Amendment No. 4 to Form S-4
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 25, 2014

Registration No. 333-194698

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

AMENDMENT NO. 4

TO

FORM S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

COMCAST CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Pennsylvania   4841   27-0000798

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

One Comcast Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

19103-2838

(215) 286-1700

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Arthur R. Block, Esq.

Senior Vice President,

General Counsel and Secretary

Comcast Corporation

One Comcast Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

19103-2838

(215) 286-1700

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)

 

 

 

    Copies to:    

David L. Caplan, Esq.

William J. Chudd, Esq.

Bruce K. Dallas, Esq.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

450 Lexington Ave.

New York, New York 10017

(212) 450-4000

 

Marc Lawrence-Apfelbaum, Esq.

Executive Vice President, General

Counsel and Secretary

Time Warner Cable Inc.

60 Columbus Circle

New York, New York 10023

(212) 364-8200

 

Robert B. Schumer, Esq.

Ariel J. Deckelbaum, Esq.

Ross A. Fieldston, Esq.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton &

Garrison LLP

1285 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10019

(212) 373-3000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective and upon completion of the merger of Tango Acquisition Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (“Comcast”), with and into Time Warner Cable Inc. (“TWC”).

If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.  ¨

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

  Large accelerated filer   x     Accelerated filer   ¨
  Non-accelerated filer   ¨   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller reporting company   ¨

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Securities Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  ¨

Securities Exchange Act Rule 14d-l(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)  ¨

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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EXPLANATORY NOTE

Comcast Corporation (“Comcast”) is filing this registration statement on Form S-4 to register the issuance of its Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, in connection with the proposed merger (the “Merger”) of Tango Acquisition Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast, with and into Time Warner Cable Inc. (“TWC”). The proxy statement information that forms a part of this registration statement is also deemed filed pursuant to Comcast’s and TWC’s obligations under Regulation 14A in connection with Comcast’s special meeting of its shareholders to approve the issuance of shares of Comcast common stock in connection with the Merger and in connection with TWC’s special meeting of its stockholders to approve the Merger.

Separately, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of applicable conditions, following the Merger, Comcast and Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) will consummate three sets of transactions: (i) a spin-off (the “Spin-Off”) of specified Comcast cable systems into a newly formed entity (“SpinCo”) followed by the SpinCo Merger (as defined below), (ii) an exchange of specified cable systems between Comcast (transferring former TWC systems) and Charter (the “Exchange”) and (iii) a sale by Comcast to Charter of specified former TWC systems (the “Sale”, and, together with the Spin-Off and the Exchange, the “divestiture transactions”). The applicable conditions to the divestiture transactions include, among other things, completion of the Merger, the requisite vote by the Charter stockholders, satisfaction of specified regulatory approvals, receipt of franchise approvals, completion of specified financing transactions and other conditions. In addition, the divestiture transactions may be terminated by either Comcast or Charter if, following receipt of carveout financial statements for the systems to be transferred pursuant to the Sale and Exchange, Charter is unable to obtain committed financing for the Sale. In the alternative, if the applicable conditions to the divestiture transactions are not met or waived or if the divestiture transactions are terminated, then following the Merger, Comcast is prepared to divest cable systems serving an aggregate of up to approximately 3 million subscribers in a spin-off, sale or other transaction, or combination thereof (the “Alternate Disposition Transaction”). Neither Comcast shareholders nor TWC stockholders are entitled to vote on the divestiture transactions or on the Alternate Disposition Transaction, if any, and no vote with respect thereto is being solicited by Comcast or TWC. Instead, Comcast shareholders and TWC stockholders are being asked to vote on a merger transaction that contemplates a divestiture of subscribers, which may or may not ultimately take the form of the divestiture transactions described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

In connection with the Spin-Off, SpinCo will file a registration statement on Form S-1 to register the pro rata distribution of shares of its common stock to Comcast shareholders (including any legacy TWC stockholders who are Comcast shareholders as of the record date for the Spin-Off). SpinCo will file its registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) prior to the anticipated closing of the Merger. The registration statement will need to be declared effective by the SEC prior to the record date for the distribution of shares of SpinCo to Comcast shareholders (including former TWC stockholders) and prior to the SpinCo Merger. In connection with the divestiture transactions, a registration statement (the “Charter Registration Statement”) is expected to be filed on Form S-4 to register the issuance of common stock of a Charter successor (“New Charter”) formed in connection with the divestiture transactions. The Charter Registration Statement is expected to include proxy statement information that will be deemed filed pursuant to Charter’s obligation under Regulation 14A in connection with Charter’s special meeting of its stockholders to approve the requisite proposals for the divestiture transactions, including the SpinCo Merger (as defined below).

If the Charter stockholders provide the requisite stockholder approvals and the other applicable conditions to the divestiture transactions are met or waived, then Comcast will distribute the shares of SpinCo common stock pro rata to Comcast shareholders (including any legacy TWC stockholders who are Comcast shareholders as of the record date for the Spin-Off). Immediately following the distribution of SpinCo shares, another newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of New Charter will merge with and into SpinCo with SpinCo surviving the merger (the “SpinCo Merger”). In connection with the SpinCo Merger, New Charter or a subsidiary of New Charter will receive shares of SpinCo common stock (currently estimated to represent approximately 33% of SpinCo’s outstanding common stock after giving effect to the SpinCo Merger), and SpinCo’s stockholders immediately prior to giving effect to the SpinCo Merger will receive shares of New Charter common stock and will continue to hold shares of SpinCo common stock, which are currently estimated to represent 67% of


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SpinCo’s outstanding common stock in the aggregate. No Comcast shareholders, TWC stockholders or SpinCo stockholders (other than Comcast as the initial sole stockholder of SpinCo) will be entitled to vote on the SpinCo Merger and no vote with respect thereto is or will be solicited by Comcast, TWC or SpinCo. In addition to registering the issuance of common stock of New Charter to Charter’s existing stockholders, the Charter Registration Statement is expected to register the issuance of New Charter shares in connection with the SpinCo Merger.

In connection with the divestiture transactions and prior to the Spin-Off, Comcast, Charter and SpinCo will use reasonable best efforts to cause SpinCo to incur new indebtedness, including through the issuance of newly issued SpinCo notes to Comcast, which will enable Comcast to complete a debt-for-debt exchange (the “debt-for-debt exchange”). The divestiture transactions (including the Spin-Off, the SpinCo Merger, the Exchange, the Sale and the debt-for-debt exchange) are further described in “The Divestiture Transactions” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

If the Charter stockholders do not approve the divestiture transactions or any other applicable conditions to the divestiture transactions are not met or waived, then in connection with the Alternate Disposition Transaction, if any, Comcast will determine whether the Alternate Disposition Transaction will be in the form of a spin-off, sale or other transaction, or combination thereof (any spun-off entity in the Alternate Disposition Transaction, if any, being referred to as “Alternate SpinCo”). In a spin-off, all of Comcast’s shareholders (including any legacy TWC stockholders who are Comcast shareholders as of the record date of any such spin-off) would receive a pro rata number of shares of Alternate SpinCo, and Alternate SpinCo would file a registration statement on the appropriate form. Neither Comcast shareholders nor TWC stockholders would be entitled to vote on the form of any Alternate Disposition Transaction and no vote with respect thereto is being solicited by Comcast or TWC or would be solicited by Comcast following the Merger.


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Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This joint proxy statement/prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

 

PRELIMINARY—SUBJECT TO COMPLETION—DATED AUGUST 25, 2014

 

LOGO

   LOGO

[], 2014

MERGER PROPOSAL—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Dear Comcast Corporation Shareholders and Time Warner Cable Inc. Stockholders:

Comcast Corporation, or Comcast, and Time Warner Cable Inc., or TWC, have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 12, 2014, which is referred to as the merger agreement, under which TWC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast. If the merger is completed, TWC stockholders will receive, in exchange for each share of TWC common stock owned immediately prior to the merger, 2.875 shares of Comcast Class A common stock. Based on the number of shares of TWC common stock outstanding as of [], 2014, and the number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock outstanding as of [], 2014, it is expected that, immediately after completion of the merger, former TWC stockholders will own approximately []% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock. The shares of TWC common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TWC” and the shares of Comcast Class A common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CMCSA.”

Each of TWC and Comcast will be holding a special meeting for TWC stockholders and Comcast shareholders, respectively, to vote on certain matters in connection with the proposed merger.

TWC stockholders are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of TWC stockholders to be held on [], 2014 at []. At the TWC special meeting, TWC stockholders will be asked to adopt the merger agreement. Comcast shareholders are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of Comcast shareholders to be held on [], 2014 at []. At the Comcast special meeting, Comcast shareholders will be asked to approve the issuance of shares of Comcast Class A common stock to TWC stockholders in the merger, which is referred to as the stock issuance.

We cannot complete the merger unless TWC stockholders adopt the merger agreement and Comcast shareholders approve the stock issuance. Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you expect to attend the TWC special meeting or the Comcast special meeting in person, please vote or otherwise submit a proxy to vote your shares as promptly as possible so that your shares may be represented and voted at the TWC special meeting or the Comcast special meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker, nominee or other record holder, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction form furnished to you by such record holder.

In addition, at the TWC special meeting, TWC stockholders will be asked to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the “golden parachute” compensation payments that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger. At the Comcast special meeting, Comcast shareholders also will be asked to approve the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting under certain circumstances.

The TWC board of directors unanimously recommends that TWC stockholders vote “FOR” the adoption of the merger agreement and “FOR” the “golden parachute” compensation proposal.

The Comcast board of directors unanimously recommends that Comcast shareholders vote “FOR” the stock issuance and “FOR” the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting.

The accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus provides important information regarding the special meetings and a detailed description of the merger agreement, the merger and the matters to be presented at the special meetings. We urge you to read the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus (and any documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus) carefully. Please pay particular attention to the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 68.

We hope to see you at the special meetings and look forward to the successful completion of the merger.

Sincerely,

 

 

Brian L. Roberts

   

 

Robert D. Marcus

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Comcast Corporation

    Time Warner Cable Inc.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued under the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus or determined that the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated [], 2014, and is first being mailed to Comcast shareholders and TWC stockholders on or about [], 2014.


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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The accompanying document is the joint proxy statement of TWC and Comcast for the special meetings of TWC stockholders and Comcast shareholders and the prospectus of Comcast for its shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be issued to TWC stockholders as consideration in the merger. The accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about Comcast and TWC from documents that are not included in or delivered with the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus. This information is available to you without charge upon your written or oral request. You can obtain documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus (other than certain exhibits or schedules to these documents) by requesting them in writing or by telephone from Comcast or TWC at the following addresses and telephone numbers:

 

Comcast Corporation

One Comcast Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2838

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (866) 281-2100

 

Time Warner Cable Inc.

60 Columbus Circle

New York, New York 10023

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (877) 446-3689

In addition, if you have questions about the merger or the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies of the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus or need to obtain proxy cards or other information related to the proxy solicitation, please contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc., the proxy solicitor for TWC, toll-free at (800) 322-2885 or collect at (212) 929-5500, or D.F. King & Co., Inc., the proxy solicitor for Comcast, toll-free at (800) 488-8035 or collect at (212) 269-5550. You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request.

If you would like to request documents, please do so no later than five business days before the date of Comcast’s special meeting of shareholders (which is [], 2014) or five business days before the date of TWC’s special meeting of stockholders (which is [], 2014), as applicable.

See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [] of the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus for further information.


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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF

COMCAST CORPORATION

TO BE HELD ON [], 2014

To the Shareholders of Comcast Corporation:

A special meeting of shareholders of Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation, will be held on [], 2014, at [], located at [], at [], local time, for the following purposes:

 

    to consider and vote on a proposal to approve the issuance of Comcast Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, to Time Warner Cable Inc. stockholders as consideration in the merger contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 12, 2014, as may be amended, among Comcast, Tango Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast, and Time Warner Cable Inc., a Delaware corporation (we refer to this proposal as the stock issuance); and

 

    to consider and vote on a proposal to approve the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting.

The Comcast board of directors has fixed the close of business on [], 2014 as the record date for determination of the shareholders entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Comcast special meeting. Only shareholders of record at the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Comcast special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Comcast special meeting. A complete list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting will be available at the Comcast special meeting for inspection by any shareholder.

If you hold shares of Comcast common stock in your name at the record date, please be prepared to provide proper identification, such as a driver’s license, to gain admission to the Comcast special meeting.

If you are a beneficial owner of shares of Comcast common stock held in “street name,” meaning that your shares are held by a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, at the record date, in addition to proper identification, you will also need to provide proof of ownership at the record date to be admitted to the Comcast special meeting. A brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership. If you want to vote your shares of Comcast common stock held in “street name” in person at the Comcast special meeting, you will have to obtain a legal proxy in your name from the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record who holds your shares.

