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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
(X) Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Quarterly Period Ended:

SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
OR

(  ) Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Transition Period from ________ to ________.

Commission File Number 000-50093

COMCAST CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

PENNSYLVANIA 27-0000798

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
1500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-2148

(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (215) 665-1700

_________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   X   No     

_________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12-b2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   X       No     

As of September 30, 2004, there were 1,359,058,724 shares of our Class A Common Stock, 851,388,073 shares of our Class A Special Common Stock and 9,444,375 shares of our Class B Common Stock outstanding.



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 (Unaudited) 2
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited) 3
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (Unaudited) 4
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 5
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 29
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 37
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures 37
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings 37
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 37
ITEM 6. Exhibits 38
SIGNATURES 39

_________________

        This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004. This Quarterly Report modifies and supersedes documents filed prior to this Quarterly Report. Information that we file with the SEC in the future will automatically update and supersede information contained in this Quarterly Report. In this Quarterly Report, we refer to Comcast Corporation as “Comcast”; Comcast and its consolidated subsidiaries as “we,” “us” and “our”; and Comcast Holdings Corporation as “Comcast Holdings.”

        You should carefully review the information contained in this Quarterly Report and should particularly consider any risk factors that we set forth in this Quarterly Report and in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the SEC. In this Quarterly Report, we state our beliefs of future events and of our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify those so-called “forward-looking statements” by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of those words and other comparable words. You should be aware that those statements are only our predictions. In evaluating those statements, you should specifically consider various factors, including the risks and uncertainties outlined below and in other reports we file with the SEC. Actual events or our actual results may differ materially from any of our forward-looking statements.

        Among other things, our businesses may be affected by:

changes in laws and regulations,

changes in the competitive environment,

changes in technology, · industry consolidation and mergers,

franchise related matters,

market conditions that may adversely affect the availability of debt and equity financing for working capital, capital expenditures or other purposes,

the demand for the programming content we distribute or the willingness of other video program distributors to carry our content, and

general economic conditions.

As more fully described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and in current reports filed with the SEC, on September 17, 2003, we sold our approximate 57% interest in QVC, Inc., which markets a wide variety of products directly to consumers primarily on merchandise-focused television programs, to Liberty Media Corporation. Accordingly, financial information related to QVC is presented as a discontinued operation in our financial statements.



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in millions, except share data)
September 30,
2004
December 31,
2003


ASSETS      
CURRENT ASSETS
   Cash and cash equivalents  $717   $1,550  
   Investments  2,256   2,493  
   Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $136 and $146  940   907  
   Other current assets  469   453  


       Total current assets  4,382   5,403  


INVESTMENTS  13,096   14,818  
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation of $8,701 and $6,563  18,656   18,473  
 
FRANCHISE RIGHTS  51,071   51,050  
 
GOODWILL  14,334   14,841  
 
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net of accumulated amortization of $3,082 and $2,182  4,196   3,859  
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS, net  709   715  


   $106,444   $109,159  


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
CURRENT LIABILITIES 
   Accounts payable  $1,023   $1,251  
   Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  4,152   4,563  
   Deferred income taxes  614   679  
   Current portion of long-term debt  3,128   3,161  


       Total current liabilities  8,917   9,654  


LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion  22,103   23,835  
 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES  26,414   25,900  
 
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES  7,354   7,716  
 
MINORITY INTEREST  458   392  
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 10) 
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
   Preferred stock - authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued, zero
   Class A common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized,
     7,500,000,000 shares; issued, 1,602,699,224 and 1,601,161,057;
     outstanding, 1,359,058,724 and 1,357,520,557
  16   16  
   Class A special common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized,
     7,500,000,000 shares; issued 898,677,916 and 931,732,876;
 
     outstanding, 851,388,073 and 884,443,033  9   9  
   Class B common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized, 75,000,000 shares;
     issued, 9,444,375
 
   Additional capital  44,204   44,742  
   Retained earnings  4,621   4,552  
   Treasury stock, 243,640,500 Class A common shares and 47,289,843 Class A special
     common shares
  (7,517 ) (7,517 )
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (135 ) (140 )


       Total stockholders' equity  41,198   41,662  


   $106,444   $109,159  


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data)
    Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    2004   2003   2004   2003  




REVENUES   $5,098   $4,546   $15,072   $13,606  
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES 
    Operating (excluding depreciation)  1,837   1,703   5,500   5,267  
    Selling, general and administrative  1,401   1,211   4,027   3,667  
    Depreciation  869   774   2,480   2,370  
    Amortization  305   365   868   1,090  




   4,412   4,053   12,875   12,394  




OPERATING INCOME  686   493   2,197   1,212  
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) 
    Interest expense  (435 ) (565 ) (1,419 ) (1,579 )
    Investment income (loss), net  89   (178 ) 231   (407 )
    Equity in net losses of affiliates  (29 ) (17 ) (66 ) (33 )
    Other income  63   25   82   60  




   (312 ) (735 ) (1,172 ) (1,959 )




INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND 
    MINORITY INTEREST  374   (242 ) 1,025   (747 )
 
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT  (156 ) 103   (466 ) 231  




 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST  218   (139 ) 559   (516 )
 
MINORITY INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE)  2   (14 ) (12 ) (85 )




 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  220   (153 ) 547   (601 )
 
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax      39       168  
 
GAIN ON DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax      3,290       3,290  




 
NET INCOME  $220   $3,176   $547   $2,857  




 
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) FOR COMMON STOCKHOLDERS PER COMMON SHARE 
    Income (loss) from continuing operations  $0.10   ($0.07 ) $0.24   ($0.27 )
    Income from discontinued operations    0.02       0.08
    Gain on discontinued operations    1.46       1.46




        Net income  $0.10   $1.41   $0.24   $1.27  




DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) FOR COMMON STOCKHOLDERS PER COMMON SHARE 
    Income (loss) from continuing operations  $0.10   ($0.07 ) $0.24   ($0.27 )
    Income from discontinued operations    0.02       0.08
    Gain on discontinued operations    1.46       1.46




        Net income  $0.10   $1.41   $0.24   $1.27  




See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2004 2003


OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
   Net income  $547   $2,857  
   Income from discontinued operations    (168 )
   Gain on discontinued operations    (3,290 )


   Income (loss) from continuing operations  547   (601 )
 
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided 
   by operating activities from continuing operations: 
     Depreciation  2,480   2,370  
     Amortization  868   1,090  
     Non-cash interest (income) expense, net  26   (85 )
     Equity in net losses of affiliates  66   33  
     Gains (losses) on investments and other income, net  (268 ) 423  
     Non-cash contribution expense  23  
     Minority interest  12   34  
     Deferred income taxes  239   900  
     Proceeds from sales or exchanges of trading securities  553   85  
     Current tax associated with sale of discontinued operations    (2,028 )
 
   Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures: 
       Change in accounts receivable, net  (20 ) 12  
       Change in accounts payable  (231 ) (108 )
       Change in other operating assets and liabilities  140   394  


       Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations  4,435   2,519  


FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
   Proceeds from borrowings  1,354   9,377  
   Retirements and repayments of debt  (2,289 ) (13,675 )
   Repurchases of common stock  (1,007 )
   Other  64   (3 )


       Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations  (1,878 ) (4,301 )


INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
   Acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (296 ) (39 )
   Proceeds from sales (purchases) of short-term investments, net  (20 ) (8 )
   Proceeds from sales and restructuring of investments and assets held for sale  200   7,952  
   Purchases of investments  (118 ) (151 )
   Capital expenditures  (2,610 ) (3,093 )
   Additions to intangible and other noncurrent assets  (572 ) (139 )
   Proceeds from settlement of contract of acquired company  26  


       Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities from continuing operations  (3,390 ) 4,522  


 
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  (833 ) 2,740  
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period  1,550   505  


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period  $717   $3,245  


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Basis of Presentation
We have prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based upon Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods.

These financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of our financial condition and results of operations for the interim periods shown, including normal recurring accruals and other items. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

Effective in the first quarter of 2004, we changed the unit of accounting used for testing impairment of our indefinite-lived franchise rights to geographic regions and performed impairment testing of our cable franchise rights. We did not record any impairment charges in connection with this impairment testing.

For a more complete discussion of our accounting policies and certain other information, refer to our annual financial statements for the preceding fiscal year as filed with the SEC.

On September 17, 2003, we completed the sale of our approximate 57% interest in QVC, Inc. Accordingly, QVC has been presented as a discontinued operation pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”

The results of operations of QVC included within income from discontinued operations, net of tax are as follows (in millions):

Three Months
Ended
September 30, 2003
Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2003
  Revenues  $752   $2,915  
  Income before income taxes and minority interest  $123   $496  
Income tax expense  $47   $184  

Both periods presented above include QVC’s operations through August 31, 2003, as reported to us by QVC.

Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to those classifications used in 2004.

