024/default.aspx">October 23, 2024</a>. Street expects TMUS' revenue and EPS for the fiscal third quarter (ended September 2024) to increase 4% and 22.5% year-over-year to $20.02 billion and $2.45, respectively. Moreover, the company surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters.
TMUS' stock has gained 20.3% over the past three months and 52.4% over the past year to close the last trading session at $215.91.
TMUS' bright prospects are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of B, equating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
TMUS has a B grade for Growth, Stability, Sentiment, and Quality. It is ranked #4 in the 19-stock <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/telecom-domestic/">Telecom – Domestic</a> industry.
Beyond what we stated above, we have also given TMUS grades for Value and Momentum. Get all the TMUS ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TMUS/">here</a>.
Stock #2: Comcast Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CMCSA/">CMCSA</a>)
CMCSA is a global media and technology company that offers broadband, wireless, video, entertainment, sports, and news through brands like NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky. It operates through two segments: Connectivity &amp; Platforms and Content &amp; Experiences.
On September 25, CMCSA <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/broadcom-charter-comcast-unified-docsis-chipsets-capable-of-25gbps-speeds">announced a joint partnership</a> with Broadcom Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AVGO/">AVGO</a>) and Charter Communications to jointly develop Unified DOCSIS chipsets for network nodes, smart amps, and cable modems and to deliver upwards of 25 Gbps speeds over existing networks.
With rising demands for high-speed networks for businesses, CMCSA's new venture would give the company a significant market presence and establish it as one of the top players in the communications industry.
On September 23, CMCSA unveiled <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/comcast-harnessing-cloud-and-ai-to-transform-next-generation-internet-experiences">Janus</a>, an initiative that leverages leading-edge cloud and AI/ML technology to transform the way its core network delivers next-generation internet experiences to its customers. The new initiative is expected to maximize the company's network performance and serve its customers with unprecedented internet experience, uplifting the company's popularity as well.
For the fiscal 2024 second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, CMCSA's revenue came in at $29.69 billion. The company's adjusted EBITDA was reported to be $10.17 billion. Moreover, its adjusted net income increased marginally from its year-ago value to $4.74 billion, while its adjusted EPS rose 7% year-over-year to $1.21.
CMCSA is expected to announce its fiscal 2024 third-quarter results on <a href="https://www.cmcsa.com/news-releases/news-release-details/comcast-host-third-quarter-2024-earnings-conference-call">October 31, 2024</a>. Looking forward, analysts expect CMCSA's revenue and EPS for the fiscal year ending December 2024 to increase 1.1% and 6% year-over-year to $122.93 billion and $4.22, respectively. Plus, the company surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in all four trailing quarters, which is impressive.
Over the past month, CMCSA's stock has surged 6.1% to close the last trading session at $41.97.
CMCSA's POWR Ratings reflect its optimistic outlook. It has an overall rating of B, equating to Buy in our proprietary rating system.
CMCSA has a B grade for Stability and Quality. It has topped the 8-stock <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/entertainment-tv-internet-providers/">Entertainment – TV &amp; Internet Providers</a> industry.
<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CMCSA/">Click here</a> to see CMCSA's Growth, Momentum, Value, and Sentiment ratings.
Stock #1: InterDigital, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IDCC/">IDCC</a>)
IDCC is a global research and development company focusing on wireless, video, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The company designs and develops foundational technologies for connected experiences in various communications and entertainment products.
On October 1, IPCC announced a new <a href="https://ir.interdigital.com/news-events/press-releases/news-details/2024/InterDigital-signs-new-license-agreements-with-TPV/default.aspx">patent license agreement</a> with TPV, a major manufacturer of a range of digital TVs under various brands. Through this agreement, TPV has acquired the license to include IDCC's extensive portfolio of HEVC patents as well as DTV patents licensed through IDCC's joint licensing program with Sony.
For the fiscal second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, IDCC's revenues grew by 120% year-over-year to $223.49 million. Income from operations increased 472.8% from the year-ago value to $133.91 million. Also, the company's adjusted EBITDA rose 194.5% from the prior-year quarter to $157.74 million.
Furthermore, the company's non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS grew 233.7% and 251.5% from the previous year's period to $118.90 million and $4.57, respectively.
The consensus revenue estimate of $716.69 million for the fiscal year ending December 2024 reflects a rise of 30.4% year-over-year. Its EPS for the same period is expected to increase 13.6% from the prior year to $10.48. Furthermore, the company topped the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the four trailing quarters, which is noteworthy.
IDCC's stock has gained 28.8% over the past three months and 94.6% over the past year to close the last trading session at $155.86.
IDCC's solid fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of B, translating to Buy in our proprietary rating system.
Beyond what we've stated above, we have also rated the stock for Growth, Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment. Get all IDCC ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IDCC/">here</a>.
What To Do Next?
43 year investment veteran, Steve Reitmeister, has just released his 2024 market outlook along with trading plan and top 11 picks for the year ahead.
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/sign-up/stock-market-outlook-2024/?formplacement=artbotad_smo24_rep">2024 Stock Market Outlook &gt;</a>
<hr />
TMUS shares rose $0.84 (+0.39%) in premarket trading Tuesday. Year-to-date, TMUS has gained 36.16%, versus a 24.09% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Aanchal Sugandh</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Aanchal-Sugandh_Headshot.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Aanchal's passion for financial markets drives her work as an investment analyst and journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in finance and is pursuing the CFA program.

She is proficient at assessing the long-term prospects of stocks with her fundamental analysis skills. Her goal is to help investors build portfolios with sustainable returns.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=aanchal-sugandh">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/tmus-cmcsa-idcc-avgo-3-communication-stocks-that-could-pop-after-q3-earnings/>3 Communication Stocks That Could Pop After Q3 Earnings</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Communication Stocks That Could Pop After Q3 Earnings

ABBV

APOG

ARTNA

ARTNB

AVGO

CARR

CSCO

CSWI

CTSH

DELL

EBAY

ERIE

FAST

FBNC

GAIN

GOOG

GOOGL

HBCP

HFBL

IDCC

INGR

JNPR

JOUT

LAND

LECO

LKFN

MCHP

MLPX

MSFT

NTAP

NTDOF

NTDOY

NXPI

ORCL

QCOM

QNTO

REXR

SBAC

SCHD

SGAMF

SGAMY

SNAP

SNEJF

SONY

SPFI

SQNXF

SWKS

TCEHY

TCTZF

TMUS

TRIN

TTWO

TXNM

UBSFY

VTRS

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