Approval of the stock issuance requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by holders of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock, voting as a single class, along with the affirmative vote of (i) a majority of the votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by holders of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock, or (ii) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock, acting by written consent, which written consent has previously been obtained from certain Comcast shareholders who entered into a voting agreement with TWC. Those Comcast shareholders have also agreed to vote their shares of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock in favor of the stock issuance for purposes of the single class vote referred to above. Approval of the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by holders of shares of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock, voting as a single class. Pursuant to Pennsylvania law and Comcast’s by-laws, those shareholders entitled to vote at the special meeting, who attend a meeting that has been previously adjourned for one or more periods aggregating at least 15 days because of an absence of a quorum, shall constitute a quorum for acting upon any matter set forth in this notice even though the number of holders present at such adjourned meeting constitutes less than a quorum as fixed in Comcast’s by-laws. As of the record date, each holder of Comcast Class A common stock is entitled to [] votes per share and each holder of Comcast Class B common stock is entitled to 15 votes per share. Holders of shares of Comcast Class A Special common stock are not


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entitled to vote at the meeting. After consideration and consultation with its advisors, the members of the Comcast board of directors present at the Comcast board meeting unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger, the stock issuance and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of Comcast and unanimously approved and declared advisable the merger agreement, the merger, the stock issuance and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The Comcast board of directors unanimously recommends that Comcast shareholders vote “FOR” the stock issuance and “FOR” the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting.

By order of the Board of Directors,

Arthur R. Block

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

[], 2014

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE COMCAST SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED. WE URGE YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE (1) VIA THE INTERNET, (2) BY TELEPHONE OR (3) BY SIGNING, DATING AND MARKING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURNING IT IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. IF YOU ATTEND THE COMCAST SPECIAL MEETING AND WISH TO VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON, YOU MAY DO SO AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO YOUR PROXY BEING EXERCISED. YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY OR CHANGE YOUR VOTE AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE COMCAST SPECIAL MEETING. IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD IN THE NAME OF A BANK, BROKER, NOMINEE OR OTHER RECORD HOLDER, PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM FURNISHED TO YOU BY SUCH RECORD HOLDER.

We urge you to read the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus, including all documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus, and its annexes carefully and in their entirety. If you have any questions concerning the merger, the merger agreement, the stock issuance, the adjournment vote, the Comcast special meeting or the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies of the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus or need help voting your shares of Comcast common stock, please contact:

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor

New York, New York 10005

Telephone Toll-Free: (800) 488-8035

Telephone Call Collect: (212) 269-5550

Email: comcast@dfking.com

or

Comcast Corporation

One Comcast Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2838

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (866) 281-2100


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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF

TIME WARNER CABLE INC.

TO BE HELD ON [], 2014

To the Stockholders of Time Warner Cable Inc.:

A special meeting of stockholders of Time Warner Cable Inc., a Delaware corporation, will be held on [], 2014, at [] located at [], at [], local time, for the following purposes:

 

    to consider and vote on a proposal to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 12, 2014, as may be amended, among Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation, Tango Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, and TWC, pursuant to which Tango Acquisition Sub, Inc. will be merged with and into TWC, and TWC will continue as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (a copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to the joint proxy statement/prospectus accompanying this notice); and

 

    to consider and vote on a proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the “golden parachute” compensation payments that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger.

The TWC board of directors has fixed the close of business on [], 2014 as the record date for determination of the stockholders entitled to vote at the TWC special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the TWC special meeting. Only stockholders of record at the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the TWC special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the TWC special meeting. A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at the TWC special meeting will be available for a period of ten days prior to the TWC special meeting at the offices of TWC, located at 60 Columbus Circle, New York, New York 10023 for inspection by any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the TWC special meeting, during usual business hours. The stockholder list also will be available at the TWC special meeting for examination by any stockholder present at the TWC special meeting. In accordance with TWC’s by-laws, the TWC special meeting may be adjourned by the Chairman of the meeting.

If you would like to attend the TWC special meeting, because of security procedures, you will need to register in advance to gain admission to the TWC special meeting. You can register by calling (866) 892-8925 toll-free or sending an email with your name and address to: ir@twcable.com by [], 2014. In addition to registering in advance, you will be required to present government issued identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport) to enter the meeting. The meeting also will be audiocast live on the Internet at www.twc.com/investors. You may not appoint more than three persons to act as your proxy at the meeting.

If you are a beneficial owner of TWC common stock held in “street name,” meaning that your shares are held by a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, at the record date, in addition to proper identification, you will also need to provide proof of ownership at the record date to be admitted to the TWC special meeting. A brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership. If you want to vote your shares of TWC common stock held in “street name” in person at the TWC special meeting, you will have to obtain a legal proxy in your name from the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record who holds your shares.

Adoption of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of TWC common stock entitled to vote. Approval, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of the “golden parachute” compensation payments that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the TWC special meeting by holders of shares of TWC common stock. After consideration and consultation with its advisors, the TWC board of directors unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of TWC’s


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stockholders and unanimously approved and declared advisable the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The TWC board of directors unanimously recommends that TWC stockholders vote “FOR” the adoption of the merger agreement and “FOR” the “golden parachute” compensation proposal.

By order of the Board of Directors,

Marc Lawrence-Apfelbaum

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

New York, New York

[], 2014


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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE TWC SPECIAL MEETING IN PERSON, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED. WE URGE YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE (1) VIA THE INTERNET, (2) BY TELEPHONE OR (3) BY SIGNING, DATING AND MARKING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURNING IT IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. IF YOU ATTEND THE TWC SPECIAL MEETING AND WISH TO VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON, YOU MAY DO SO AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO YOUR PROXY BEING EXERCISED. YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY OR CHANGE YOUR VOTE AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE TWC SPECIAL MEETING. IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD IN THE NAME OF A BANK, BROKER, NOMINEE OR OTHER RECORD HOLDER, PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM FURNISHED TO YOU BY SUCH RECORD HOLDER.

We urge you to read the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus, including all documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus, and its annexes carefully and in their entirety. If you have any questions concerning the merger agreement, the merger, the advisory (non-binding) vote on the “golden parachute” compensation payments that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger, the TWC special meeting or the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus, would like additional copies of the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus or need help voting your shares of TWC common stock, please contact:

MacKenzie Partners, Inc.

105 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10016

Telephone Toll-Free: (800) 322-2885

Telephone Call Collect: (212) 929-5500

Email: proxy@mackenziepartners.com

or

Time Warner Cable Inc.

60 Columbus Circle

New York, New York 10023

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (877) 446-3689

Email: ir@twcable.com


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

     Page  

Questions And Answers About The Merger And The Matters To Be Addressed At The Special Meetings

     1   

Summary

     15   

Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Comcast

     36   

Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of TWC

     38   

Comparative Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Per Share Data

     39   

Comparative Per Share Market Price and Dividend Information

     41   

Comcast Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements

     43   

Risk Factors

     68   

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     78   

The Companies

     79   

Special Meeting of Shareholders of Comcast

     80   

Date, Time and Location

     80   

Purpose

     80   

Recommendations of the Comcast Board of Directors

     80   

Comcast Record Date; Outstanding Shares; Shareholders Entitled to Vote

     81   

Quorum

     81   

Required Vote

     81   

Share Ownership of and Voting by Comcast Directors and Executive Officers

     82   

Voting of Shares

     82   

Revocability of Proxies; Changing Your Vote

     84   

Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses of Solicitation

     84   

Householding

     85   

Adjournment

     85   

Other Information

     85   

Assistance

     85   

Special Meeting of Stockholders of TWC

     86   

Date, Time and Location

     86   

Purpose

     86   

Recommendations of the TWC Board of Directors

     86   

TWC Record Date; Outstanding Shares; Stockholders Entitled to Vote

     87   

Quorum

     87   

Required Vote

     87   

Share Ownership of and Voting by TWC Directors and Executive Officers

     88   

Voting of Shares

     88   

Revocability of Proxies; Changing Your Vote

     90   

Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses of Solicitation

     90   

Householding

     90   

Adjournment

     91   

Other Information

     91   

Assistance

     91   

TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance

     92   

General

     92   

Background of the Merger

     92   

TWC’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Merger by the TWC Board of Directors

     104   

Comcast’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Comcast Board of Directors

     109   

 

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     Page  

Opinions of TWC’s Financial Advisors

     112   

Opinion of Financial Advisor to the TWC Independent Directors

     127   

Opinion of Comcast’s Financial Advisor

     136   

Unaudited Prospective Financial Information

     148   

Certain Relationships between Comcast and TWC

     153   

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger

     154   

No Appraisal Rights

     157   

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

     158   

Accounting Treatment

     160   

Listing of Shares of Comcast Class A Common Stock and Delisting and Deregistration of TWC Common Stock

     160   

Litigation Relating to the Merger

     160   

The Merger Agreement

     162   

The Voting Agreement

     185   

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

     187   

TWC Proposal II: Advisory Vote on Golden Parachute Compensation

     200   

Comcast Proposal II: Adjournment of the Comcast Special Meeting

     201   

The Divestiture Transactions

     202   

Certain Beneficial Owners of TWC Common Stock

     213   

Certain Beneficial Owners of Comcast Common Stock

     215   

Description of Comcast Capital Stock

     218   

Comparison of Stockholder Rights

     224   

Legal Matters

     240   

Experts

     240   

Future Shareholder Proposals

     241   

Where You Can Find More Information

     243   

Annexes

  

Annex A: Agreement and Plan of Merger

     A-1   

Annex B: Voting Agreement

     B-1   

Annex C: Opinion of Allen & Company LLC

     C-1   

Annex D: Opinion of Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

     D-1   

Annex E: Opinion of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

     E-1   

Annex F: Opinion of Centerview Partners LLC

     F-1   

Annex G: Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

     G-1   

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE MATTERS TO BE ADDRESSED AT THE SPECIAL MEETINGS

The following questions and answers are intended to address briefly some commonly asked questions regarding the merger and the matters to be addressed at the special meetings. These questions and answers may not address all questions that may be important to TWC stockholders or Comcast shareholders. To better understand these matters, and for a description of the legal terms governing the merger, you should carefully read this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the attached annexes, as well as the documents that have been incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. All references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to TWC refer to Time Warner Cable Inc., a Delaware corporation; all references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to Comcast refer to Comcast Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation; all references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to Merger Sub refer to Tango Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast; and all references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to the merger agreement refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 12, 2014, as may be amended, by and among TWC, Comcast and Merger Sub, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: Why am I receiving this document?

 

A: Comcast and TWC have agreed to a merger, pursuant to which TWC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast and will no longer be a publicly held corporation in a transaction that is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the merger. If the merger is completed, each outstanding share of TWC common stock will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive 2.875 shares of Comcast Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share. In order to complete the merger, TWC stockholders must vote to adopt the merger agreement and Comcast shareholders must vote to approve the issuance of shares of Comcast Class A common stock to TWC stockholders in the merger, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the stock issuance.

TWC is holding a special meeting of stockholders, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the TWC special meeting, in order to obtain the stockholder approval necessary to adopt the merger agreement. TWC stockholders will also be asked to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the “golden parachute” compensation payments that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger.

Comcast is holding a special meeting of shareholders, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the Comcast special meeting, in order to obtain the shareholder approval necessary to approve the stock issuance. Comcast shareholders will also be asked to approve the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting.

This document is being delivered to you as both a joint proxy statement of TWC and Comcast and a prospectus of Comcast in connection with the merger. It is the proxy statement by which the TWC board of directors is soliciting proxies from TWC stockholders to vote at the TWC special meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement of the TWC special meeting, on the adoption of the merger agreement and the approval, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of the “golden parachute” compensation payments that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger. It is also the proxy statement by which the Comcast board of directors is soliciting proxies from Comcast shareholders to vote at the Comcast special meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement of the Comcast special meeting, on the approval of the stock issuance and the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting under certain circumstances. In addition, this document is the prospectus by which Comcast will issue shares of Comcast Class A common stock to TWC stockholders in the merger.

Your vote is important. We encourage you to vote as soon as possible.

 

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Q: What will TWC stockholders receive in the merger?

 

A: If the merger is completed, each share of TWC common stock automatically will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive 2.875 shares of Comcast Class A common stock. Each TWC stockholder will receive cash for any fractional share of Comcast Class A common stock that the stockholder would otherwise receive in the merger (after aggregating the total number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be received by such stockholder in the merger). The shares of Comcast Class A common stock and cash for any fractional shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be received by TWC stockholders in the merger are collectively referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the merger consideration.

Based on the closing price of a share of Comcast Class A common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as NASDAQ, on February 12, 2014, the last trading day before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the merger consideration represented approximately $158.82 in value for each share of TWC common stock. Based on the closing price of a share of Comcast Class A common stock on NASDAQ on [], 2014, the most recent practicable trading day prior to the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the merger consideration represented approximately $[] in value for each share of TWC common stock. Because Comcast will issue a fixed number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock in exchange for each share of TWC common stock, the value of the merger consideration that TWC stockholders will receive in the merger will depend on the market price of shares of Comcast Class A common stock at the time the merger is completed. The market price of shares of Comcast Class A common stock when TWC stockholders receive those shares after the merger is completed could be greater than, less than or the same as the market price of shares of Comcast Class A common stock on the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus or at the time of the TWC special meeting. 

For information with respect to the divestiture transactions, see “The Divestiture Transactions” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What happens if the merger is not completed?

 

A: If the merger is not completed for any reason, TWC stockholders will not receive any consideration for their shares of TWC common stock. Instead, TWC will remain an independent public company and its common stock will continue to be listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Q: What are TWC stockholders being asked to vote on?