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

FIN 46/FIN 46R
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). We adopted the provisions of FIN 46 effective January 1, 2002. Since our initial application of FIN 46, the FASB addressed various implementation issues regarding the application of FIN 46 to entities outside its originally interpreted scope, focusing on Special Purpose Entities, or SPEs. In December 2003, the FASB revised FIN 46 (“FIN 46R”), which delayed the required implementation date until March 31, 2004 for entities that are not SPEs. The adoption of FIN 46R did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

5



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

EITF 03-16
In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus regarding Issue No. 03-16, “Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies” (“EITF 03-16”).  EITF 03-16 requires investments in limited liability companies (“LLCs”) that have separate ownership accounts for each investor to be accounted for similar to a limited partnership investment under Statement of Position No. 78-9, “Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures.”  Investors are required to apply the equity method of accounting to their investments at a much lower ownership threshold than the 20% threshold applied under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.”  EITF 03-16 is effective for the first period beginning after June 15, 2004. We adopted EITF 03-16 on July 1, 2004. The adoption of EITF 03-16 did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) from continuing operations for common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period on a basic and diluted basis.

Our potentially dilutive securities include potential common shares related to our stock options, restricted stock and Comcast exchangeable notes (see Note 7). Diluted earnings for common stockholders per common share (“Diluted EPS”) considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an antidilutive effect. Diluted EPS excludes the impact of potential common shares related to our stock options in periods in which the option exercise price is greater than the average market price of our common stock for the period. Diluted EPS for the interim periods in 2004 excludes the impact of potential common shares related to our Class A Special common stock held in treasury because it is our intent to settle the related Comcast exchangeable notes using cash.

Diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, excludes approximately 108 million and 102 million potential common shares, respectively, related to our stock option plans because the option exercise price was greater than the average market price of our Class A common stock and our Class A Special common stock for the period. Diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, excludes approximately 149 million and 144 million potential common shares, respectively, primarily related to our stock option and restricted stock plans and our common stock held in treasury because the assumed issuance of such potential common shares is antidilutive in periods in which there is a loss from continuing operations.

The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator of the computations of Diluted EPS for common stockholders from continuing operations for the interim periods presented:

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2004 2003


Income Shares Per Share
Amount
Loss Shares Per Share
Amount






Basic EPS for common 
  stockholders  $220   2,234   $0.10   ($153 ) 2,257   ($0.07 )
Effect of Dilutive Securities 
  Assumed exercise of stock option and 
   restricted stock plans      9  






Diluted EPS  $220   2,243   $0.10   ($153 ) 2,257   ($0.07 )






6



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2004 2003


Income Shares Per Share
Amount
Loss Shares Per Share
Amount






Basic EPS for common 
  stockholders  $547   2,249   $0.24 ($601 ) 2,256   ($0.27 )
Effect of Dilutive Securities 
  Assumed exercise of stock option and 
   restricted stock plans      10  






Diluted EPS  $547   2,259   $0.24 ($601 ) 2,256   ($0.27 )






4. ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Acquisition of Broadband
On November 18, 2002, we completed the acquisition of AT&T Corp.‘s (“AT&T”) broadband business, which we refer to as “Broadband.” The acquisition created the largest cable operator in the United States by combining Broadband’s and our cable networks.

The application of purchase accounting under SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” requires that the total purchase price of an acquisition be allocated to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the acquisition date. During 2003, we finalized the Broadband purchase price allocation except for certain litigation contingencies relating to our share of AT&T’s potential liability associated with the At Home Corporation litigation (see Note 10). We have arranged with AT&T to obtain additional information to assist with the evaluation of this potential liability and continue to expect to receive such information. However, we have concluded that continued delays in obtaining such information indicate it cannot be used in allocating the Broadband purchase price. Accordingly, the allocation period is complete and any adjustment recorded in the future associated with these litigation contingencies will be included in our results of operations in the period in which a liability, if any, is deemed probable and reasonably estimable. Such adjustment is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, but it could possibly be material to our results of operations in the period in which it is determined.

Liabilities associated with exit activities recorded in the purchase price allocation consisted of $602 million associated with accrued employee termination and related costs and $929 million associated with either the cost of terminating contracts or the present value of remaining amounts payable under non-cancelable contracts. Amounts paid, adjustments made against these accruals and interest accretion during the nine months ended September 30, 2004, were as follows (in millions):

Employee
Termination and
Related Costs
Contract
Exit
Costs


Balance, December 31, 2003  $135   $461  
Payments  (50 ) (18 )
Adjustments and settlements    (374 )
Interest accretion    3  


Balance, September 30, 2004  $85   $72  



Gemstar
On March 31, 2004, we entered into a long-term, non-exclusive patent license and distribution agreement with Gemstar-TV Guide International (“Gemstar”) in exchange for a one-time payment of $250 million to Gemstar. This

7



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

amount is included in other intangible assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet and is being amortized based on a preliminary allocation of value. This agreement allows us to utilize Gemstar’s intellectual property and technology and the TV Guide brand and content on our interactive program guides. In addition, we and Gemstar formed an entity to develop and enhance interactive programming guides.

TechTV
On May 10, 2004, we completed the purchase of TechTV Inc. (“TechTV”) by acquiring all outstanding common and preferred stock of TechTV from Vulcan Programming Inc. for approximately $300 million in cash. Substantially all of the purchase price has been recorded as an intangible asset pending the completion of a formal valuation.  The results of TechTV are not material for pro forma presentation. On May 28, 2004, G4, our wholly-owned subsidiary, and TechTV began operating as one network called G4techTV, which is available to approximately 44 million cable and satellite homes nationwide. We have classified G4techTV as part of our content business segment (see Note 11). 

Liberty Exchange Agreement
On July 28, 2004, we exchanged approximately 120 million shares of Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty”) Series A common stock that we held (see Note 5), valued at approximately $1.022 billion based upon the price of Liberty common stock on the closing date of the transaction, with Liberty for 100% of the stock of Liberty’s subsidiary, Encore ICCP, Inc. (“Encore”). Encore’s assets consisted of cash of approximately $547 million, a 10.4% interest in E! Entertainment Television, Inc. (“E!”) and 100% of the International Cable Channels Partnership, Ltd. (“International Channel Networks”). We also received all of Liberty’s rights, benefits and obligations under the TCI Music contribution agreement, which resulted in the resolution of all pending litigation between Liberty and us regarding the contribution agreement (see Note 10). The Liberty exchange increased our portfolio of programming investments because we now own 60.5% of E! and 100% of International Channel Networks. The exchange was structured as a tax free transaction. We allocated the value of the shares exchanged in the transaction between cash, our additional investment in E!, International Channel Networks and the resolution of the litigation related to the contribution agreement. The value of certain assets and liabilities are based on preliminary valuations and are subject to adjustment as the valuation reports and any additional information are obtained. The effects of our acquisition of the additional interest in E! and the acquisition of International Channel Networks have been reflected in our consolidated statement of operations from the date of the transaction. The results of International Channel Networks and the impact of our additional interest in E! are not material for pro forma presentation.

8



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

5. INVESTMENTS

September 30,
2004
December 31,
2003


(in millions)
Fair value method      
     Cablevision  $841   $970  
     Liberty Media Corporation  872   2,644  
     Liberty Media International  366  
     Microsoft  1,299   1,331  
     Sprint  574   349  
     Vodafone  712   1,245  
     Other  43   44  


   4,707   6,583  


Equity Method 
     Cable related  2,275   2,251  
     Other  172   242  


   2,447   2,493  


Cost method, principally Time Warner Cable and Time Warner  8,198   8,235  


     Total investments  15,352   17,311  
Less, current investments  2,256   2,493  


Non-current investments  $13,096   $14,818  



Fair Value Method
We hold unrestricted equity investments, which we account for as available for sale or trading securities, in certain publicly traded companies. The net unrealized pre-tax gains on investments accounted for as available for sale securities as of September 30, 2004, and December 31, 2003, of $23 million and $65 million, respectively, have been reported in our consolidated balance sheet principally as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related deferred income taxes of $8 million and $23 million, respectively.

On June 7, 2004, we received approximately 11 million shares of Liberty Media International, Inc. (“Liberty International”) Series A common stock in connection with the spin-off by Liberty of Liberty International. In the spin-off, each share of Liberty Series A and Series B common stock received 0.05 shares of the new Liberty International Series A common stock. We have classified all of the shares of Liberty International Series A common stock that we received as trading securities recorded at fair value within noncurrent investments. Approximately 5 million of these shares collateralize a portion of the ten-year prepaid forward sale of Liberty common stock that we entered into in December 2003.

The cost, fair value and unrealized gains and losses related to our available for sale securities are as follows (in millions):

September 30,
2004
December 31,
2003


Cost  $65   $92  
Unrealized gains  23   66  
Unrealized losses  (1 )


Fair value  $88   $157  



9



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

Investment Income (Loss), Net
Investment income (loss), net for the interim periods includes the following (in millions):

               
    Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    2004   2003   2004   2003  




Interest and dividend income  $22   $31   $65   $114  
Gains on sales and exchanges of investments, net  35   4   36   27  
Investment impairment losses  (7 )   (10 ) (70 )
Mark to market adjustments on trading securities  (27 ) (110 ) (255 ) 182  
Mark to market adjustments on derivatives related 
     to trading securities  85   (62 ) 341   (368 )
Mark to market adjustments on derivatives and hedged items  (19 ) (41 ) 54   (292 )




     Investment income (loss), net  $89   ($178 ) $231   ($407 )





On September 30, 2004, we sold our 20% interest in DHC Ventures, LLC (Discovery Health Channel) to Discovery Communications, Inc. for approximately $149 million in cash and recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $94 million to other income.