 

A: TWC stockholders are being asked to vote on the following proposals:

 

    to adopt the merger agreement, pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into TWC, with TWC continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast; and

 

    to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the “golden parachute” compensation payments that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger.

The adoption of the merger agreement by TWC stockholders is a condition to the obligations of TWC and Comcast to complete the merger. The approval of the “golden parachute” compensation proposal is not a condition to the obligations of TWC or Comcast to complete the merger.

 

Q: What are Comcast shareholders being asked to vote on?

 

A: Comcast shareholders are being asked to vote on the following proposals:

 

    to approve the stock issuance; and

 

    to approve the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting.

The approval of the stock issuance by Comcast shareholders is a condition to the obligations of TWC and Comcast to complete the merger. The approval of the proposal to adjourn the Comcast special meeting under certain circumstances is not a condition to the obligations of TWC or Comcast to complete the merger.

 

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Q: Does the TWC board of directors recommend that TWC stockholders adopt the merger agreement?

 

A: Yes. The TWC board of directors unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of TWC’s stockholders and unanimously approved and declared advisable the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The TWC board of directors unanimously recommends that TWC stockholders vote “FOR” the adoption of the merger agreement at the TWC special meeting. See “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—TWC’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Merger by the TWC Board of Directors” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What is “golden parachute” compensation and why am I being asked to vote on it?

 

A: The Securities and Exchange Commission, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the SEC, has adopted rules that require TWC to seek an advisory (non-binding) vote on “golden parachute” compensation. “Golden parachute” compensation is certain compensation that is tied to or based on the merger and that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger. This proposal is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the “golden parachute” compensation proposal.

 

Q: Does the TWC board of directors recommend that TWC stockholders approve the “golden parachute” compensation proposal?

 

A: Yes. The TWC board of directors unanimously recommends that TWC stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the “golden parachute” compensation payments that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger. See “TWC Proposal II: Advisory Vote On Golden Parachute Compensation” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What happens if the “golden parachute” compensation proposal is not approved?

 

A: Approval of the “golden parachute” compensation proposal is not a condition to completion of the merger. The vote is an advisory (non-binding) vote. If the merger is completed, TWC may pay “golden parachute” compensation to its named executive officers in connection with the merger even if TWC stockholders fail to approve the “golden parachute” compensation proposal.

 

Q: Does the Comcast board of directors recommend that Comcast shareholders approve the stock issuance?

 

A: Yes. The members of the Comcast board of directors present at the Comcast board meeting unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger, the stock issuance and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of Comcast and unanimously approved and declared advisable the merger agreement, the merger, the stock issuance and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The Comcast board of directors unanimously recommends that Comcast shareholders vote “FOR” the stock issuance at the Comcast special meeting. See “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—Comcast’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Comcast Board of Directors” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: Does the Comcast board of directors recommend that Comcast shareholders approve the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting, if necessary?

 

A: Yes. The Comcast board of directors unanimously recommends that Comcast shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to adjourn the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting. See “Comcast Proposal II: Adjournment of the Comcast Special Meeting” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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Q: What TWC stockholder vote is required for the approval of each proposal at the TWC special meeting, and what happens if I abstain?

 

A: The following are the vote requirements for the proposals:

 

    Adoption of the Merger Agreement: The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of TWC common stock entitled to vote is required to adopt the merger agreement. Accordingly, a TWC stockholder’s abstention from voting, the failure of a TWC stockholder who holds his or her shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record or a TWC stockholder’s other failure to vote will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal.

 

    Approval of Golden Parachute Compensation: The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the TWC special meeting by holders of shares of TWC common stock is required to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the “golden parachute” compensation proposal. An abstention is not considered a vote cast. Accordingly, assuming a quorum is present, a TWC stockholder’s abstention from voting, the failure of a TWC stockholder who holds his or her shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record or a TWC stockholder’s other failure to vote will have no effect on the proposal.

 

Q: What Comcast shareholder vote is required for the approval of each proposal at the Comcast special meeting, and what happens if I abstain?

 

A: The following are the vote requirements for the proposals:

 

    Stock Issuance: There are two vote requirements required to approve the stock issuance:

 

  (i) the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by holders of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock, who are referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Comcast Class A shareholders, and holders of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock, who are referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Comcast Class B shareholders and who, together with Comcast Class A shareholders, are referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Comcast shareholders, voting together as a single class, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the single class vote; and

 

  (ii) (x) the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by Comcast Class B shareholders or (y) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock, acting by written consent, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the separate Class B vote.

As described below, certain Comcast shareholders have entered into a voting agreement with TWC, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the voting agreement, pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their shares of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock in favor of the stock issuance. As of the record date, these shares represent an aggregate of approximately [0.02]% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock and 100% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock, which together represent approximately [33.35]% of the combined voting power of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock for purposes of the single class vote. The voting agreement may be terminated under certain circumstances.

Following entry into the merger agreement, pursuant to the voting agreement, all Comcast Class B shareholders delivered a written consent, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the written consent, approving the stock issuance for purposes of the separate Class B vote. The written consent may be revoked by the Comcast Class B shareholders under certain circumstances. See “The Voting Agreement” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

The written consent is sufficient to approve the stock issuance for purposes of the separate Class B vote. Accordingly, the only vote being sought at the Comcast special meeting on the proposal to

 

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approve the stock issuance is the single class vote. For purposes of the single class vote, an abstention is not considered a vote cast. Accordingly, with respect to the single class vote, assuming a quorum is present, a Comcast shareholder’s abstention from voting, the failure of a Comcast shareholder who holds his or her shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record or a Comcast shareholder’s other failure to vote will have no effect on the proposal.

 

    Adjournment (if necessary): Whether or not a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by Comcast Class A shareholders and Comcast Class B shareholders, voting together as a single class, is required to approve the adjournment proposal. An abstention is not considered a vote cast. Accordingly, a Comcast shareholder’s abstention from voting, the failure of a Comcast shareholder who holds his or her shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record or a Comcast shareholder’s other failure to vote will have no effect on the proposal.

 

Q: What constitutes a quorum for the TWC special meeting?

 

A: A majority of the votes entitled to be cast for each proposal being present in person or represented by proxy constitutes a quorum for such proposal at the TWC special meeting. Abstentions will be deemed present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. Shares of TWC common stock held in “street name” with respect to which the beneficial owner fails to give voting instructions to the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record will not be deemed present at the TWC special meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

 

Q: What constitutes a quorum for the Comcast special meeting?

 

A: A majority of the votes entitled to be cast for each proposal being present in person or represented by proxy constitutes a quorum for such proposal at the Comcast special meeting. Abstentions will be deemed present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. Shares of Comcast common stock held in “street name” with respect to which the beneficial owner fails to give voting instructions to the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record will not be deemed present at the Comcast special meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

If the Comcast special meeting is adjourned for one or more periods aggregating at least 15 days due to the absence of a quorum, Comcast shareholders who are entitled to vote and who attend (including by proxy) the adjourned meeting, even though they do not constitute a quorum as described in the preceding paragraph, will constitute a quorum for the purpose of acting on any matter described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: Who is entitled to vote at the TWC special meeting, and how many votes does each holder of TWC common stock have?

 

A: All holders of TWC common stock who held shares at the record date for the TWC special meeting (the close of business on [], 2014) are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the TWC special meeting, provided that those shares remain outstanding on the date of the TWC special meeting. As of the close of business on [], 2014, there were [] shares of TWC common stock outstanding. Each holder of TWC common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of TWC common stock owned at the record date.

 

Q: Who is entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting?

 

A: Comcast Class A shareholders and Comcast Class B shareholders who held shares at the record date for the Comcast special meeting (the close of business on [], 2014) are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Comcast special meeting, provided that those shares remain outstanding on the date of the Comcast special meeting. Holders of shares of Comcast Class A Special common stock are not entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting, and this joint proxy statement/prospectus is made available to holders of shares of Comcast Class A Special common stock for informational purposes only.

As of the close of business on [], 2014, there were [] shares of Comcast Class A common stock outstanding and 9,444,375 shares of Comcast Class B common stock outstanding.

 

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Q: How many votes does each Comcast shareholder have?

 

A: For all matters to be voted on by the holders of shares of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock as a single class, Comcast Class B common stock has a nondilutable 33 13% of the combined voting power of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock. The number of votes per share to which a Comcast Class A shareholder is entitled is determined based on a formula set forth in Comcast’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Comcast’s articles, which gives effect to the nondilutable voting power of the Comcast Class B common stock at any time. As of the record date, (i) each Comcast Class A shareholder is entitled to [] votes for each share of Comcast Class A common stock owned by such shareholder and (ii) each Comcast Class B shareholder is entitled to 15 votes per share for each share of Comcast Class B common stock owned by such shareholder.

 

Q: What if I hold shares in both TWC and Comcast?

 

A: If you are both a TWC stockholder and a Comcast shareholder, you will receive separate packages of proxy materials from each company. A vote as a TWC stockholder for the adoption of the merger agreement will not constitute a vote as a Comcast shareholder to approve the stock issuance, or vice versa. Therefore, please sign, date, mark and return all proxy cards and/or voting instructions that you receive from TWC or Comcast, or submit them over the Internet or by telephone.

 

Q: When and where is the TWC special meeting?

 

A: The TWC special meeting will be held on [], 2014, at [], located at [], at [], local time.

 

Q: When and where is the Comcast special meeting?

 

A: The Comcast special meeting will be held on [], 2014, at [], located at [], at [], local time.

 

Q: How do I vote my shares at the TWC special meeting?

 

A: Via the Internet or by Telephone

If you hold TWC shares directly in your name as a stockholder of record (that is, if your shares of TWC common stock are registered in your name with Computershare Shareowner Services, TWC’s transfer agent), you may vote via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com or by telephone by calling the toll-free number on the back of your proxy card. Votes submitted via the Internet or by telephone must be received by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on [], 2014.

If you hold TWC shares in “street name,” meaning through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, you may vote via the Internet or by telephone only if Internet or telephone voting is made available by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record. Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record with these materials.

By Mail

If you hold TWC shares directly in your name as a stockholder of record (that is, if your shares of TWC common stock are registered in your name with Computershare Shareowner Services, TWC’s transfer agent), you will need to sign, date and mark your proxy card and return it using the postage-paid return envelope provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. must receive your proxy card no later than the close of business on [], 2014.

If you hold TWC shares in “street name,” meaning through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, to vote by mail, you will need to sign, date and mark the voting instruction form provided by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record with these materials and return it in the postage-paid return envelope provided. Your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record must receive your voting instruction form in sufficient time to vote your shares.

 

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In Person

If you hold TWC shares directly in your name as a stockholder of record (that is, if your shares of TWC common stock are registered in your name with Computershare Shareowner Services, TWC’s transfer agent), you may vote in person at the TWC special meeting. Stockholders of record also may be represented by another person at the TWC special meeting by executing a proper proxy designating that person and having that proper proxy be presented to the inspector of election with the applicable ballot at the TWC special meeting.

If you hold TWC shares in “street name,” meaning through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, you must obtain a legal proxy from that institution and present it to the inspector of elections with your ballot to be able to vote in person at the TWC special meeting. To request a legal proxy, please contact your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record.

Shares held in TWC’s 401(k) Plan

Under the provisions of the Trust relating to the TWC Savings Plan, Fidelity Management Trust Company, as Trustee, is required to request your confidential instructions as to how your proportionate interests in the shares of TWC common stock held in the TWC Stock Fund under the TWC Savings Plan is to be voted at the TWC special meeting. Your instructions to Fidelity Management Trust Company will not be divulged or revealed to anyone at TWC. If Fidelity Management Trust Company does not receive your instructions on or prior to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time) via a voting instruction card or 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) via the Internet or by telephone on [], 2014, your interest will be voted at the TWC special meeting in the same proportion as other participants’ interests in the TWC Savings Plan for which Fidelity Management Trust Company has received voting instructions.

Please carefully consider the information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and, whether or not you plan to attend the TWC special meeting, vote via the Internet, by telephone or by mail so that your shares will be voted in accordance with your wishes even if you later decide not to attend the TWC special meeting. 

We encourage you to register your vote via the Internet or by telephone. If you attend the TWC special meeting, you may also submit your vote in person, in which case any votes that you previously submitted—whether via the Internet, by telephone or by mail—will be superseded by the vote that you cast at the TWC special meeting. To vote in person at the TWC special meeting, beneficial owners who hold shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record will need to contact the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to obtain a legal proxy to bring to the meeting. Whether your proxy is submitted via the Internet, by telephone or by mail, if it is properly completed and submitted, and if you do not revoke it prior to or at the TWC special meeting, your shares will be voted at the TWC special meeting in the manner set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or as otherwise specified by you. Again, you may vote via the Internet or by telephone until 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on [], 2014, or TWC’s agent must receive your paper proxy card by mail no later than the close of business on [], 2014.

 

Q: If my shares of TWC common stock are held in “street name,” will my broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record automatically vote my shares for me?

 

A: No. If your shares of TWC common stock are held in “street name,” you must instruct the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record on how to vote your shares. Your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record will vote your shares only if you provide instructions on how to vote by filling out the voting instruction form sent to you by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record with this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: How will my shares be represented at the TWC special meeting, and what will happen if I return my proxy card without indicating how to vote?

 

A:

If you submit your proxy via the Internet, by telephone or by mail, the officers named on your proxy card will vote your shares in the manner you requested if you correctly submitted your proxy. If you sign your

 

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  proxy card and return it without indicating how to vote on any particular proposal, the shares of TWC common stock represented by your proxy will be voted in favor of that proposal.

 

Q: How do I vote my shares at the Comcast special meeting?

 

A: Via the Internet or by Telephone

If you hold Comcast shares directly in your name as a shareholder of record, you may vote via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com or by telephone by calling (800) 690-6903 toll-free. Votes submitted via the Internet or by telephone must be received by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on [], 2014.

If you hold Comcast shares in “street name,” meaning through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, you may vote via the Internet or by telephone only if Internet or telephone voting is made available by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record. Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record with these materials.

By Mail

If you hold Comcast shares directly in your name as a shareholder of record, you will need to sign, date and mark your proxy card and return it using the postage-paid return envelope provided or return it to Vote Processing, Comcast Corporation, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. must receive your proxy card no later than the close of business on [], 2014.

If you hold Comcast shares in “street name,” meaning through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, to vote by mail, you will need to sign, date and mark the voting instruction form provided by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record with these materials and return it in the postage-paid return envelope provided. Your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record must receive your voting instruction form in sufficient time to vote your shares.

In Person 

If you hold Comcast shares directly in your name as a shareholder of record, you may vote in person at the Comcast special meeting. Shareholders of record also may be represented by another person at the Comcast special meeting by executing a proper proxy designating that person and having that proper proxy be presented to the inspector of election with the applicable ballot at the Comcast special meeting.

If you hold Comcast shares in “street name,” meaning through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, you must obtain a legal proxy from that institution and present it to the inspector of election with your ballot to be able to vote in person at the Comcast special meeting. To request a legal proxy, please contact your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record.

Shares held in Comcast Corporation Retirement-Investment Plan and Comcast Spectacor 401(k) Plan

Participants in the Comcast Corporation Retirement-Investment Plan or the Comcast Spectacor 401(k) Plan, which are collectively referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the Comcast retirement plans, are entitled to vote the shares of Comcast Class A common stock held under the applicable Comcast retirement plan in their name. To do so, you must sign and timely return the voting instruction form you received with this joint proxy statement/prospectus, or submit voting instructions via the Internet or by telephone. By doing either of the above, you direct the trustee of the applicable Comcast retirement plan to vote your Comcast retirement plan shares at the Comcast special meeting, in person or by proxy, as designated in your instructions. The voting results for the shares held in each Comcast retirement plan will be tabulated by Comcast’s transfer agent for all such plan’s participants and reported to the trustee of each Comcast retirement plan on an aggregate basis. The overall vote tallies will not show how individual participants voted. The trustee of each Comcast retirement plan will vote the shares at the Comcast special meeting through the custodian holding the shares. If a Comcast retirement plan participant’s voting instructions are not received by Comcast’s transfer agent before the Comcast special meeting, or if the voting instructions are revoked by the participant before the Comcast special meeting, the shares held by that participant will be considered unvoted. All unvoted shares in each Comcast retirement plan will be

 

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voted at the Comcast special meeting by the trustee of the applicable Comcast retirement plan in proportion to the voting results of such Comcast retirement plan shares for which voting instructions are received. To allow sufficient time for voting by the trustee of each Comcast retirement plan, your voting instructions for any Comcast retirement plan must be received by [], 2014.

Please carefully consider the information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and, whether or not you plan to attend the Comcast special meeting, vote via the Internet, by telephone or by mail so that your shares will be voted in accordance with your wishes even if you later decide not to attend the Comcast special meeting. 

We encourage you to register your vote via the Internet or by telephone. If you attend the Comcast special meeting, you may also submit your vote in person, in which case any votes that you previously submitted—whether via the Internet, by telephone or by mail—will be superseded by the vote that you cast at the Comcast special meeting. To vote in person at the Comcast special meeting, beneficial owners who hold shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record will need to contact the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to obtain a legal proxy to bring to the meeting. Whether your proxy is submitted via the Internet, by telephone or by mail, if it is properly completed and submitted, and if you do not revoke it prior to or at the Comcast special meeting, your shares will be voted at the Comcast special meeting in the manner set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or as otherwise specified by you. Again, you may vote via the Internet or by telephone until 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on [], 2014, or Comcast’s agent must receive your paper proxy card by mail no later than the close of business on [], 2014.

 

Q: If my Comcast shares are held in “street name,” will my broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record automatically vote my shares for me?

 

A: No. If your Comcast shares are held in “street name,” you must instruct the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record on how to vote your shares. Your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record will vote your shares only if you provide instructions on how to vote by filling out the voting instruction form sent to you by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record with this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: How will my shares be represented at the Comcast special meeting, and what will happen if I return my proxy card without indicating how to vote?

 

A: If you submit your proxy via the Internet, by telephone or by mail, the officers named on your proxy card will vote your shares in the manner you requested if you correctly submitted your proxy. If you sign your proxy card and return it without indicating how to vote on any particular proposal, the shares of Comcast common stock represented by your proxy will be voted in favor of that proposal.

 

Q: Who may attend the TWC special meeting?

 

A: TWC stockholders at the record date (the close of business on [], 2014), or their authorized representatives, may attend the TWC special meeting. If you would like to attend the meeting, because of security procedures, you will need to register in advance to gain admission to the TWC special meeting. You can register by calling (866) 892-8925 toll-free or sending an email with your name and address to: ir@twcable.com by [], 2014. In addition to registering in advance, you will be required to present government issued identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport) to enter the meeting. The meeting also will be audiocast live on the Internet at www.twc.com/investors. You may not appoint more than three persons to act as your proxy at the meeting.

If you are a beneficial owner of shares of TWC common stock held in “street name” by a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record at the record date (the close of business on [], 2014), in addition to proper identification, you will also need proof of ownership at the record date to be admitted to the TWC special meeting. A brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership. If you want to vote your shares of TWC common stock held in “street name” in person at the TWC special meeting, you will have to obtain a legal proxy in your name from the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record who holds your shares.

 

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TWC stockholders may contact TWC’s Investor Relations Department toll-free at (877) 446-3689 to obtain directions to the location of the TWC special meeting.

 

Q: Who may attend the Comcast special meeting?

 

A: Comcast shareholders at the record date (the close of business on [], 2014), or their authorized representatives, may attend the Comcast special meeting. If you hold shares in your name at the record date, please be prepared to provide proper identification, such as a driver’s license, to gain admission to the Comcast special meeting.

If you are a beneficial owner of shares of Comcast common stock held in “street name” by a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record at the record date (the close of business on [], 2014), in addition to proper identification, you will also need proof of ownership at the record date to be admitted to the Comcast special meeting. A brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership. If you want to vote your shares of Comcast common stock held in “street name” in person at the Comcast special meeting, you will have to obtain a legal proxy in your name from the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record who holds your shares.

Comcast shareholders may contact Comcast’s Investor Relations Department toll-free at (866) 281-2100 to obtain directions to the location of the Comcast special meeting.

 

Q: Is my vote important?

 

A: Yes, your vote is very important. The merger cannot be completed unless TWC stockholders adopt the merger agreement and Comcast shareholders approve the stock issuance.

For TWC stockholders, an abstention or failure to vote will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the adoption of the merger agreement. In addition, if a TWC stockholder holds shares of TWC common stock in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record and the stockholder does not give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record will not be able to vote the shares on the adoption of the merger agreement, and such failure to give those instructions will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the adoption of the merger agreement.

The TWC board of directors unanimously recommends that TWC stockholders vote “FOR” the adoption of the merger agreement, and the Comcast board of directors unanimously recommends that Comcast shareholders vote “FOR” the stock issuance.

 

Q. Can I revoke my proxy or change my voting instructions?

 

A: Yes. You may revoke your proxy or change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the applicable special meeting.

If you are a stockholder of record at the record date (the close of business on [], 2014), you can revoke your proxy or change your vote by:

 

    sending a signed notice stating that you revoke your proxy:

 

    if you are a TWC stockholder, to the General Counsel of TWC, at TWC’s offices at 60 Columbus Circle, New York, New York 10023, Attention: General Counsel; or,

 

    if you are a Comcast shareholder, to the Secretary of Comcast, at Comcast’s offices at One Comcast Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2838, Attention: Secretary;

in each case, that bears a date later than the date of the proxy you want to revoke and is received prior to the applicable special meeting;

 

    submitting a valid, later-dated proxy via the Internet or by telephone before 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on [], 2014, or by mail that is received prior to the applicable special meeting; or

 

   

attending the applicable special meeting (or, if the applicable special meeting is adjourned or postponed, attending the adjourned or postponed meeting) and voting in person, which will

 

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automatically cancel any proxy previously given, or revoking your proxy in person, but your attendance alone will not revoke any proxy previously given.

If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, you must contact your brokerage firm, bank, nominee or other holder of record to change your vote or obtain a legal proxy to vote your shares if you wish to cast your vote in person at the applicable special meeting.

 

Q: What happens if I sell my TWC shares after the record date but before the TWC special meeting?

 

A: The record date for the TWC special meeting (the close of business on [], 2014) is earlier than the date of the TWC special meeting and earlier than the date that the merger is expected to be completed. If you sell or otherwise transfer your shares of TWC common stock after the record date but before the date of the TWC special meeting, you will retain your right to vote at the TWC special meeting. However, you will not have the right to receive the merger consideration to be received by TWC stockholders in the merger. In order to receive the merger consideration, you must hold your shares through completion of the merger.

 

Q: What happens if I sell my Comcast shares after the record date but before the Comcast special meeting?

 

A: The record date for the Comcast special meeting (the close of business on [], 2014) is earlier than the date of the Comcast special meeting and earlier than the date that the merger is expected to be completed. If you sell or otherwise transfer your shares of Comcast Class A common stock after the record date but before the date of the Comcast special meeting, you will retain your right to vote at the Comcast special meeting.

 

Q: What do I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

 

A: You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the proxy card or the voting instruction form. This can occur if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, if you hold shares directly as a record holder and also in “street name,” or otherwise through another holder of record, and in certain other circumstances. In addition, if you are a holder of shares of both TWC common stock and Comcast common stock, you will receive one or more separate proxy cards or voting instruction cards for each company. If you receive more than one set of voting materials, please vote or return each set separately in order to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

 

Q: Is completion of the merger subject to any conditions?

 

A: Yes. Comcast and TWC are not required to complete the merger unless a number of conditions are satisfied (or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, waived). These conditions include, among others, the adoption of the merger agreement by TWC stockholders, the approval of the stock issuance by Comcast shareholders, termination or expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the HSR Act, approval of the Federal Communications Commission, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the FCC, and approval of certain state-level and local franchising authorities with jurisdiction over TWC’s cable television franchises, which are referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as LFAs, such that the sum of the aggregate number of video subscribers of TWC belonging to franchise areas for which either (x) no LFA consent is required or (y) if LFA consent is required, such consent shall have been obtained, shall be no less than 85% of the aggregate number of video subscribers of TWC. Comcast’s obligation to complete the merger is further subject to the relevant governmental approvals having been received without the imposition of a burdensome condition. For a more complete summary of the conditions that must be satisfied (or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, waived) prior to completion of the merger, see “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: When do you expect to complete the merger?

 

A: As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, we expect to complete the merger in early 2015 due to our current expectations regarding the timing of certain regulatory approvals, subject to satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, waiver) of the conditions to the parties’ obligations to complete the merger. However, no assurance can be given as to when, or if, the merger will be completed.

 

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Q: Is the transaction expected to be taxable to TWC stockholders?

 

A: No. U.S. holders of shares of TWC common stock will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax as a result of the exchange of their shares of TWC common stock for shares of Comcast Class A common stock (except in connection with cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Comcast Class A common stock) in the merger. See “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What do I need to do now?

 

A: Carefully read and consider the information contained in and incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including its annexes. Then, please vote your shares of TWC common stock or Comcast common stock, as applicable, which you may do by:

 

    signing, dating, marking and returning the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying postage-paid return envelope;

 

    submitting your proxy via the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions included on your proxy card; or

 

    attending the applicable special meeting and voting by ballot in person.

If you hold shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, please instruct your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to vote your shares by following the instructions that the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record provides to you with these materials.

See “—How will my shares be represented at the TWC special meeting, and what will happen if I return my proxy card without indicating how to vote?” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “—How will my shares be represented at the Comcast special meeting, and what will happen if I return my proxy card without indicating how to vote?” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: Should I send in my TWC stock certificates now?

 

A: No. TWC stockholders should not send in their stock certificates at this time. After completion of the merger, Comcast’s exchange agent will send you a letter of transmittal and instructions for exchanging your shares of TWC common stock for the merger consideration. The shares of Comcast Class A common stock you receive in the merger will be issued in book-entry form and physical certificates will not be issued. See “The Merger Agreement—Procedures for Surrendering TWC Stock Certificates” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: As a current employee and holder of options issued by TWC to purchase shares of TWC common stock, or a holder of TWC restricted stock units, what will I receive in the merger?