6. GOODWILL

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by business segment (see Note 11) for the periods presented are as follows (in millions):

Cable Content Corporate and
Other
Total




             
Balance, December 31, 2003  $13,891   $774   $176   $14,841  
Purchase price allocation adjustments  (656 ) (656 )
Acquisitions  67   78   4   149  




Balance, September 30, 2004  $13,302   $852   $180   $14,334  





During 2004, the decrease to goodwill relates to the settlement or adjustment of certain liabilities associated with the Broadband acquisition.

10



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

7. LONG-TERM DEBT

September 30,
2004
December 31,
2003


(in millions)
Notes exchangeable into common stock  $2,991   $4,318  
Bank and public debt  21,790   22,193  
Other, including capital lease obligations  450   485  


     Total debt  $25,231   $26,996  



The Cross-Guarantee Structure
To simplify our capital structure, we and a number of our wholly-owned subsidiaries that hold substantially all of our cable communications assets have unconditionally guaranteed each other’s debt securities and indebtedness for borrowed money, including amounts outstanding under the new credit facility (see below). As of September 30, 2004, $20.588 billion of our debt was included in the cross-guarantee structure.

Comcast Holdings is not a guarantor and none of its debt is guaranteed under the cross-guarantee structure. As of September 30, 2004, $905 million of our debt was outstanding at Comcast Holdings.

New Credit Facility
In January 2004, we entered into a new $4.5 billion, five-year revolving bank credit facility. Interest rates on this facility vary based on an underlying base rate (“Base Rate”) chosen at our option plus a borrowing margin. The Base Rate is either LIBOR or the greater of the prime rate or the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%. The borrowing margin is based on our senior unsecured debt ratings. The interest rate for borrowings under this revolver is LIBOR plus 0.625% based on our current credit ratings.

Comcast Exchangeable Notes
During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we redeemed an aggregate of $847 million face amount of Comcast exchangeable notes (covering approximately 22.5 million shares of our Class A Special common stock) prior to their scheduled maturity dates by paying $609 million in cash and by exercising our options to put the underlying equity collar agreements to the counterparties. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, includes $31 million related to the early redemption of these obligations. As of September 30, 2004, an aggregate of $233 million of Comcast exchangeable notes, which are due in November 2005, remain outstanding. The remaining outstanding Comcast exchangeable notes are collateralized by approximately 8.4 million shares of our Class A Special common stock held in treasury.

Repayments of Senior Notes
On March 31, 2004, we repaid all $250 million principal amount of our 8.875% senior notes due 2007. On May 1, 2004, we repaid all $300 million principal amount of our 8.125% senior notes due 2004. These repayments were both financed with available cash. On September 15, 2004, we repaid all $300 million principal amount of our 8.65% senior notes due 2004. The repayment was financed with borrowings under our commercial paper program and available cash.

Notes Exchangeable into Common Stock
We hold exchangeable notes (the “Exchangeable Notes”) that are mandatorily redeemable at our option into shares of Cablevision NY Group (“Cablevision”) Class A common stock or its cash equivalent, Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”) common stock or its cash equivalent, (i) Vodafone ADRs, (ii) the cash equivalent, or (iii) a combination of cash and Vodafone ADRs, and Comcast Class A Special common stock or its cash equivalent. The maturity value of the Exchangeable Notes varies based upon the fair market value of the security to which it is indexed. Our Exchangeable Notes are collateralized by our investments in Cablevision, Microsoft and Vodafone, respectively, and the Comcast Class A Special common stock held in treasury.

11



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, we settled an aggregate of $176 million and $529 million, respectively, of our obligations relating to our Vodafone exchangeable notes by delivering the underlying ADRs to the counterparty upon maturity of the instruments, and the equity collar agreements related to the underlying ADRs expired. The Vodafone transactions represented non-cash investing and financing activities and had no effect on our statement of cash flows due to their non-cash nature. 

As of September 30, 2004, the securities we hold collateralizing the Exchangeable Notes were sufficient to satisfy the debt obligations associated with the outstanding Exchangeable Notes (see Notes 5 and 9).

Commercial Paper
In June 2004, we entered into a new commercial paper program to provide a lower cost borrowing source of liquidity to fund our short-term working capital requirements. The program allows for a maximum of $2.25 billion of commercial paper to be issued at any one time. Our revolving bank credit facility supports this program. As of September 30, 2004, amounts outstanding under the program totaled $651 million with a weighted average interest rate of 2.10%. Amounts outstanding under the program are classified as long-term in our consolidated balance sheet because we have both the ability and the intent to refinance these obligations, if necessary, on a long-term basis with amounts available under our revolving bank credit facility.

ZONES
At maturity, holders of our 2.0% Exchangeable Subordinated Debentures due 2029 (the “ZONES”) are entitled to receive in cash an amount equal to the higher of the principal amount of the ZONES of $1.807 billion or the market value of Sprint common stock. Prior to maturity, each ZONES is exchangeable at the holders’ option for an amount of cash equal to 95% of the market value of Sprint common stock.

We separated the accounting for the Exchangeable Notes and the ZONES into derivative and debt components. We record the change in the fair value of the derivative component of the Exchangeable Notes and the ZONES and the change in the carrying value of the debt component of the Exchangeable Notes and the ZONES as follows (in millions):

Exchangeable Notes ZONES


Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Balance at Beginning of Period: 2004 2003 2004 2003




     Debt component  $5,030   $6,981   $515   $491  
     Derivative component  (712 ) (1,522 ) 268   208  




         Total  4,318   5,459   783   699  
Decrease in debt component due to maturities 
     and redemptions  (1,376 ) (352 )
Change in debt component to interest expense  (56 ) (80 ) 19   18  
Change in derivative component 
     due to settlements  238  
Change in derivative component to investment 
     income (loss), net  (133 ) 379   (139 ) 64  
Balance at End of Period: 
     Debt component  3,598   6,549   534   509  
     Derivative component  (607 ) (1,143 ) 129   272  




         Total  $2,991   $5,406   $663   $781  






12



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

Interest Rates
Excluding the derivative component of the Exchangeable Notes and the ZONES whose changes in fair value are recorded to investment income (loss), net, our effective weighted average interest rate was 7.11% and 7.08% as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

Derivatives
We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and securities prices. We have issued indexed debt instruments and prepaid forward sale agreements whose value, in part, is derived from the market value of certain publicly traded common stock.

Lines and Letters of Credit
As of September 30, 2004, we and certain of our subsidiaries had unused lines of credit of $3.733 billion under our respective credit facilities.

As of September 30, 2004, we and certain of our subsidiaries had unused irrevocable standby letters of credit totaling $441 million to cover potential fundings under various agreements.

8. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS No. 123”) as amended. Compensation expense for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of our stock at the date of the grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. We record compensation expense for restricted stock awards based on the quoted market price of our stock at the date of the grant and the vesting period. We record compensation expense for stock appreciation rights based on the changes in quoted market prices of our stock or other determinants of fair value.

The following table illustrates the effect that applying the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based compensation would have had on net income and earnings (loss) per share. Upon further analysis during 2003, it was determined that the expected option lives for options granted in prior years should have been seven years rather than the eight years used previously. The amounts in the table reflect this revision for all periods presented. Total stock-based compensation expense was determined under the fair value based method for all awards using the accelerated recognition method as permitted under SFAS No. 123 (dollars in millions, except per share data):

13



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

               
    Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    2004   2003   2004   2003  




Net income, as reported  $220   $3,176   $547   $2,857  
Add: Total stock-based compensation expense 
  included in net income, as reported above  6   2   21   6  
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined 
  under fair value based method for all awards relating to 
  continuing operations, net of related tax effects  (42 ) (42 ) (123 ) (118 )
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined 
  under fair value based method for all awards relating to 
  discontinued operations, net of related tax effects  (5 ) (12 )




Pro forma, net income  $184   $3,131   $445   $2,733  




Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations for common 
  stockholders per common share: 
     As reported  $0.10 ($0.07 ) $0.24 ($0.27 )
     Pro forma  $0.08 ($0.09 ) $0.20 ($0.32 )
  
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations for common 
  stockholders per common share: 
     As reported  $0.10 ($0.07 ) $0.24 ($0.27 )
     Pro forma  $0.08 ($0.09 ) $0.20 ($0.32 )
  
Basic earnings for common stockholders per 
  common share: 
     As reported  $0.10 $1.41 $0.24 $1.27
     Pro forma  $0.08 $1.39 $0.20 $1.21
  
Diluted earnings for common stockholders per 
  common share: 
     As reported  $0.10 $1.41 $0.24 $1.27
     Pro forma  $0.08 $1.39 $0.20 $1.21

The pro forma effect on net income and earnings (loss) per share for the interim periods by applying SFAS No. 123 may not be indicative of the effect on net income (loss) in future years because additional awards in future years are anticipated.

14



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the activity of our option plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 (options in thousands):

Class A
Common Stock
Class A Special
Common Stock


Options Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Options Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price




Outstanding at beginning of period  85,151   $39.28 60,464   $29.43
Granted  15,600   29.86
Exercised  (641 ) 21.32 (1,718 ) 11.06
Canceled  (4,218 ) 37.72 (855 ) 35.20




Outstanding at end of period  95,892   38.00 57,891   29.88




Exercisable at end of period  54,710   44.78 36,803   27.74





Share Repurchase Program
Based on the trade date for stock repurchases, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, we repurchased approximately 18.4 million shares and 36.9 million shares, respectively, of our Class A Special common stock for aggregate consideration of $502 million and $1.025 billion, respectively, pursuant to our Board authorized share repurchase program.