 

A: Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding option to purchase shares of TWC common stock held by any then-current TWC employee, whether or not exercisable or vested, will be converted into an option to acquire, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such option immediately prior to the completion of the merger, the number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of TWC common stock subject to such option immediately prior to the completion of the merger multiplied by (y) 2.875, with any fractional shares rounded down to the next lower whole number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock. The exercise price per share of Comcast Class A common stock subject to such converted option will be an amount equal to the quotient of (i) the exercise price per share of TWC common stock subject to such option immediately prior to the completion of the merger divided by (ii) 2.875, with any fractional cents rounded up to the next higher number of whole cents.

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding TWC restricted stock unit award held by any then-current TWC employee, whether or not vested, will be converted into a restricted stock unit award to acquire, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such restricted stock unit award

 

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immediately prior to the completion of the merger, the number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of TWC common stock subject to such award immediately prior to the completion of the merger multiplied by (y) 2.875, with any fractional shares rounded down to the next lower whole number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock.

See “The Merger Agreement—Treatment of TWC Equity Awards” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: As a former employee and holder of options issued by TWC to purchase shares of TWC common stock or TWC restricted stock units, or as a non-employee director and holder of TWC deferred stock units, what will I receive in the merger?

 

A: Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding option to purchase shares of TWC common stock held by a former employee of TWC, whether or not exercisable or vested, will be cancelled, and TWC will pay each such former employee an amount in cash computed by first determining the number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock to which such former employee would have been entitled if his or her options had been converted into options as described immediately above, and multiplying such number by the excess of (i) the closing price of a share of Comcast Class A common stock on NASDAQ on the trading day immediately preceding the completion of the merger, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the Comcast closing price, over (ii) the adjusted exercise price per share of such option. See “—As a current employee and holder of options issued by TWC to purchase shares of TWC common stock, or a holder of TWC restricted stock units, what will I receive in the merger?” above for a description of the methodology used to convert TWC options held by a former employee.

Upon the completion of the merger, each TWC restricted stock unit (which includes deferred stock units held by non-employee directors) held by a former employee or a current or former non-employee director, whether or not vested, will be cancelled, and TWC will pay each holder an amount in cash determined by multiplying (x) the number of shares of TWC common stock subject to such unit immediately prior to completion of the merger by (y) 2.875, with any fractional shares rounded down to the next lower whole number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock, and then multiplying the product of (x) and (y) by the Comcast closing price.

See “The Merger Agreement—Treatment of TWC Equity Awards” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What are the divestiture transactions, and am I being asked to vote on them?

 

A: On April 25, 2014, Comcast entered into a binding agreement, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the transactions agreement, with Charter Communications, Inc., which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Charter. The transactions agreement contemplates three transactions: (1) a contribution, spin-off and merger transaction, (2) an asset exchange and (3) a sale of assets, which are collectively referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the divestiture transactions, all of which are subject to a number of conditions. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions, the divestiture transactions are expected to occur substantially contemporaneously with each other and will be consummated as promptly as practicable following the completion of the merger. The completion of the divestiture transactions will result in the combined company divesting a net total of approximately 3.9 million subscribers. The transactions agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Comcast and Charter, and the TWC board of directors consented to the entry by Comcast into the transactions agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the consent between TWC and Comcast dated April 25, 2014, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the TWC consent, which include certain understandings of Comcast and TWC with respect to the receipt of required regulatory approvals under the merger agreement. See “The Divestiture Transactions” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Neither Comcast shareholders nor TWC stockholders are entitled to vote on the divestiture transactions, and no vote with respect thereto is being solicited by Comcast or TWC. Accordingly, no action is required on the part of Comcast shareholders or TWC stockholders in connection with the divestiture transactions.

 

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Q: What happens if the divestiture transactions are not completed?

 

A: The merger is not conditioned upon completion of the divestiture transactions. The merger and the divestiture transactions are subject to separate conditions, and the merger may be completed whether or not the divestiture transactions are ultimately consummated. If the divestiture transactions are not completed, then following completion of the merger, Comcast is prepared to divest up to approximately three million subscribers of the combined company in an alternate disposition transaction. Neither Comcast shareholders nor TWC stockholders would be entitled to vote on any alternate disposition transaction, and no vote with respect thereto is being solicited by Comcast or TWC.

 

Q: If I am a TWC stockholder, whom should I call with questions?

 

A: If you have any questions about the merger or the TWC special meeting, or desire additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, proxy cards or voting instruction forms, you should contact:

MacKenzie Partners, Inc.

105 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10016

Telephone Toll-Free: (800) 322-2885

Telephone Call Collect: (212) 929-5500

Email: proxy@mackenziepartners.com

or

Time Warner Cable Inc.

60 Columbus Circle

New York, New York 10023

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (877) 446-3689

Email: ir@twcable.com

 

Q: If I am a Comcast shareholder, whom should I call with questions?

 

A: If you have any questions about the merger or the Comcast special meeting, or desire additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, proxy cards or voting instruction forms, you should contact:

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor

New York, New York 10005

Telephone Toll Free: (800) 488-8035

Telephone Call Collect: (212) 269-5550

Email: comcast@dfking.com

or

Comcast Corporation

One Comcast Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2838

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (866) 281-2100

 

Q: Where can I find more information about TWC and Comcast?

 

A: You can find more information about TWC and Comcast from the various sources described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information from this joint proxy statement/prospectus. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You are urged to read carefully the entire joint proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents referred to or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus in order to fully understand the merger agreement and the proposed merger. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Each item in this summary refers to the page of this joint proxy statement/prospectus on which that subject is discussed in more detail.

The Companies (See Page [])

Comcast Corporation

Comcast is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal Media, LLC, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as NBCUniversal. Comcast was incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania in 2001 and, through its predecessors, has developed, managed and operated cable systems since 1963. In 2011, Comcast closed the NBCUniversal transaction in which it acquired control of the businesses of NBCUniversal, and in 2013, Comcast acquired the remaining 49% common equity interest in NBCUniversal that it did not already own. Comcast presents its operations for Comcast Cable in one reportable business segment, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Cable Communications, and its operations for NBCUniversal in four reportable business segments.

 

    Cable Communications: Consists of the operations of Comcast Cable, which is the nation’s largest provider of video, high-speed Internet and voice services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides similar services to businesses and sells advertising. As of June 30, 2014, Comcast’s cable systems served 22.5 million video customers, 21.3 million high-speed Internet customers and 11.0 million voice customers and passed more than 54 million homes and businesses. As of June 30, 2014, Comcast had customer relationships with approximately 25.1 million residential customers and 1.6 million business customers.

 

    Cable Networks: Consists primarily of Comcast’s national cable networks, its regional sports and news networks, its international cable networks, and its cable television production operations.

 

    Broadcast Television: Consists primarily of the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, Comcast’s 10 NBC and 17 Telemundo owned local broadcast television stations, and Comcast’s broadcast television production operations.

 

    Filmed Entertainment: Consists primarily of the studio operations of Universal Pictures, which produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide.

 

    Theme Parks: Consists primarily of Comcast’s Universal theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood.

The Cable Networks, Broadcast Television, Filmed Entertainment and Theme Parks segments comprise the NBCUniversal businesses.

In 2013, Comcast’s Cable Communications segment generated 65% of Comcast’s consolidated revenue and 80% of its operating income before depreciation and amortization.

Comcast’s other business interests primarily include Comcast-Spectacor, which owns the Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center arena in Philadelphia and operates arena management-related businesses.

The principal trading market for shares of Comcast Class A common stock (NASDAQ: CMCSA) and shares of Comcast Class A Special common stock (NASDAQ: CMCSK) is NASDAQ. There is no established public

 

 

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trading market for shares of Comcast Class B common stock. The principal executive offices of Comcast are located at One Comcast Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2838; its telephone number is (215) 286-1700; and its website is www.comcastcorporation.com.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about Comcast from other documents that are not included in or delivered with this joint proxy statement/prospectus. For a list of the documents that are incorporated by reference, see “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Time Warner Cable Inc.

TWC is among the largest providers of video, high-speed data and voice services in the U.S., with technologically advanced, well-clustered cable systems located mainly in five geographic areas—New York State (including New York City), the Carolinas, the Midwest (including Ohio, Kentucky and Wisconsin), Southern California (including Los Angeles) and Texas. TWC’s mission is to connect its customers to the world—simply, reliably and with superior service. As of June 30, 2014, TWC served approximately 14.5 million residential customers and 658,000 business customers who subscribed to one or more of its video, high-speed data and voice services. TWC’s business services also include networking and transport services (including cell tower backhaul services) and enterprise-class, cloud-enabled hosting, managed applications and services. TWC also sells video and online advertising inventory to a variety of local, regional and national customers.

TWC was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on March 21, 2003, and TWC and its predecessors have been in the cable business for over 40 years in various legal forms. The principal trading market for TWC common stock (NYSE: TWC) is the New York Stock Exchange. TWC’s principal executive offices are located at 60 Columbus Circle, New York, New York 10023; its telephone number is (212) 364-8200; and its website is www.twc.com.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about TWC from other documents that are not included in or delivered with this joint proxy statement/prospectus. For a list of the documents that are incorporated by reference, see “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Tango Acquisition Sub, Inc.

Merger Sub was incorporated in the State of Delaware on February 11, 2014, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast. Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of completing a merger with TWC. Merger Sub has not carried on any activities to date, except for activities incidental to its formation and activities undertaken in connection with the merger.

The principal executive offices of Merger Sub are located at One Comcast Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2838; and its telephone number is (215) 286-1700.

The Merger (See Page [])

Comcast, Merger Sub and TWC have entered into the merger agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement and in accordance with applicable law, Merger Sub will be merged with and into TWC, with TWC continuing as the surviving corporation. Upon completion of the merger, TWC will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast, and TWC common stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the Exchange Act.

A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You should read the merger agreement carefully because it is the legal document that governs the merger.

 

 

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Special Meeting of Stockholders of TWC (See Page [])

Meeting. The TWC special meeting will be held on [], 2014, at [], located at [], at [], local time. At the TWC special meeting, TWC stockholders will be asked to consider and vote on the following proposals:

 

    to adopt the merger agreement, pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into TWC, with TWC continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast; and

 

    to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, “golden parachute” compensation payments that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger.

Record Date. The TWC board of directors has fixed the close of business on [], 2014, as the record date for determination of the stockholders entitled to vote at the TWC special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the TWC special meeting. Only TWC stockholders of record at the record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the TWC special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the TWC special meeting. As of the close of business on [], 2014, there were [] shares of TWC common stock outstanding. Each holder of TWC common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of TWC common stock owned at the record date.

Quorum. The presence at the TWC special meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast for each proposal at the record date (the close of business on [], 2014) will constitute a quorum for such proposal. Abstentions will be deemed present at the TWC special meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. Shares of TWC common stock held in “street name” with respect to which the beneficial owner fails to give voting instructions to the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record will not be deemed present at the TWC special meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. There must be a quorum for business to be conducted at the TWC special meeting. Failure of a quorum to be represented at the TWC special meeting will necessitate an adjournment or postponement and will subject TWC to additional expense.

Adjournment. In accordance with TWC’s by-laws, the TWC special meeting may be adjourned by the Chairman of the meeting. If the TWC special meeting is adjourned, stockholders who have already submitted their proxies will be able to revoke them at any time prior to their use.

Required Vote. To adopt the merger agreement, the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of TWC common stock entitled to vote is required. TWC cannot complete the merger unless its stockholders adopt the merger agreement. Because adoption requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of TWC common stock entitled to vote, a TWC stockholder’s abstention from voting, the failure of a TWC stockholder who holds his or her shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record or a TWC stockholder’s other failure to vote will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the adoption of the merger agreement.

To approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, “golden parachute” compensation payments that will or may be paid by TWC to its named executive officers in connection with the merger, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the TWC special meeting by holders of shares of TWC common stock is required. An abstention is not considered a vote cast. Accordingly, assuming a quorum is present, a TWC stockholder’s abstention from voting, the failure of a TWC stockholder who holds his or her shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record or a TWC stockholder’s other failure to vote will have no effect on the outcome of any vote to approve the “golden parachute” compensation proposal.

Stock Ownership of and Voting by TWC Directors and Executive Officers. At the record date for the TWC special meeting (the close of business on [], 2014), TWC’s directors and executive officers and their affiliates

 

 

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beneficially owned and had the right to vote [] shares of TWC common stock at the TWC special meeting, which represents approximately []% of the shares of TWC common stock entitled to vote at the TWC special meeting.

It is expected that TWC’s directors and executive officers will vote their shares “FOR” the adoption of the merger agreement and “FOR” the “golden parachute” compensation proposal, although none of them has entered into any agreement requiring them to do so.

Special Meeting of Shareholders of Comcast (See Page [])

Meeting. The Comcast special meeting will be held on [], 2014, at [], located at [], at [], local time. At the Comcast special meeting, Comcast shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on the following proposals:

 

    to approve the stock issuance; and

 

    to approve the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting.