Comprehensive Income
Our total comprehensive income for the interim periods was as follows (in millions):

               
    Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    2004   2003   2004   2003  




Net income  $220   $3,176   $547   $2,857  
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities  1   (25 ) (9 ) (40 )
Reclassification adjustments for losses 
   included in net income  (6 ) (14 ) 14   13  
Unrealized losses on the effective portion of cash 
   flow hedges    1     1  
Foreign currency translation gains    3     5  




Comprehensive income  $215   $3,141   $552   $2,836  





9. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

We made cash payments for interest and income taxes during the interim periods as follows (in millions):

               
    Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    2004   2003   2004   2003  




Interest  $571   $637   $1,552   $1,653  
Income taxes  $39   $14   $189   $67  

15



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we received a federal income tax refund of approximately $536 million.


During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we entered into non-cash financing and investing activities of approximately $529 million related to certain of our Exchangeable Notes (see Note 7).


During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we acquired cable systems through the assumption of $68 million of debt, which is considered a non-cash investing and financing activity.


During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, in connection with the acquisition of TechTV (see Note 4), we issued shares in G4techTV with a value of approximately $70 million, which is considered a non-cash financing and investing activity.


During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, in connection with the Liberty Exchange Agreement (see Note 4), we received non-cash consideration of approximately $475 million, which is considered a non-cash investing activity.


10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments
Certain of our subsidiaries support debt compliance with respect to obligations of certain cable television partnerships and investments in which we hold an ownership interest (see Note 5). The obligations expire between March 2007 and September 2010. Although there can be no assurance, we believe that we will not be required to meet our obligations under such commitments. The total notional amount of our commitments was $1.021 billion as of September 30, 2004, at which time there were no quoted market prices for similar agreements.

Contingencies

At Home
Litigation has been filed against us as a result of our alleged conduct with respect to our investment in and distribution relationship with At Home Corporation. At Home was a provider of high-speed Internet services that filed for bankruptcy protection in September 2001. Filed actions are: (i) class action lawsuits against us, Brian L. Roberts (our President and Chief Executive Officer and a director), AT&T (the former controlling shareholder of At Home and also a former distributor of the At Home service) and other corporate and individual defendants in the Superior Court of San Mateo County, California, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty in connection with transactions agreed to in March 2000 among At Home, AT&T, Cox Communications, Inc. (Cox is also an investor in At Home and a former distributor of the At Home service) and us; (ii) class action lawsuits against Comcast Cable Communications, LLC, AT&T and others in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging securities law violations and common law fraud in connection with disclosures made by At Home in 2001; (iii) a lawsuit brought in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware in the name of At Home by certain At Home bondholders against us, Brian L. Roberts, Cox and others, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty relating to the March 2000 transactions and seeking recovery of alleged short-swing profits of at least $600 million pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 purported to have arisen in connection with certain transactions relating to At Home stock effected pursuant to the March 2000 agreements; and (iv) a lawsuit brought in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California by certain At Home bondholders against Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC and Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc., as well as AT&T, AT&T Credit Holdings, Inc. and AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., seeking to avoid and recover certain alleged “preference” payments in excess of $89 million allegedly made to the defendants prior to the At Home bankruptcy filing. The actions in San Mateo County, California have been stayed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California, the court in which At Home filed for bankruptcy, as violating the automatic bankruptcy stay. The preference action in U.S. Bankruptcy Court has also been stayed by agreement of the parties. In the Southern District of New York actions, the court ordered the actions consolidated into a single action. All of the defendants

16



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

served motions to dismiss on February 11, 2003. The court dismissed the common law claims against us and Mr. Roberts, leaving only a claim for “control person” liability under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In a subsequent decision, the court limited the remaining claim against us and Mr. Roberts to disclosures that are alleged to have been made by At Home prior to August 28, 2000. The Delaware case has been transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and we have moved to dismiss the Section 16(b) claims. The court dismissed the Section 16 (b) claims against us, leaving only the claim for breach of fiduciary duty.

Under the terms of the Broadband acquisition, we are generally contractually liable for 50% of any liabilities of AT&T relating to At Home, including most liabilities resulting from any pending or threatened litigation, with the exception, among other things, of liabilities arising out of contracts between At Home and AT&T (or its affiliates) for the benefit of the businesses retained by AT&T following its divestiture of Broadband. In those situations that we are contractually liable for 50% of any liabilities, AT&T will be liable for the other 50% of these liabilities. In addition to the actions against AT&T described above, in which we are also a defendant, there are two additional actions brought by At Home’s bondholders’ liquidating trust against AT&T not naming us: (i) a lawsuit filed against AT&T and certain of its senior officers in Santa Clara, California state court alleging various breaches of fiduciary duties, misappropriation of trade secrets and other causes of action in connection with the transactions in March 2000 described above, and prior and subsequent alleged conduct on the part of the defendants, and (ii) an action filed against AT&T in the District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging that AT&T infringes an At Home patent by using its broadband distribution and high-speed Internet backbone networks and equipment. Both of these actions are in the discovery stage.

We deny any wrongdoing in connection with the claims that have been made directly against us, our subsidiaries and Brian L. Roberts, and intend to defend all of these claims vigorously. The final disposition of these claims and the final resolution of our share of the AT&T At Home potential liabilities are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, but could possibly be material to our consolidated results of operations of any one period. Further, no assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to our consolidated financial position.

AT&T - Wireless and Common Stock Cases
We, in connection with our acquisition of Broadband, are potentially responsible for a portion of the liabilities arising from two purported securities class action lawsuits brought against AT&T and others and consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. These lawsuits assert claims under Section 11, Section 12(a)(2) and Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The first lawsuit, for which our portion of any loss is up to 15%, alleges, among other things, that AT&T made material misstatements and omissions in the Registration Statement and Prospectus for the AT&T Wireless initial public offering (“Wireless Case”). In March 2004, the plaintiffs, and AT&T and the other defendants, each moved for summary judgment in the Wireless Case. We and AT&T believe that AT&T has meritorious defenses in the Wireless Case, and it is being vigorously defended.

The second lawsuit, for which our portion of any loss is up to 50%, alleges, among other things, that AT&T knowingly provided false projections relating to AT&T common stock (“Common Stock Case”). In October 2004, the plaintiffs, and AT&T and the other defendants, agreed to settle the Common Stock case for $100 million, subject to final court approval. AT&T intends to seek reimbursement from its insurers for the entire $100 million. Final approval of the settlement is not expected until the second quarter of 2005.

In connection with the Broadband acquisition, we recorded an estimate of the fair value of the potential liability associated with these cases. We have not adjusted the amount recorded pending the final resolution of these cases.

AT&T-TCI
On June 24, 1998, the first of a number of purported class action lawsuits was filed by then-shareholders of Tele-Communications, Inc. (“TCI”) Series A TCI Group Common Stock (“Common A”) against AT&T and the directors

17



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

of TCI relating to the acquisition of TCI by AT&T. A consolidated amended complaint combining the various different actions was filed on February 10, 1999, in the Delaware Court of Chancery. The consolidated amended complaint alleges that former members of the TCI board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to Common A shareholders by agreeing to transaction terms whereby holders of the Series B TCI Group Common Stock received a 10% premium over what Common A shareholders received in connection with the transaction. The complaint further alleges that AT&T aided and abetted the TCI directors’ breach of their fiduciary duties.

In connection with the TCI acquisition, which was completed in early 1999, AT&T agreed under certain circumstances to indemnify TCI’s former directors for certain losses, expenses, claims or liabilities, potentially including those incurred in connection with this action. In connection with the Broadband acquisition, Broadband agreed to indemnify AT&T for certain losses, expenses, claims or liabilities. Those losses and expenses potentially include those incurred by AT&T in connection with this action, both as a defendant and in connection with any obligation that AT&T may have to indemnify the former TCI directors for liabilities incurred as a result of the claims against them in this action.

On September 8, 1999, AT&T moved to dismiss the amended complaint for failure to state a cause of action against AT&T. On July 7, 2003, the Delaware Court of Chancery granted AT&T’s motion to dismiss on the ground that the complaint failed to adequately plead AT&T’s “knowing participation,” as required to state a claim for aiding and abetting a breach of fiduciary duty. The other claims made in the complaint remain outstanding. Discovery in this matter is now closed.

The final disposition of these AT&T related claims is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, but could possibly be material to our consolidated results of operations of any one period. Further, no assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to our consolidated financial position.

Liberty Digital
On January 8, 2003, Liberty Digital, Inc. filed a complaint in Colorado state court against us and Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC. The complaint alleged that Comcast Cable Holdings breached a 1997 Contribution Agreement between Liberty Digital and Comcast Cable Holdings and that we tortiously interfered with that agreement. The complaint alleged that this agreement obligated Comcast Cable Holdings to pay fees to Liberty Digital totaling $18 million (increasing at CPI) per year through 2017. Liberty Digital sought, among other things, compensatory damages, specific performance of the agreement, a declaration that the agreement is valid and enforceable going forward, and an unspecified amount of exemplary damages from us based on the alleged intentional interference claim. We and Comcast Cable Holdings filed our answer to the complaint on March 5, 2003, in which we denied the essential allegations of the complaint and asserted various affirmative defenses.

On July 20, 2004, we and certain of our affiliates entered into an exchange agreement with Liberty (the parent company of Liberty Digital) and certain of its affiliates (see Note 4). The closing of the transactions in the exchange agreement on July 28, 2004, resolved all claims in the litigation. Pursuant to the terms of the exchange agreement, the parties submitted a stipulation of dismissal to the court. On July 30, 2004, the court dismissed the litigation with prejudice.

Other
We are subject to other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. The amount of ultimate liability with respect to such actions is not expected to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

18



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

11. FINANCIAL DATA BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

Our reportable segments consist of our Cable and Content businesses. Beginning in the first quarter of 2004, we elected to disclose our content businesses separately as a reportable segment even though they do not meet the quantitative disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” Our content segment consists of our national networks E! Entertainment, Style Network, The Golf Channel, Outdoor Life Network, G4techTV and International Channel Networks. As a result of this change, we have presented the comparable 2003 Content segment amounts. In evaluating our segments’ profitability, the components of net income (loss) below operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization are not separately evaluated by our management (amounts in millions).

  Cable (1) Content Corporate and
Other (2)
Total




    Three Months Ended September 30, 2004          
Revenues (3)  $4,844   $207   $47   $5,098  
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and 
     amortization (4)  1,858   62   (60 ) 1,860  
Depreciation and amortization  1,112   42   20   1,174  
Operating income (loss)  746   20   (80 ) 686  
Capital expenditures  871   4   3   878  
  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2003 
Revenues (3)  $4,374   $158   $14   $4,546  
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and 
     amortization (4)  1,620   58   (46 ) 1,632  
Depreciation and amortization  1,086   32   21   1,139  
Operating income (loss)  534   26   (67 ) 493  
Capital expenditures  1,045   3   33   1,081  
  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 
Revenues (3)  $14,329   $582   $161   $15,072  
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and 
     amortization (4)  5,497   208   (160 ) 5,545  
Depreciation and amortization  3,172   116   60   3,348  
Operating income (loss)  2,325   92   (220 ) 2,197  
Capital expenditures  2,578   14   18   2,610  
  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 
Revenues (3)  $12,985   $462   $159   $13,606  
Operating income (loss) before depreciation and 
     amortization (4)  4,638   155   (121 ) 4,672  
Depreciation and amortization  3,299   96   65   3,460  
Operating income (loss)  1,339   59   (186 ) 1,212  
Capital expenditures  3,045   10   38   3,093  
  
As of September 30, 2004 
Assets  $104,559   $2,549   ($664 ) $106,444  
  
As of December 31, 2003 
Assets  $105,316   $2,048   $1,795   $109,159  

_______________

(1)  

Our regional programming networks Comcast SportsNet, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Cable Sports Southeast and CN8-The Comcast Network are included in our cable segment.

(2)  

Corporate and other includes corporate activities, elimination entries and all other businesses not presented in our cable or content segments. Assets included in this caption consist primarily of our investments (see Note 5).

19



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

(3)  

Non-US revenues were not significant in any period. No single customer accounted for a significant amount of our revenue in any period.

(4)  

Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization is defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, if any, related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses from the sale of assets, if any. As such, it eliminates the significant level of non-cash depreciation and amortization expense that results from the capital intensive nature of our businesses and intangible assets recognized in business combinations, and is unaffected by our capital structure or investment activities. Our management and Board of Directors use this measure in evaluating our consolidated operating performance and the operating performance of all of our operating segments. This metric is used to allocate resources and capital to our operating segments and is a significant component of our annual incentive compensation programs. We believe that this measure is also useful to investors as it is one of the bases for comparing our operating performance with other companies in our industries, although our measure may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies. This measure should not be considered as a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), net cash provided by operating activities or other measures of performance or liquidity reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.



20



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

12. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

We and five of our cable holding company subsidiaries, Comcast Cable Communications, LLC (Comcast Cable or “CCCL”), Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc. (Comcast Cable Communications Holdings or “CCCH”), Comcast MO Group, Inc. (“Comcast MO Group”), Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC (Comcast Cable Holdings or “CCH”), and Comcast MO of Delaware, LLC (“Comcast MO of Delaware”) fully and unconditionally guarantee each other’s debt securities. Comcast MO Group, CCH and Comcast MO of Delaware are collectively referred to as the “Combined CCHMO Parents.” Our condensed consolidating financial information is as follows (in millions):

Comcast Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2004
 
Comcast
Parent
CCCL
Parent
CCCH
Parent
Combined
CCHMO
Parents
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation







ASSETS
   Cash and cash equivalents  $              $              $              $              $       717   $                 $       717  
   Investments  2,256   2,256  
   Accounts receivable, net  940   940  
   Other current assets  11   458   469  







     Total current assets  11   4,371   4,382  







   INVESTMENTS  13,096   13,096  
   INVESTMENTS IN AND AMOUNTS DUE  
     FROM SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATED  
     UPON CONSOLIDATION  46,691   26,955   33,352   39,603   20,296   (166,897 )
   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net  9   3   18,644   18,656  
   FRANCHISE RIGHTS  51,071   51,071  
   GOODWILL  14,334   14,334  
   OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net  4,196   4,196  
   OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS, net  113   33   28   535   709  







   Total Assets  $46,824   $26,988   $33,383   $39,603   $126,543   ($166,897 ) $106,444  







 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
   Accounts payable  $              $              $              $              $    1,023   $                 $    1,023  
   Accrued expenses and other current 
     liabilities  365   325   186   170   3,106   4,152  
   Deferred income taxes  614   614  
   Current portion of long-term debt  1,048   2,080   3,128  







     Total current liabilities  365   325   186   1,218   6,823   8,917  







 
   LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion  4,659   6,350   3,498   5,033   2,563   22,103  
   DEFERRED INCOME TAXES  26,414   26,414  
   OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES  602   17   6,735   7,354  
   MINORITY INTEREST  458   458  
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
   Common stock  25   25  
   Other stockholders' equity  41,173   20,296   29,699   33,352   83,550   (166,897 ) 41,173  







     Total Stockholders' Equity  41,198   20,296   29,699   33,352   83,550   (166,897 ) 41,198  







     Total Liabilities and Stockholders' 
       Equity  $46,824   $26,988   $33,383   $39,603   $126,543   ($166,897 ) $106,444  







21



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

Comcast Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2003
 
Comcast
Parent
CCCL
Parent
CCCH
Parent
Combined
CCHMO
Parents
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation







ASSETS
   Cash and cash equivalents  $              $              $              $              $    1,550   $                 $    1,550  
   Investments  50   2,443   2,493  
   Accounts receivable, net  907   907  
   Other current assets  15   438   453  







     Total current assets  65   5,338   5,403  







   INVESTMENTS  14,818   14,818  
   INVESTMENTS IN AND AMOUNTS DUE 
     FROM SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATED 
     UPON CONSOLIDATION  46,268   26,643   33,138   39,919   19,678   (165,646 )
   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net  7   4   18,462   18,473  
   FRANCHISE RIGHTS  51,050   51,050  
   GOODWILL  14,841   14,841  
   OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net  3,859   3,859  
   OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS, net  87   43   30   555   715  







     Total Assets  $46,427   $26,686   $33,172   $39,919   $128,601   ($165,646 ) $109,159  







LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
   Accounts payable  $              $              $              $              $    1,251   $                 $    1,251  
   Accrued expenses and other current 
     liabilities  391   99   76   316   3,681   4,563  
   Deferred income taxes  679   679  
   Current portion of long-term debt  303   314   2,544   3,161  







     Total current liabilities  391   402   76   630   8,155   9,654  







   LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion  3,994   6,606   3,498   6,151   3,586   23,835  
   DEFERRED INCOME TAXES  25,900   25,900  
   OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES  380   7,336   7,716  
   MINORITY INTEREST  392   392  
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
   Common stock  25   25  
   Other stockholders' equity  41,637   19,678   29,598   33,138   83,232   (165,646 ) 41,637  







     Total Stockholders' Equity  41,662   19,678   29,598   33,138   83,232   (165,646 ) 41,662  







     Total Liabilities and Stockholders' 
       Equity  $46,427   $26,686   $33,172   $39,919   $128,601   ($165,646 ) $109,159  







22



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

Comcast Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
 
Comcast
Parent
CCCL
Parent
CCCH
Parent
Combined
CCHMO
Parents
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation







REVENUES
   Service revenues  $             $             $          $             $ 5,098   $             $ 5,098  
   Management fee revenue  105   41   62   62   (270 )







   105   41   62   62   5,098   (270 ) 5,098  







 
COSTS AND EXPENSES 
   Operating (excluding depreciation)  1,837   1,837  
   Selling, general and administrative  39   41   62   62   1,467   (270 ) 1,401  
   Depreciation  1   868   869  
   Amortization  305   305  







   40   41   62   62   4,477   (270 ) 4,412  







 
OPERATING INCOME  65   621   686  
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) 
   Interest expense  (66 ) (115 ) (109 ) (101 ) (44 ) (435 )
   Investment income, net  89   89  
   Equity in net (losses) income of 
     affiliates  221   267   101   166   163   (947 ) (29 )
   Other income  63   63  







   155   152   (8 ) 65   271   (947 ) (312 )







 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 
   AND MINORITY INTEREST  220   152   (8 ) 65   892   (947 ) 374  
 
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT  40   38   36   (270 ) (156 )