Record Date. The Comcast board of directors has fixed the close of business on [], 2014, as the record date for determination of the shareholders entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only Comcast Class A shareholders and Comcast Class B shareholders who held shares at the record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Comcast special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Comcast special meeting. Holders of shares of Comcast Class A Special common stock are not entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting. As of the close of business on [], 2014, there were [] shares of Comcast Class A common stock outstanding and 9,444,375 shares of Comcast Class B common stock outstanding. For all matters to be voted on by Comcast Class A shareholders and Comcast Class B shareholders as a single class, Comcast Class B common stock has a nondilutable 33 13% of the combined voting power of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock. The number of votes per share to which a Comcast Class A shareholder is entitled is determined based on a formula set forth in Comcast’s articles, which gives effect to the nondilutable voting power of the Comcast Class B common stock at any time. As of the record date, (i) each Comcast Class A shareholder is entitled to [] votes for each share of Comcast Class A common stock owned by such shareholder and (ii) each Comcast Class B shareholder is entitled to 15 votes per share for each share of Comcast Class B common stock owned by such shareholder.

Quorum. The presence at the Comcast special meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of votes entitled to be cast for each proposal at the record date (the close of business on [], 2014) will constitute a quorum for such proposal. Abstentions will be deemed present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. Shares of Comcast common stock held in “street name” with respect to which the beneficial owner fails to give voting instructions to the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record will not be deemed present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. There must be a quorum for the proposal to approve the stock issuance to be voted on at the Comcast special meeting. Failure of a quorum will necessitate an adjournment or postponement of the Comcast special meeting and will subject Comcast to additional expense. If the Comcast special meeting is adjourned for one or more periods aggregating at least 15 days due to the absence of a quorum, Comcast shareholders who are entitled to vote and who attend (including by proxy) the adjourned meeting, even though they do not constitute a quorum as described above, will constitute a quorum for the purpose of acting on the stock issuance.

Required Vote. To approve the stock issuance, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by Comcast Class A shareholders and Comcast Class B shareholders, voting together as a single class, is required. Comcast cannot complete the merger unless its shareholders approve the stock issuance. An abstention is not considered a vote cast. Accordingly, assuming a quorum is present, a Comcast shareholder’s abstention from voting, the failure of a Comcast shareholder who holds his or her shares in “street

 

 

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name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record or a Comcast shareholder’s other failure to vote will have no effect on the outcome of any vote to approve the stock issuance.

The separate Class B vote is also required to approve the stock issuance. Following entry into the merger agreement, pursuant to the voting agreement, holders of all the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock delivered the written consent, which is sufficient to approve the stock issuance for purposes of the separate Class B vote.

To approve the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting, whether or not a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by Comcast Class A shareholders and Comcast Class B shareholders, voting together as a single class, is required. An abstention is not considered a vote cast. Accordingly, a Comcast shareholder’s abstention from voting, the failure of a Comcast shareholder who holds his or her shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record or a Comcast shareholder’s other failure to vote will have no effect on the outcome of any vote to adjourn the Comcast special meeting.

Stock Ownership of and Voting by Comcast Directors and Executive Officers. At the record date for the Comcast special meeting (the close of business on [], 2014), Comcast’s directors and executive officers and their affiliates beneficially owned and had the right to vote [] shares of Comcast Class A common stock at the Comcast special meeting, which represents approximately []% of the shares of Comcast Class A common stock entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting, and beneficially owned and had the right to vote 9,444,375 shares of Comcast Class B common stock at the Comcast special meeting, which represents 100% of the shares of Comcast Class B common stock entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting.

Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast, and certain of his family trusts and investment vehicles, have entered into the voting agreement described below, pursuant to which they have agreed to vote all of their shares in favor of the stock issuance. It is expected that the other Comcast directors and executive officers will vote their shares “FOR” the stock issuance and “FOR” the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting, although none of these other Comcast directors and executive officers has entered into any agreement requiring them to do so.

The Voting Agreement (See Page [])

Concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement, TWC entered into a voting agreement with Brian L. Roberts, BRCC Holdings LLC, Irrevocable Deed of Trust of Brian L. Roberts for Children and Other Issue dated June 10, 1998 and Irrevocable Deed of Trust of Ralph J. Roberts for Brian L. Roberts and Other Beneficiaries dated May 11, 1993.

Following entry into the merger agreement and pursuant to the voting agreement, these Comcast shareholders delivered the written consent, which is sufficient to approve the stock issuance for purposes of the separate Class B vote. The written consent will automatically be revoked upon a termination of the voting agreement.

In addition, the Comcast shareholders who are parties to the voting agreement have agreed to vote all of their shares of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock (i) in favor of the stock issuance for purposes of the single class vote, (ii) in favor of any proposal to adjourn any meeting of Comcast shareholders to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes for the approval of the stock issuance and (iii) against any corporate action that would frustrate the purposes or impede the consummation of the

 

 

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merger. The voting agreement imposes certain restrictions on these Comcast shareholders’ right to transfer shares of Comcast Class B common stock, as described under “The Voting Agreement,” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The voting agreement will terminate upon the earliest to occur of: (i) the completion of the merger, (ii) the date of termination of the merger agreement in accordance with its terms, and (iii) the date of any amendment, modification, supplement or waiver to any provision of the merger agreement that has not been consented to by Brian L. Roberts or holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock and that would increase the 2.875 exchange ratio, change the form of merger consideration or amend provisions of the merger agreement relating to regulatory matters in a manner materially adverse to investors. If the voting agreement is terminated prior to the completion of the merger, the written consent will be revoked. The voting agreement provides that no provisions contained therein limit the discretion of Brian L. Roberts to take or not take any action in his fiduciary capacity as an officer or director of Comcast.

As of February 12, 2014, the Comcast shareholders who are parties to the voting agreement held in the aggregate 471,435.749 shares of Comcast Class A common stock (representing approximately 0.02% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock) and 9,444,375 shares of Comcast Class B common stock (representing 100% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock). As of the record date for the Comcast special meeting, the Comcast shareholders who are parties to the voting agreement held in the aggregate [] shares of Comcast Class A common stock (representing []% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock) and 9,444,375 shares of Comcast Class B common stock (representing 100% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock), which together represent approximately [33.35]% of the combined voting power of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock. Based on [] outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock and 9,444,375 outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock on the record date for the Comcast special meeting, and after taking into account the expected votes of the directors and executive officers of Comcast and the Comcast shareholders who are parties to the voting agreement, approval of the proposal for the stock issuance will require the affirmative vote of the holders of an additional [] outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock at the Comcast special meeting (representing approximately []% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock that are not owned by the directors and executive officers of Comcast or the Comcast shareholders who are parties to the voting agreement).

A copy of the voting agreement is attached as Annex B to this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

What TWC Stockholders Will Receive in the Merger (See Page [])

If the merger is completed, TWC stockholders will be entitled to receive, in exchange for each share of TWC common stock that they own immediately prior to the merger, 2.875 shares of Comcast Class A common stock, and cash payable in lieu of any fractional shares as described below.

Comcast will not issue any fractional shares in the merger. Instead, the total number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock that each TWC stockholder will receive in the merger will be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and each TWC stockholder will receive cash, without interest, for any fractional share of Comcast Class A common stock that he or she would otherwise receive in the merger. The amount of cash for fractional shares will be calculated by multiplying the fraction of a share of Comcast Class A common stock that the TWC stockholder would otherwise be entitled to receive in the merger by the Comcast closing price.

Example: If you own 100 shares of TWC common stock at the time the merger is completed, you will be entitled to receive 287 shares of Comcast Class A common stock. In addition, you will be entitled to receive an amount of cash equal to 0.5 of a share of Comcast Class A common stock multiplied by the Comcast closing price.

The ratio of 2.875 shares of Comcast Class A common stock for each share of TWC common stock, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the exchange ratio, is fixed, which means that it will not

 

 

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change between now and the date of the merger, regardless of whether the market price of shares of either Comcast Class A common stock or TWC common stock changes. Therefore, the value of the merger consideration will depend on the market price of shares of Comcast Class A common stock at the time TWC stockholders receive shares of Comcast Class A common stock in the merger. Based on the closing price of a share of Comcast Class A common stock on NASDAQ on February 12, 2014, the last trading day before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the merger consideration represented approximately $158.82 in value for each share of TWC common stock. Based on the closing price of a share of Comcast Class A common stock on NASDAQ on [], 2014, the most recent practicable trading day prior to the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the merger consideration represented approximately $[] in value for each share of TWC common stock. The market price of shares of Comcast Class A common stock has fluctuated since the date of the announcement of the merger agreement and will continue to fluctuate from the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to the date of the TWC special meeting and the date the merger is completed and thereafter. The market price of shares of Comcast Class A common stock when received by TWC stockholders upon completion of the merger could be greater than, less than or the same as the market price of shares of Comcast Class A common stock on the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus or at the time of the TWC special meeting.

For information with respect to the divestiture transactions, see “The Divestiture Transactions” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

No Dissenters’ or Appraisal Rights (See Page [])

Neither TWC stockholders nor Comcast shareholders have dissenters’ or appraisal rights with respect to the merger.

Treatment of TWC Equity Awards (See Page [])

At completion of the merger, each option to purchase shares of TWC common stock (whether or not exercisable or vested) and each restricted stock unit that is settleable in shares of TWC common stock (whether or not vested) that is outstanding immediately prior to completion of the merger and held by a then-current employee of TWC will be converted into an option or restricted stock unit, as applicable, with respect to Comcast Class A common stock, after giving effect to the exchange ratio. In the case of options, the aggregate option exercise price of each TWC option will be divided by the exchange ratio to determine the exercise price of each new award. Such converted options and restricted stock units will otherwise be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to completion of the merger.

However, in the case of (i) any restricted stock units (which will include deferred stock units held by non-employee directors) held by current or former non-employee directors of TWC or former employees of TWC (in each case, whether or not vested); and (ii) any options (whether or not exercisable or vested) held by former employees of TWC, such options or restricted stock units will be cancelled, and TWC will pay the holder cash, less applicable withholding taxes, at or promptly following the merger. All options held by a former employee of TWC that have a per share exercise price (as adjusted to give effect to the exchange ratio) equal to or exceeding the Comcast closing price will be immediately cancelled without any right to consideration.

For options, the cash amount will be computed by first determining the number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock to which such former employee would be entitled if his or her options were converted into options as described in the paragraph above, and multiplying such number by the excess of (i) the Comcast closing price over (ii) the adjusted exercise price per share of such option (also determined in accordance with the above paragraph).

For restricted stock units, the cash amount will be determined by multiplying (x) the number of shares of TWC common stock subject to such unit immediately prior to completion of the merger by (y) 2.875, with any

 

 

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fractional shares rounded down to the next lower whole number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock, and then multiplying the product of (x) and (y) by the Comcast closing price.

Recommendations of the TWC Board of Directors (See Page [])

After consideration and consultation with its advisors, the TWC board of directors unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of TWC’s stockholders and unanimously approved and declared advisable the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The TWC board of directors unanimously recommends that TWC stockholders vote “FOR” the adoption of the merger agreement. For the factors considered by the TWC board of directors in reaching this decision, see “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—TWC’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Merger by the TWC Board of Directors” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

In addition, the TWC board of directors unanimously recommends that TWC stockholders vote “FOR” the “golden parachute” compensation proposal. See “TWC Proposal II: Advisory Vote On Golden Parachute Compensation” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Recommendations of the Comcast Board of Directors (See Page [])

After consideration and consultation with its advisors, the members of the Comcast board of directors present at the Comcast board meeting unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger, the stock issuance and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of Comcast and unanimously approved and declared advisable the merger agreement, the merger, the stock issuance and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The Comcast board of directors unanimously recommends that Comcast shareholders vote “FOR” the stock issuance. For the factors considered by the Comcast board of directors in reaching this decision, see “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—Comcast’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Comcast Board of Directors” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

The Comcast board of directors unanimously recommends that Comcast shareholders vote “FOR” the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting. See “Comcast Proposal II: Adjournment of the Comcast Special Meeting” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

The Divestiture Transactions (See Page [])

On April 25, 2014, Comcast entered into the transactions agreement with Charter. The transactions agreement contemplates three transactions: (1) a contribution, spin-off and merger transaction, (2) an asset exchange and (3) a sale of assets, all of which are subject to a number of conditions. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions, the divestiture transactions are expected to occur substantially contemporaneously with each other and will be consummated as promptly as practicable following the completion of the merger. The completion of the divestiture transactions will result in the combined company divesting a net total of 3.9 million subscribers. The transactions agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Comcast and Charter, and the TWC board of directors consented to the entry by Comcast into the transactions agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the TWC consent, which include certain understandings of Comcast and TWC with respect to the receipt of required regulatory approvals under the merger agreement. See “The Divestiture Transactions” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

 

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Neither Comcast shareholders nor TWC stockholders are entitled to vote on the divestiture transactions, and no vote with respect thereto is being solicited by Comcast or TWC. Accordingly, no action is required on the part of Comcast shareholders or TWC stockholders in connection with the divestiture transactions.

The merger is not conditioned upon completion of the divestiture transactions. The merger and the divestiture transactions are subject to separate conditions, and the merger may be completed whether or not the divestiture transactions are ultimately consummated. If the divestiture transactions are not completed, then following completion of the merger, Comcast is prepared to divest up to approximately three million subscribers of the combined company in an alternate disposition transaction. Neither Comcast shareholders nor TWC stockholders would be entitled to vote on any alternate disposition transaction, and no vote with respect thereto is being solicited by Comcast or TWC.