 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY
  INTEREST
  220   192   30   101   622   (947 ) 218  
 
MINORITY INTEREST  2   2  







 
NET INCOME (LOSS)  $    220   $    192   $   30   $    101   $    624   ($ 947 ) $    220  







23



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

Comcast Corporationn
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2003
 
Comcast
Parent
CCCL
Parent
CCCH
Parent
Combined
CCHMO
Parents
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation







REVENUES
   Service revenues  $             $             $          $             $ 4,546   $             $ 4,546  
   Management fee revenue  94   38   56   56   (244 )







   94   38   56   56   4,546   (244 ) 4,546  







 
COSTS AND EXPENSES 
   Operating (excluding depreciation)  1,703   1,703  
   Selling, general and administrative  34   38   56   56   1,271   (244 ) 1,211  
   Depreciation  774   774  
   Amortization  365   365  







   34   38   56   56   4,113   (244 ) 4,053  







 
OPERATING INCOME  60   433   493  
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) 
   Interest expense  (98 ) (131 ) (83 ) (130 ) (123 ) (565 )
   Investment loss, net  (178 ) (178 )
   Equity in net (losses) income of 
     affiliates  3,199   227   (48 ) 36   125   (3,556 ) (17 )
   Other income  25   25  







   3,101   96   (131 ) (94 ) (151 ) (3,556 ) (735 )







 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING 
  OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 
  AND MINORITY INTEREST  3,161   96   (131 ) (94 ) 282   (3,556 ) (242 )
 
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT  15   46   29   46   (33 ) 103  







 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING  
OPERATIONS BEFORE MINORITY
INTEREST
  3,176   142   (102 ) (48 ) 249   (3,556 ) (139 )
 
MINORITY INTEREST  (14 ) (14 )







 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING 
  OPERATIONS  3,176   142   (102 ) (48 ) 235   (3,556 ) (153 )
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED  
   OPERATIONS, net of tax  39   39  
GAIN ON DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS,
   net of tax
  3,290   3,290  







 
NET INCOME (LOSS)  $ 3,176   $    142   ($ 102 ) ($ 48 ) $ 3,564   ($3,556 ) $ 3,176  







24



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

Comcast Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
 
Comcast
Parent
CCCL
Parent
CCCH
Parent
Combined
CCHMO
Parents
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation







REVENUES
   Service revenues  $             $             $             $               $ 15,072   $               $ 15,072  
   Management fee revenue  307   120   187   187   (801 )







   307   120   187   187   15,072   (801 ) 15,072  







 
COSTS AND EXPENSES 
   Operating (excluding depreciation)  5,500   5,500  
   Selling, general and administrative  132   120   187   187   4,202   (801 ) 4,027  
   Depreciation  1   2,479   2,480  
   Amortization  868   868  







   133   120   187   187   13,049   (801 ) 12,875  







 
OPERATING INCOME  174   2,023   2,197  
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) 
   Interest expense  (229 ) (357 ) (262 ) (302 ) (269 ) (1,419 )
   Investment income, net  231   231  
   Equity in net (losses) income of 
     affiliates  583   874   271   467   576   (2,837 ) (66 )
   Other income  82   82  







   354   517   9   165   620   (2,837 ) (1,172 )







INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 
   AND MINORITY INTEREST  528   517   9   165   2,643   (2,837 ) 1,025  
 
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT  19   125   92   106   (808 ) (466 )







 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY
  INTEREST
  547   642   101   271   1,835   (2,837 ) 559  
 
MINORITY INTEREST  (12 ) (12 )







 
NET INCOME (LOSS)  $    547   $    642   $    101   $      271   $   1,823   ($ 2,837 ) $      547  







25



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

Comcast Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
 
Comcast
Parent
CCCL
Parent
CCCH
Parent
Combined
CCHMO
Parents
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation







REVENUES
   Service revenues  $             $             $             $               $ 13,606   $               $ 13,606  
   Management fee revenue  281   109   172   172   (734 )







   281   109   172   172   13,606   (734 ) 13,606  







 
COSTS AND EXPENSES 
   Operating (excluding depreciation)  5,267   5,267  
   Selling, general and administrative  110   109   172   172   3,838   (734 ) 3,667  
   Depreciation  2,370   2,370  
   Amortization  1,090   1,090  







   110   109   172   172   12,565   (734 ) 12,394  







 
OPERATING INCOME  171   1,041   1,212  
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) 
   Interest expense  (221 ) (405 ) (289 ) (322 ) (342 ) (1,579 )
   Investment loss, net  (407 ) (407 )
   Equity in net (losses) income of 
     affiliates  2,889   728   (455 ) (246 ) 432   (3,381 ) (33 )
   Other income  60   60  







   2,668   323   (744 ) (568 ) (257 ) (3,381 ) (1,959 )







 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING  
OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME
TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST
  2,839   323   (744 ) (568 ) 784   (3,381 ) (747 )
 
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT  18   142   101   113   (143 ) 231  







 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING  
   OPERATIONS BEFORE MINORITY
   INTEREST
  2,857   465   (643 ) (455 ) 641   (3,381 ) (516 )
 
MINORITY INTEREST  (85 ) (85 )







 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING 
   OPERATIONS  2,857   465   (643 ) (455 ) 556   (3,381 ) (601 )
 
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, 
   net of tax  168   168  
GAIN ON DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, 
   net of tax  3,290   3,290  







NET INCOME (LOSS)  $ 2,857   $    465   ($ 643 ) ($ 455 ) $   4,014   ($ 3,381 ) $   2,857  







26



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONTINUED
(Unaudited)

Comcast Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
 
Comcast
Parent
CCCL
Parent
CCCH
Parent
Combined
CCHMO
Parents
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation







Net cash provided by operating activities   $      57   $      30   ($ 58 ) ($ 419 ) $ 4,825   $             $4,435  







 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
   Proceeds from borrowings  948   400   6   1,354  
   Retirements and repayments of debt  (300 ) (561 ) (400 ) (306 ) (722 ) (2,289 )
   Repurchase of common stock  (1,007 ) (1,007 )
   Other  8   56   64  







     Net cash used in financing activities  (351 ) (561 ) (306 ) (660 ) (1,878 )







 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
Net transactions with affiliates  294   531   58   725   (1,608 )
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (296 ) (296 )
Proceeds from sales (purchases) of short-term 
   investments, net  (20 ) (20 )
Proceeds from sales of investments  200   200  
Purchases of investments  (118 ) (118 )
Capital expenditures  (2,610 ) (2,610 )
Additions to intangible and other noncurrent 
   assets  (572 ) (572 )
Proceeds from settlement of contract of 
   acquired company  26   26  







   Net cash (used in) provided by investing 
      activities  294   531   58   725   (4,998 ) (3,390 )







 
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH 
     EQUIVALENTS  (833 ) (833 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
   beginning of period
  1,550   1,550  







CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period  $             $             $          $             $    717   $             $   717  







27



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — CONCLUDED
(Unaudited)

Comcast Corporation
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
 
Comcast
Parent
CCCL
Parent
CCCH
Parent
Combined
CCHMO
Parents
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Elimination
and
Consolidation
Adjustments
Consolidated
Comcast
Corporation







Net cash provided by operating activities                
   from continuing operations  $      61   ($ 198 ) ($ 184 ) ($ 599 ) $   3,439   $             $2,519  







 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
   Proceeds from borrowings  8,138   1,150   89   9,377  
   Retirements and repayments of debt  (3,180 ) (2,104 ) (6,250 ) (1,907 ) (234 ) (13,675 )
   Other  (3 ) (3 )







     Net cash (used in) financing activities 
       from continuing operations  4,958   (954 ) (6,250 ) (1,907 ) (148 ) (4,301 )







 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
Net transactions with affiliates  (5,019 ) 1,152   6,434   2,506   (5,073 )
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (39 ) (39 )
Proceeds from sales (purchases) of 
   short-term investments, net  (8 ) (8 )
Proceeds from sales and restructuring of 
   investments and assets held for sale  7,952   7,952  
Purchases of investments  (151 ) (151 )
Capital expenditures  (3,093 ) (3,093 )
Additions to intangible and other 
   noncurrent assets  (139 ) (139 )







   Net cash provided by (used in) investing 
     activities from continuing operations  (5,019 ) 1,152   6,434   2,506   (551 ) 4,522  







 
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  2,740   2,740  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period  505   505  







 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period  $             $             $             $             $   3,245   $             $3,245  







28



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

        We are principally involved in the management and operation of broadband communications networks (our cable segment) and in the management of programming content over cable and satellite television networks (our content segment). During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we received over 95% of our revenue from our cable segment, primarily through monthly subscriptions to our video, high-speed Internet and phone services, as well as from advertising. Subscribers typically pay us monthly, based on rates and related charges that vary according to their chosen level of service and the type of equipment they use. Revenue from our content segment is derived from the sale of advertising time and affiliation agreements with cable and satellite television companies.

        During 2004, we have continued to improve our operating results and cash flows from operating activities through the sale of new services, including high-speed Internet and our new digital video features. We have also reduced our capital expenditures as our cable network upgrade program nears completion. 

        Specific highlights for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, include the following:

Revenue growth of 10.4% in our cable segment compared to the same period in 2003, driven by continued growth in our new services, such as high-speed Internet and digital cable;

Operating income before depreciation and amortization growth of 18.5% in our cable segment compared to the same period in 2003, resulting from our revenue growth and efficiencies achieved through integration of the Broadband operations;

Refinancing three of our previously existing revolving credit facilities with a new $4.5 billion, five-year revolving bank credit facility;

Repurchases of approximately 36.9 million shares of our Class A Special common stock for aggregate consideration on a trade date basis of $1.025 billion pursuant to our Board authorized repurchase program; and

Strategic investments in International Cable Channels Partnership, Ltd. ("International Channel Networks" - discussed below), our agreement with Gemstar, our acquisition of TechTV, and increasing our ownership interest in E! Entertainment Television, Inc. ("E!").


        The following provides the details of these highlights and insights into our financial statements, including discussions of our results of operations and our liquidity and capital resources.

Business Developments

        On July 28, 2004, we exchanged approximately 120 million shares of Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty”) Series A common stock that we held, valued at approximately $1.022 billion with Liberty for 100% of the stock of Liberty’s subsidiary, Encore ICCP, Inc. (“Encore”). Encore’s assets consisted of cash of $547 million, a 10.4% interest in E! and 100% of International Channel Networks. We also received all of Liberty’s rights, benefits and obligations under the TCI Music contribution agreement, which resulted in the resolution of all pending litigation between Liberty and us regarding the contribution agreement.

        On September 23, 2004, we announced that we entered into a definitive agreement with a consortium of investors led by Sony Corporation of America (“Sony”) to acquire Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. (“MGM”). The investor group has committed a total of up to $1.6 billion of equity financing, of which our commitment would be $300 million. This transaction, which has been approved by MGM’s Board of Directors, is subject to the approval of MGM shareholders, various regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close during 2005. We have also reached a broad programming and distribution arrangement with Sony and the other equity partners that allows for the distribution of Sony Pictures content (and MGM’s upon the closing of the acquisition) on our video on demand service and provides for joint ventures, which we will manage, establishing new cable channels featuring Sony Pictures and MGM content.

        On September 27, 2004, we and Time Warner Inc. (“Time Warner”) announced an agreement that provides us with an option to reduce our effective overall interest in Time Warner Cable Inc. (“TWC”) from approximately 21% to 17% in exchange for stock of a subsidiary that will hold cable systems and cash. The agreement grants us the option, which can be exercised between December 1, 2004 and April 1, 2005, to require TWC to redeem a portion of the TWC common stock held in trust in exchange for 100% of the common stock of a TWC subsidiary. At the time of exchange, the subsidiary will own cable systems serving about 90,000 basic subscribers and approximately $750 million in cash. In addition, the

29



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

trust that holds the TWC shares agreed not to request that TWC register the trust’s shares in TWC for sale in a public offering prior to April 1, 2005.

        We and Time Warner have agreed to work together to explore submitting a joint proposal to acquire cable assets of Adelphia Communications Corporation, the fifth-largest cable television company in the United States.

        Refer to Note 4 to our financial statements included in Item 1 for a discussion of our acquisitions and other significant events.

Results of Continuing Operations

        Revenues

        Consolidated revenues increased $552 million and $1.466 billion, respectively, for the three and nine month interim periods in 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003. Of these increases, $470 million and $1.344 billion, respectively, relate to our cable segment, which is discussed separately below. The remaining increases are primarily the result of our content segment, which achieved combined revenue growth of 30.6% and 26.0%, respectively, during the three and nine month interim periods in 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003. These increases in our content segment were the result of increases in distribution revenue and advertising revenue.

        Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

        Consolidated operating, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $324 million and $593 million, respectively, for the three and nine month interim periods in 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003. Of these increases, $232 million and $485 million, respectively, relate to our cable segment, which is discussed separately below. The remaining increases are primarily the result of the growth in our content segment.

        Depreciation

        Depreciation expense increased $95 million and $110 million, respectively, for the three and nine month interim periods in 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003. The increases for the interim periods are primarily related to our cable segment and are principally due to the higher level of depreciation associated with our cable network upgrade program.

        Amortization

        Amortization expense decreased $60 million and $222 million, respectively, for the three and nine month interim periods in 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003. These decreases are primarily related to our cable segment and are principally due to decreases in the amortization of our franchise related customer relationship intangible assets. In the fourth quarter of 2003, we reduced the value of these intangible assets as a result of obtaining updated valuation reports, which resulted in lower amortization expense. These decreases were partially offset by amortization associated with intangibles acquired in the Gemstar, TechTV and Liberty exchange transactions.

_________________

30



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

Cable Segment Operating Results

The following table presents our cable segment operating results (dollars in millions):

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Increase/(Decrease)
2004 2003 $ % (b)




Video   $3,222   $3,020   $202   6.7 %
High-speed Internet  808   586   222   37.9  
Phone  173   189   (16 ) (8.6 )
Advertising sales  319   276   43   15.5  
Other  161   152   9   5.9  
Franchise fees  161   151   10   6.8  




     Revenues  4,844   4,374   470   10.7  
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses  2,986   2,754   232   8.4  




Operating income before depreciation and amortization (a)  $1,858   $1,620   $238   14.7 %






Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Increase/(Decrease)
2004 2003 $ % (b)




Video   $9,650   $9,038   $612   6.8 %
High-speed Internet  2,269   1,626   643   39.5  
Phone  528   618   (90 ) (14.6 )
Advertising sales  918   797   121   15.2  
Other  481   453   28   6.2  
Franchise fees  483   453   30   6.6  




     Revenues  14,329   12,985   1,344   10.4  
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses  8,832   8,347   485   5.8  




Operating income before depreciation and amortization (a)  $5,497   $4,638   $859   18.5 %




        The following tables present our subscriber and monthly average revenue statistics on a pro forma basis. The pro forma adjustments reflect the addition of approximately 84,000 video subscribers acquired in various small acquisitions during the periods presented. The impact of these acquisitions on our segment operating results was not material (subscribers in thousands).

31



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

September 30, Increase/(Decrease)
2004 2003 # % (b)




Video subscribers   21,487   21,470   17   0.1 %
High-speed Internet subscribers  6,554   4,862   1,692   34.8 %
Phone subscribers  1,213   1,312   (99 ) (7.5 %)

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Increase/(Decrease)
2004 2003 $ %




Monthly average revenue per video subscriber   $50.00   $46.95   $3.05   6.5 %
Monthly average revenue per high-speed Internet subscriber  $42.91   $42.25   $0.66   1.6 %
Monthly average revenue per phone subscriber  $47.18   $46.99   $0.19   0.4 %


Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Increase/(Decrease)
2004 2003 $ %




Monthly average revenue per video subscriber   $49.87   $46.91   $2.96   6.3 %
Monthly average revenue per high-speed Internet subscriber  $42.59   $42.59   --   --  
Monthly average revenue per phone subscriber  $47.31   $49.96   ($2.65 ) (5.3 %)

(a)  

Operating income before depreciation and amortization is defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, if any, related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses from the sale of assets, if any. As such, it eliminates the significant level of non-cash depreciation and amortization expense that results from the capital intensive nature of our businesses and intangible assets recognized in business combinations, and is unaffected by our capital structure or investment activities. Our management and Board of Directors use this measure in evaluating our consolidated operating performance and the operating performance of all of our operating segments. This metric is used to allocate resources and capital to our operating segments and is a significant component of our annual incentive compensation programs. We believe that this measure is also useful to investors as it is one of the bases for comparing our operating performance with other companies in our industries, although our measure may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Because we use operating income before depreciation and amortization as the measure of our segment profit or loss, we reconcile it to operating income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), in the business segment footnote to our financial statements. This measure should not be considered as a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), net cash provided by operating activities or other measures of performance or liquidity reported in accordance with GAAP.

(b)  

All percentages are calculated based on actual amounts. Minor differences may exist due to rounding.


_________________

        Revenues

        Video revenue consists of our basic, expanded basic, premium, pay-per-view, equipment and digital cable services. The increases in video revenue for the interim periods from 2003 to 2004 are primarily due to increases in monthly average revenue per subscriber as a result of rate increases in our traditional video service and growth in digital subscribers, reflecting increased consumer demand for new digital features. From September 30, 2003 to September 30, 2004, we added approximately 17,000 basic subscribers and approximately 1.1 million digital subscribers, or a 15.4% increase in digital subscribers. We expect continued growth in our video services revenue.

        The increases in high-speed Internet revenue for the interim periods from 2003 to 2004 are primarily due to the addition of approximately 1.7 million high-speed Internet subscribers from September 30, 2003 to September 30, 2004, or a 34.8% increase in high-speed Internet subscribers. We expect continued high-speed Internet revenue growth as overall demand for our services continues to increase.

        The decreases in phone revenue for the interim

32



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

periods from 2003 to 2004 are primarily as a result of our focus on operating efficiencies to drive profitability in the phone business, rather than focusing on subscriber growth. As a result, from September 30, 2003 to September 30, 2004, our phone subscribers decreased by approximately 99,000 subscribers.

        The increases in advertising sales revenue for the interim periods from 2003 to 2004 are primarily due to the effects of growth in regional/national advertising as a result of the continuing success of our regional interconnects, a stronger local advertising market and an increase in political advertising.

        Other revenue includes installation revenues, guide revenues, commissions from electronic retailing, revenue from our regional programming networks, commercial data services and revenue from other product offerings.