Opinions of TWC’s Financial Advisors (See Page [])

Opinion of Allen & Company LLC

TWC has engaged Allen & Company LLC, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Allen & Company, as a financial advisor in connection with the proposed merger. In connection with this engagement, TWC requested that Allen & Company evaluate and render an opinion to the TWC board of directors regarding the fairness, from a financial point of view, to holders of TWC common stock of the exchange ratio provided for in the merger. On February 12, 2014, at a meeting of the TWC board of directors held to evaluate the merger, Allen & Company rendered to the TWC board of directors an oral opinion, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated February 12, 2014, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to the matters described in its opinion, the exchange ratio provided for in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of TWC common stock.

The full text of Allen & Company’s written opinion, dated February 12, 2014, which describes the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Annex C. Allen & Company’s opinion was intended for the benefit and use of the TWC board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with its evaluation of the exchange ratio provided for in the merger from a financial point of view and did not address any other term, aspect or implication of the merger. Allen & Company’s opinion did not constitute a recommendation as to the course of action that the TWC board of directors or TWC should pursue in connection with the merger, or otherwise address the merits of the underlying decision by TWC to engage in the merger, including in comparison to other strategies or transactions that might be available to TWC or in which TWC might engage. Allen & Company’s opinion does not constitute advice or a recommendation to any stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote or act on any matter relating to the merger or otherwise.

Opinion of Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

TWC also has retained Citigroup Global Markets Inc., which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Citi, as a financial advisor in connection with the proposed merger. In connection with this engagement, TWC requested that Citi evaluate the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the exchange ratio provided for in the merger to holders of TWC common stock. On February 12, 2014, at a meeting of the TWC board of directors held to evaluate the merger, Citi delivered to the TWC board of directors an oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated February 12, 2014, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to various assumptions, matters considered and limitations and qualifications described in its opinion, the exchange ratio provided for in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of TWC common stock.

The full text of Citi’s written opinion, dated February 12, 2014, which describes the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as Annex D to this

 

 

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joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The description of Citi’s opinion set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Citi’s opinion. Citi’s opinion was provided for the information of the TWC board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with its evaluation of the exchange ratio provided for in the merger from a financial point of view and did not address any other terms, aspects or implications of the merger. Citi was not requested to consider, and its opinion did not address, the underlying business decision of TWC to effect the merger, the relative merits of the merger as compared to any alternative business strategies or opportunities that might exist for TWC or the effect of any other transaction in which TWC might engage. Citi’s opinion is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation as to how any stockholder should vote or act on any matters relating to the proposed merger or otherwise.

Opinion of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

TWC also has retained Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Morgan Stanley, as a financial advisor in connection with the proposed merger. As part of that engagement, TWC requested that Morgan Stanley evaluate the fairness, from a financial point of view, to holders of TWC common stock of the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement. On February 12, 2014, at a meeting of the TWC board of directors held to evaluate the merger, Morgan Stanley rendered its oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated February 12, 2014, to the TWC board of directors to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Morgan Stanley as set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of TWC common stock.

The full text of Morgan Stanley’s written opinion, dated February 12, 2014, which sets forth, among other things, the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Morgan Stanley in connection with its opinion, is attached as Annex E to, and is incorporated by reference into, this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion. Morgan Stanley’s opinion was directed to the TWC board of directors and addressed only the fairness from a financial point of view to holders of TWC common stock of the exchange ratio provided for pursuant to the merger agreement as of the date of the opinion and did not address any other term or aspect of the merger agreement or merger. Morgan Stanley’s opinion did not address TWC’s underlying business decision to proceed with or effect the merger, or the relative merits of the merger as compared to any other alternative business transaction, or other alternatives, or whether or not such alternatives could be achieved or were available. Morgan Stanley expressed no opinion or recommendation as to how the stockholders of TWC or Comcast should vote at the stockholders’ meetings to be held in connection with the merger or otherwise.

Opinion of Financial Advisor to the TWC Independent Directors (See Page [])

Opinion of Centerview Partners LLC

Centerview Partners LLC, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Centerview, was retained as financial advisor to the independent members of the TWC board of directors, who are referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the TWC independent directors, in connection with the proposed merger. In connection with this engagement, Centerview was requested to evaluate the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the exchange ratio provided for pursuant to the merger agreement to holders of TWC common stock. On February 12, 2014, at a meeting of the TWC board of directors held to evaluate the merger, Centerview delivered to the TWC board of directors an oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated February 12, 2014, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to various assumptions, matters considered and limitations and qualifications described in its opinion, the exchange ratio provided for pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of TWC common stock (other than shares held by

 

 

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TWC as treasury stock or owned by Comcast prior to the effective time of the merger, which are referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as excluded shares).

The full text of Centerview’s written opinion, dated February 12, 2014, which describes the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as Annex F and is incorporated herein by reference. The description of Centerview’s opinion set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Centerview’s opinion. Centerview’s opinion was provided for the information and assistance of the TWC board of directors (in their capacity as directors and not in any other capacity) in connection with and for purposes of its evaluation of the exchange ratio provided for pursuant to the merger agreement from a financial point of view and did not address any other term or aspect of the merger agreement or the merger. Centerview expressed no view as to, and its opinion did not address, TWC’s underlying business decision to proceed with or effect the merger, or the relative merits of the merger as compared to any alternative business strategies or transactions that might be available to TWC or in which TWC might engage. Centerview’s opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of TWC or any other person as to how such stockholder or other person should vote with respect to the merger or otherwise act with respect to the merger or any other matter.

Opinion of Comcast’s Financial Advisor (See Page [])

Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

On February 12, 2014, at the meeting of the Comcast board of directors at which the proposed merger was approved, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as J.P. Morgan, Comcast’s financial advisor in connection with the proposed merger, rendered to the Comcast board of directors an oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated February 12, 2014, to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the factors, assumptions, qualifications and any limitations set forth in its written opinion, the exchange ratio in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to Comcast.

The full text of J.P. Morgan’s written opinion, dated February 12, 2014, is attached as Annex G to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The full text of the opinion contains a discussion of, among other things, the assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and any limitations on the opinion and the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in connection with rendering its opinion. Comcast shareholders are urged to read the opinion carefully and in its entirety. J.P. Morgan’s written opinion was addressed to the Comcast board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the proposed merger, was directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to Comcast of the exchange ratio in the proposed merger and did not address any other aspect of the merger. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the fairness of the exchange ratio to the holders of any class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of Comcast or as to the underlying decision by Comcast to engage in the proposed merger. The opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Comcast as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the proposed merger or any other matter.

For further information, see “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—Opinion of Comcast’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Ownership of Shares of Comcast Class A Common Stock After the Merger (See Page [])

Based on the number of shares of TWC common stock and TWC options and restricted stock units outstanding as of [], 2014, Comcast expects to issue approximately [] shares of Comcast Class A common stock to TWC stockholders pursuant to the merger and reserve for issuance approximately [] additional shares of Comcast Class A common stock in connection with the conversion, exercise or settlement of outstanding

 

 

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TWC options and restricted stock units and future equity compensation awards. The actual number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be issued and reserved for issuance pursuant to the merger will be determined at completion of the merger based on the exchange ratio and the number of shares of TWC common stock and TWC options and restricted stock units outstanding at that time. Based on the number of shares of TWC common stock outstanding as of [], 2014, and the number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock outstanding as of [], 2014, it is expected that, immediately after completion of the merger, former TWC stockholders will own approximately []% of the outstanding shares of Comcast common stock (including Comcast Class A common stock, Comcast Class A Special common stock and Comcast Class B common stock), representing []% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock and []% of the combined voting power of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock.

Interests of Directors and Executive Officers of TWC in the Merger (See Page [])

When considering the recommendation of the TWC board of directors that TWC stockholders vote in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement and the recommendation of the Comcast board of directors that the Comcast shareholders approve the stock issuance, TWC stockholders and Comcast shareholders should be aware that directors and executive officers of TWC have certain interests in the merger that may be different from or in addition to the interests of TWC stockholders and Comcast shareholders generally. The TWC board of directors and the Comcast board of directors were aware of these interests and considered them, among other things, in evaluating and negotiating the merger agreement and the merger and in recommending that TWC stockholders adopt the merger agreement and Comcast shareholders approve the stock issuance.

These interests include the following:

 

    Upon the completion of the merger, all TWC restricted stock unit and stock option awards covering the issuance of shares of TWC common stock, including the retention grant (described below), held by active employees will convert into Comcast restricted stock unit and option awards covering the issuance of shares of Comcast Class A common stock in accordance with the methodology set forth in the merger agreement that is designed to preserve the value of such awards and that will use the same exchange ratio that applies to all TWC stockholders in the merger.

 

    If a TWC executive officer is involuntarily terminated or resigns for “good reason” following the completion of the merger, all restricted stock units and unvested options held by the officer at that time, including the retention grant described below, will become 100% vested.

 

    All employees of TWC who were eligible to receive equity awards as part of the regularly-scheduled 2014 annual grant (over 1,800 employees), including the executive officers, received a retention grant as a replacement for the annual equity awards such employees would have received in 2015 and 2016. This grant is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the retention grant. The value and vesting of the retention grant were designed to mirror what they would have been in respect of the regularly-scheduled 2015 and 2016 annual grants, but without any performance vesting conditions. The value of each employee’s aggregate retention grant equals twice the value of the employee’s regularly-scheduled 2014 equity awards. The employment period required for full or partial vesting is the same as it would have been if the regularly-scheduled 2015 and 2016 grants had been made instead (subject to potential acceleration of vesting upon certain terminations of employment after completion of the merger). Pursuant to the merger agreement, before the completion of the merger, TWC may not make equity grants other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and subject to the limitation that, in all cases, the aggregate value of (i) the regularly scheduled annual equity awards made in February 2014, (ii) the retention grants and (iii) other permitted equity awards made prior to the closing of the merger (less certain awards forfeited prior to such time) cannot exceed $550 million at the time of grant. TWC does not intend to make annual equity grants in 2015 and 2016, regardless of whether the merger is completed or the merger agreement is terminated.

 

 

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    TWC’s executive officers are parties to employment agreements that provide for cash severance payments and benefits in the event of certain terminations of employment. For certain of these officers, the severance is enhanced if such termination occurs in connection with a change in control, such as the merger. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, following the completion of the merger, Comcast is required to honor the severance arrangements of TWC’s executive officers in accordance with their terms.

 

    TWC has awarded a supplemental bonus opportunity to all employees, including its executive officers, who participate in TWC’s regular 2014 annual cash incentive plan (over 15,000 employees). The supplemental bonus opportunity consists of a 50% increase to the target opportunity under the existing 2014 annual cash incentive plan. While the 2014 annual cash incentive plan bonuses will be paid subject to performance and when such bonuses would normally be paid, the supplemental opportunity will generally be paid out (if at all) upon the completion of the merger or any termination of the merger agreement. The supplemental bonus opportunity is generally not payable if the 2014 performance conditions are not met. Under the merger agreement, TWC is permitted to pay out these supplemental bonuses in an amount up to $100 million in the aggregate.

 

    Under the terms of the merger agreement, Comcast is required, for the period beginning on the completion of the merger and ending on the first anniversary of the completion of the merger, to provide all non-union TWC employees, including the executive officers, with base pay, commission opportunities and cash bonus opportunities, as applicable, that are no less favorable in the aggregate than those provided to such employees immediately prior to the completion of the merger. The retention equity grant and supplement to the 2014 annual bonus are not taken into account in determining whether such compensation is not less favorable than it was before the completion of the merger.

 

    Upon the completion of the merger, all equity awards held by TWC’s non-employee directors will be cancelled, and TWC will pay such directors a cash amount calculated using the same exchange ratio that applies to all TWC stockholders in the merger.

 

    TWC’s executive officers and directors hold shares of TWC common stock, which will be treated like all other shares of TWC common stock in the merger. See “Certain Beneficial Owners of TWC Common Stock—Security Ownership by the TWC Board of Directors and Executive Officers” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for further details.

 

    Certain former directors and officers of TWC will have rights to indemnification from Comcast. See “The Merger Agreement—Indemnification and Insurance” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for further details.

These interests are described in further detail under “Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger—Interests of Directors and Executive Officers of TWC in the Merger” and “The Merger Agreement—Indemnification and Insurance” beginning on pages [] and [], respectively, of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Listing of Shares of Comcast Class A Common Stock and Delisting and Deregistration of TWC Common Stock (See Page [])

Comcast will apply for listing on NASDAQ, where shares of Comcast Class A common stock are currently traded, of the shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be issued in the merger. If the merger is completed, the shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be issued in the merger will be listed on NASDAQ, and TWC shares will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and will be deregistered under the Exchange Act.