        Expenses

        Total operating, selling, general and administrative expenses increased for the interim periods from 2003 to 2004 primarily as a result of higher operating and marketing expenses associated with the growth in our high-speed Internet and digital cable services.

Consolidated Income (Expense) Items

        Interest Expense

        The decreases in interest expense for the interim periods from 2003 to 2004 are due to our decreased amount of debt outstanding as a result of our debt reduction during 2003 and 2004. The decreases for the interim periods from 2003 to 2004 were offset somewhat by the effects of the write-off of unamortized debt issue costs to interest expense in connection with the refinancing of our previously existing revolving credit facilities and by the early redemption of certain of the Comcast exchangeable notes. The costs associated with the refinancing and the redemption totaled $38 million and $31 million, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The decrease for the nine month interim period from 2003 to 2004 was also offset by the effects of our adoption of SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity,” on July 1, 2003 on a prospective basis. As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 150, interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 includes $75 million and $26 million, respectively, of dividends on a subsidiary’s preferred stock, classified as minority interest prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 150.

_________________

        Investment Income (Loss), Net

        Investment income (loss), net for the interim periods includes the following (in millions):

           
    Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    2004   2003   2004   2003  




Interest and dividend income   $22   $31   $65   $114  
Gains on sales and exchanges of investments, net  35   4   36   27  
Investment impairment losses  (7 ) (10 ) (70 )
Mark to market adjustments on trading securities  (27 ) (110 ) (255 ) 182  
Mark to market adjustments on derivatives related 
     to trading securities  85   (62 ) 341   (368 )
Mark to market adjustments on derivatives and hedged items  (19 ) (41 ) 54   (292 )




     Investment income (loss), net  $89   ($178 ) $231   ($407 )




33



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

        We have entered into derivative financial instruments that we account for at fair value and which economically hedge the market price fluctuations in the common stock of certain of our investments accounted for as trading securities. Investment income (loss), net includes the fair value adjustments related to our trading securities and derivative financial instruments. The change in the fair value of our investments accounted for as trading securities was substantially offset by changes in the fair value of the related derivatives, except for the mark to market adjustments on our investment in Sprint and on 6 million shares of Liberty International for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, on 116 million shares of Liberty for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 until they were exchanged with Liberty on July 28, 2004 and on 218 million shares of Liberty for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 for further discussion about the Liberty exchange. 

        During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, investment income (loss), net includes $83 million and $139 million, respectively, of investment income related to the decrease in the fair value of the derivative component of the ZONES debt. A portion of the fair value adjustment in the nine month interim period results from the change in the common stock underlying the ZONES debt from the non-dividend paying Sprint PCS tracking stock to the dividend paying Sprint FON common stock as a result of the elimination by Sprint of its tracking stock in April 2004. In the future, we expect that changes in the fair value of the derivative component of the ZONES debt will be partially offset by changes in the fair value of the Sprint FON common stock we hold and account for as a trading security.

        We were exposed to changes in the fair value of 218 million shares and 116 million shares of Liberty common stock during the 2003 and 2004 interim periods (through July 28, 2004), respectively. We will continue to be exposed to changes in the fair value of 6 million shares of Liberty International common stock we hold and account for as trading securities because we have not entered into a corresponding derivative to hedge this market exposure.

        We are also exposed to changes in the fair value of the derivative component of the Comcast exchangeable notes we have outstanding since the underlying 8.4 million shares of Comcast Class A Special common stock we hold in treasury are carried at our historical cost and are not adjusted for changes in fair value.

        Investment income (loss), net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 includes losses of $82 million and $127 million, respectively, related to these financial instruments compared to losses of $202 million and $456 million, respectively, during the same periods in 2003.

        Other Income

        On September 30, 2004, we sold our 20% interest in DHC Ventures, LLC to Discovery Communications, Inc. for approximately $149 million in cash and recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $94 million to other income.

        Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

        The changes in income tax (expense) benefit for the interim periods from 2003 to 2004 are primarily the result of the effects of changes in our income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and minority interest.

        Minority Interest

        The change in minority interest for the nine month interim period from 2003 to 2004 is attributable to the effects of our adoption of SFAS No. 150 on July 1, 2003, upon which we now record our subsidiary preferred dividends, previously included within minority interest, to interest expense. The change in minority interest for the three month interim period from 2003 to 2004 is attributable to the effects of changes in the net income or loss of our less than wholly-owned subsidiaries and to the minority interests in certain subsidiaries acquired or formed during 2004.

        We believe that our operations are not materially affected by inflation.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        We believe that we will be able to meet our current and long-term liquidity and capital requirements, including fixed charges, through our cash flows from operating activities, existing cash, cash equivalents and investments, through available borrowings under our existing credit facilities, and through our ability to obtain future external financing.

34



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

        Cash and Cash Equivalents

        We have traditionally maintained significant levels of cash and cash equivalents to meet our short-term liquidity requirements. As of September 30, 2004, our cash and cash equivalents were $717 million, substantially all of which is unrestricted.

        Investments

        We consider investments that we determine to be non-strategic, highly-valued, or both, to be a significant source of liquidity. We consider our investments in the following to be potential sources of liquidity:

$1.5 billion in Time Warner common equivalent preferred stock,
21% interest in TWC, and
interests in certain cable television partnerships.

        We do not have any significant contractual funding commitments with respect to any of our investments.

        Refer to Note 5 to our financial statements included in Item 1 for a discussion of our investments.

        Available Borrowings Under Credit Facilities

        We have traditionally maintained significant availability under our lines of credit to meet our short-term liquidity requirements. In January 2004, we refinanced three of our existing revolving credit facilities with a new $4.5 billion, five-year revolving bank credit facility due January 2009. As of September 30, 2004, amounts available under our lines of credit totaled $3.733 billion. Refer to Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 for further discussion about our new credit facility.

        Commercial Paper

        In June 2004, we entered into a new commercial paper program to provide a lower cost borrowing source of liquidity to fund our short-term working capital requirements. The program allows for a maximum of $2.25 billion of commercial paper to be issued at any one time. Our revolving bank credit facility supports this program. As of September 30, 2004, amounts outstanding under the program totaled $651 million with a weighted average interest rate of 2.10%.

        Financing

        As of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, our debt, including capital lease obligations, was $25.231 billion and $26.996 billion, respectively. The $1.765 billion decrease from December 31, 2003 to September 30, 2004 results principally from the effects of our net debt repayments during the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Included in our debt as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 was current portion of long-term debt of $3.128 billion and $3.161 billion, respectively.

        Excluding the effects of interest rate risk management instruments, 9.2% and 8.2% of our total debt as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, was at variable rates.

        We have made, and may from time to time in the future depending on certain factors such as market conditions, make optional repayments on our debt obligations, which may include open market repurchases of our outstanding public notes and debentures.

        Refer to Note 7 to our financial statements included in Item 1 for a discussion of our long-term debt.

_________________

35



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

Statement of Cash Flows

        The $833 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents from December 31, 2003, to September 30, 2004, is primarily a result of cash outflows due to net repayments of debt ($935 million), capital expenditures ($2.610 billion), repurchases of common stock ($1.007 billion), additions to intangible and other noncurrent assets ($572 million) and acquisitions ($296 million). Cash provided by operating activities ($4.435 billion) is partially offsetting these cash outflows.

        Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, is principally due to our operating income before depreciation and amortization (see “Results of Continuing Operations”), the effects of interest and income tax payments, changes in operating assets and liabilities as a result of the timing of receipts and disbursements, a federal income tax refund of approximately $536 million and proceeds from sales or exchanges of trading securities of approximately $553 million.

        Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations was $1.878 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, and consists primarily of net repayments of debt of $935 million and repurchases of common stock of $1.007 billion.

        During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our debt repayments and borrowings consisted of:

        Repayments

$867 million of our senior and medium term notes,
$700 million on our revolving credit facilities,
$609 million of our Comcast exchangeable notes and
$113 million of capital leases and other.

        Borrowings

$700 million on our revolving credit facilities,
$651 million, net under our commercial paper program and
$3 million of other.

        Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations was $3.390 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. During this period, net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations includes capital expenditures of $2.610 billion, additions to intangible and other noncurrent assets of $572 million and acquisitions, net of cash acquired, of $296 million.

36



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

  There have been no significant changes to the information required under this Item from what was disclosed in our 2003 Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

  Our chief executive officer and our co-chief financial officers, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report, have concluded, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

  Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        Refer to Note 10 to our condensed financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of recent developments related to our legal proceedings.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

        A summary of our repurchases during the quarter under our $2 billion repurchase program, $1 billion of which was authorized by our Board of Directors both in December 2003 and July 2004, are as follows:

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Period Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
Maximum Dollar Value
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Program
July 1-31, 2004   8,781,045   $27.44   7,346,200   $1,249,551,855  
August 1-31, 2004  2,940,015   $27.25   2,940,000   $1,169,426,535  
September 1-30, 2004  8,081,015   $27.28   8,077,000   $949,072,557  




Total  19,802,075   $27.35   18,363,200   $949,072,557  




        The total number of shares purchased includes approximately 1,439,000 shares received in the administration of employee equity compensation plans.

37



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

        Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

31 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Financial Officers pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Financial Officers pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


38



COMCAST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

COMCAST CORPORATION

 
/s/ Lawrence J. Salva

Lawrence J. Salva
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)


Date: October 29, 2004







39