 

 

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Completion of the Merger Is Subject to Certain Conditions (See Page [])

As more fully described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and in the merger agreement, the obligation of each of Comcast and Merger Sub, on the one hand, and TWC, on the other hand, to complete the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions, including the following:

 

    adoption of the merger agreement by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of TWC common stock entitled to vote;

 

    approval of the stock issuance by the affirmative vote of (x) a majority of votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by Comcast Class A shareholders and Comcast Class B shareholders, voting together as a single class, and (y) (i) a majority of the votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by Comcast Class B shareholders, or (ii) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock, acting by written consent, which written consent has previously been obtained;

 

    expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period (or extension thereof) under the HSR Act (solely with respect to the obligations of each of Comcast and Merger Sub to complete the merger, without the imposition of any burdensome condition (see “The Merger Agreement—Reasonable Best Efforts Covenant” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for a definition of burdensome condition));

 

    (i) adoption of an order, and release of the full text thereof, by the FCC granting its consent to the transfer of control or assignment of the licenses issued by the FCC to TWC or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and (ii) approval of certain LFAs, such that the sum of the aggregate number of video subscribers of TWC belonging to franchise areas for which either (x) no LFA consent is required or (y) if LFA consent is required, such consent shall have been obtained, shall be no less than 85% of the aggregate number of video subscribers of TWC (solely with respect to the obligations of each of Comcast and Merger Sub to complete the merger, in each case without the imposition of any burdensome condition) (these requirements are described in more detail under “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance— Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger,” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus);

 

    absence of (x) any applicable law, order or injunction of a governmental authority of competent jurisdiction in a jurisdiction in which any of TWC, Comcast or their respective subsidiaries has substantial operations and (y) any order or injunction (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) of a governmental authority of competent jurisdiction that, in each case, (1) prohibits completion of the merger or (2) solely with respect to the obligations of each of Comcast and Merger Sub to complete the merger, imposes any burdensome condition;

 

    effectiveness of the registration statement for the shares of Comcast Class A common stock being issued in the merger (of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part) and the absence of any stop order suspending that effectiveness or any proceedings for that purpose pending before the SEC;

 

    approval for the listing on NASDAQ of the shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be issued in the merger, subject only to official notice of issuance;

 

    accuracy of the representations and warranties made in the merger agreement by the other party, subject to certain materiality thresholds;

 

    performance in all material respects by the other party of the material obligations required to be performed by it at or prior to completion of the merger;

 

    the absence of a material adverse effect on the other party (see “The Merger Agreement—Definition of ‘Material Adverse Effect’” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for the definition of material adverse effect);

 

 

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    receipt of a certificate executed by an executive officer of the other party as to the satisfaction of the conditions described in the preceding three bullets with respect to such other party; and

 

    delivery of opinions of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, in the case of Comcast, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, in the case of TWC, that the merger will qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Comcast and TWC cannot be certain when, or if, the conditions to the merger will be satisfied or waived, or that the merger will be completed.

The merger is not conditioned upon completion of the divestiture transactions. The merger and the divestiture transactions are subject to separate conditions, and the merger may be completed whether or not the divestiture transactions are ultimately consummated. See “The Divestiture Transactions” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

The Merger May Not Be Completed Without All Required Regulatory Approvals (See Page [])

Completion of the merger is conditioned upon the receipt of certain governmental clearances or approvals, including, but not limited to, the expiration or termination of the waiting period relating to the merger under the HSR Act, approval of the FCC and certain other governmental consents and approvals from state regulators and franchise authorities.

Under the HSR Act, certain transactions, including the merger, may not be completed unless certain waiting period requirements have expired or been terminated. The HSR Act provides that each party must file a pre-merger notification with the Federal Trade Commission, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the FTC, and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the DOJ. A transaction notifiable under the HSR Act may not be completed until the expiration of a 30-calendar-day waiting period following the parties’ filings of their respective HSR Act notification forms or the termination of that waiting period. If the DOJ issues a Request for Additional Information and Documentary Material prior to the expiration of the initial waiting period, the parties must observe a second 30-calendar-day waiting period, which would begin to run only after both parties have substantially complied with the request for additional information, unless the waiting period is terminated earlier.

Both Comcast and TWC are subject to regulation by the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the Communications Act. Each company holds a number of licenses and authorizations issued by the FCC for the operation of its business. The FCC must approve the transfer of control or assignment of TWC’s licenses and authorizations to Comcast as a result of the merger. The merger is also subject to the approval of LFAs with respect to the transfer of control of franchises as a result of the merger. In addition, Comcast and TWC are required to obtain approval of certain state public utility commissions with respect to the transfer of control of certificates of public convenience and necessity for telecommunications services as a result of the merger.

Comcast and TWC have agreed to use their respective reasonable best efforts to obtain all regulatory approvals required to complete the merger. In furtherance of the foregoing, Comcast and TWC agreed in the merger agreement to make and not withdraw (i) as promptly as practicable (and not later than 30 business days following the date of the merger agreement), an appropriate filing of a Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act and all necessary filings to obtain consents from the FCC that are required in connection with the merger, and (ii) as promptly as practicable (and not later than 60 business days following the date of the merger agreement), all necessary filings to obtain consents from state regulators and franchise authorities (including submitting FCC Forms 394 to relevant franchise authorities), and all other registrations, declarations, notices and filings with governmental authorities that are required in connection with the merger.

 

 

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As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the parties have made all requisite filings for regulatory approval of the merger. Specifically, beginning in early April 2014, Comcast and TWC made a number of filings with the FCC and the DOJ to initiate the merger review process, including a detailed public interest statement that was filed with the FCC on April 8, 2014. Since making those filings, Comcast and TWC representatives have met with FCC and DOJ officials to provide additional details regarding the merger and to answer questions posed by agency staff members.

Concurrent with the federal merger approval process, Comcast and TWC have filed applications in all 12 states where approval for the merger is required, seven of which have granted the applications as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, the parties have sought approval from more than 400 local franchising authorities to enable the transfer of TWC’s cable franchises to Comcast. Separately, three congressional hearings have been held on the merger. Although no further hearings are scheduled at this time, it is possible that the parties will be asked to participate in additional legislative proceedings before the merger is approved. For example, the New York State Public Service Commission recently concluded a series of three public hearings that gathered input for its review of the merger.

The process for obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals for the merger is ongoing. The FCC has initiated a public comment period that commenced on July 10, 2014 during which other service providers, members of the public, and other interested parties may file comments in support of, or opposing, the merger. Comcast and TWC will have an opportunity to respond to any public comments filed at the FCC. The commencement of the public comment period also marked the start of the FCC’s informal 180-day clock for reviewing mergers. The public comment period is expected to conclude by October 8, 2014, after which Comcast and TWC will continue to engage with the FCC as it reviews public comments and proceeds with its review of the merger. The DOJ’s merger review process does not include a similar public comment process. Rather, the parties expect to remain in regular contact with DOJ officials to assist their review of the parties’ submissions to the agency and answer questions and provide clarification regarding the merger. Each of Comcast and TWC has received a Request for Additional Information and Documentary Material from the DOJ, which extends the waiting period under the HSR Act until 30 days after both parties have substantially complied with the request for additional information, unless the waiting period is terminated earlier. At the state and local level, the parties will actively participate in each state’s/municipality’s individual review processes as appropriate, including by remaining engaged with and available to the regulatory officials overseeing the merger review process.

The regulatory filings described above relate to approvals for the merger only. The parties also made certain supplemental filings with respect to the divestiture transactions in June 2014. The parties believe that the divestiture transactions will facilitate regulatory approval of the merger, and have generally requested that regulators and franchise authorities review the merger and the divestiture transactions on the same timeline.

Comcast’s obligation to use reasonable best efforts to obtain all regulatory approvals required to complete the merger does not require Comcast to (and, without Comcast’s prior written consent, TWC is not permitted to):

 

    divest or hold separate any businesses, assets or properties of Comcast or TWC or any of their respective subsidiaries;

 

    accept any conditions or take any actions that would apply to or affect any businesses, assets or properties of Comcast or TWC or any of their respective subsidiaries; or

 

    litigate or participate in the litigation of any proceeding involving the FCC, the FTC or the DOJ.

Notwithstanding the first two bullets above, (i) Comcast is prepared to divest up to approximately three million subscribers of the combined company and (ii) Comcast and its subsidiaries are required under the merger agreement to (A) take the actions and accept the conditions described in the second bullet above to the extent such actions and conditions are consistent in scope and magnitude with the actions and conditions (other than any condition that was subsequently suspended by the agency that imposed the condition) required or imposed by

 

 

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governmental authorities in connection with prior acquisitions of United States domestic cable systems consummated within the past twelve years with an aggregate purchase price of at least $500 million and (B) implement certain undertakings agreed to by TWC and Comcast described in “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger—Efforts to Obtain Regulatory Approvals” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, with such modifications to the undertakings that, taken in the aggregate, are no more adverse to the businesses, assets and properties of Comcast and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the businesses, assets and properties of TWC and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. Comcast and TWC estimate that there have been approximately 25 acquisitions of United States domestic cable systems consummated within the past twelve years, each with an aggregate purchase price of at least $500 million. Further, notwithstanding the third bullet above, Comcast has agreed to participate in the litigation of proceedings involving the FCC or the DOJ to the extent Comcast determines in its reasonable good faith judgment that there is a reasonable prospect of success in relation to such litigation and that the participation by Comcast in such litigation would not pose a material risk of the imposition of a burdensome condition. These requirements are described in more detail under “The Merger Agreement—Reasonable Best Efforts Covenant” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Subject to certain exceptions set forth on the confidential disclosure schedules, Comcast and TWC have agreed not to, and to cause their respective subsidiaries and affiliates not to, (i) take any action that would reasonably be expected to have the effect of materially delaying, impairing or impeding the receipt of any regulatory approvals required in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or the completion of the merger, or (ii) acquire (by merger, consolidation, acquisition of stock or assets or otherwise), directly or indirectly, any assets, securities (other than securities issued by such party as permitted by the terms of the merger agreement), properties, interests or business in any transaction or series of related transactions if such acquisition would (A) require approval of the FCC or (B) (without the consent of the other party, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed in the case of TWC’s consent) have a value, or involve the payment of consideration, in excess of $1 billion.

On April 25, 2014, Comcast entered into the transactions agreement with Charter, which contemplates three transactions: (1) a contribution, spin-off and merger transaction, (2) an asset exchange and (3) a sale of assets, all of which are subject to a number of conditions. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions, the divestiture transactions are expected to occur substantially contemporaneously with each other and will be consummated as promptly as practicable following the completion of the merger. Due to the timing associated with the debt-for-debt exchange (as described in “The Divestiture Transactions” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus), however, the earliest the divestiture transactions could be completed is four weeks following completion of the merger, and could take significantly longer or may not occur at all. The completion of the divestiture transactions will result in the combined company divesting a net total of approximately 3.9 million subscribers. See “The Divestiture Transactions” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

We Expect to Complete the Merger in Early 2015 (See Page [])

The merger will occur no later than two business days after the conditions to its completion have been satisfied or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, waived, unless otherwise mutually agreed by the parties. As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, we expect to complete the merger in early 2015 due to our current expectations regarding the timing of certain regulatory approvals. However, there can be no assurance as to when, or if, the merger will occur.

Subject to certain conditions described below, if the merger is not completed on or before February 12, 2015, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the initial end date, or, at the election of either Comcast or TWC if certain conditions related to the receipt of regulatory approvals have not been satisfied, by August 12, 2015, either Comcast or TWC may terminate the merger agreement.

 

 

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No Solicitation by TWC (See Page [])

As more fully described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and in the merger agreement, and subject to the exceptions described below, TWC has agreed that neither TWC nor any of its subsidiaries will, nor will TWC or any of its subsidiaries authorize or permit any of its or their officers, directors, employees or representatives to (i) solicit, initiate or take any action to knowingly facilitate or encourage the submission of an acquisition proposal (as defined under “The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation by TWC,” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus), (ii) enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding any such proposal, (iii) furnish any non-public information relating to TWC or its subsidiaries to any third party that is seeking to make, or has made, an acquisition proposal, (iv) except as described below, fail to make, withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Comcast the recommendation of the TWC board of directors in favor of adoption of the merger agreement or recommend an acquisition proposal (any action described in this clause (iv) is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as an adverse recommendation change), (v) fail to enforce or grant any waiver or release under any standstill or similar agreement, (vi) approve any transaction under, or any person becoming an “interested stockholder” under, the Delaware anti-takeover statute, or (vii) enter into an agreement or other instrument relating to an acquisition proposal. However, so long as TWC and its representatives have otherwise complied with the foregoing requirements, TWC and its representatives may, at any time prior to adoption of the merger agreement by TWC stockholders, participate in discussions with any third party who has made an unsolicited acquisition proposal after the date of the merger agreement solely to request the clarification of the terms and conditions of the proposal so as to determine whether such proposal is, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, a superior proposal (as defined under “The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation by TWC,” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to the adoption of the merger agreement by TWC stockholders, subject to the terms and conditions described in the merger agreement, TWC is permitted to:

 

    (i) engage in negotiations or discussions with any third party that has made, after the date of the merger agreement, a superior proposal or an acquisition proposal that the TWC board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal advisors, could reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal by the third party making such acquisition proposal, (ii) furnish to such third party and its representatives non-public information relating to TWC or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a customary confidentiality agreement with such third party with terms no less favorable to TWC than those contained in the confidentiality agreement between TWC and Comcast (but such confidentiality agreement need not contain a “standstill” or similar provision that prohibits such third party from making any acquisition proposal, acquiring TWC or taking any other action); provided that all such information (to the extent not previously provided or made available to Comcast) is provided or made available to Comcast prior to or as promptly as practicable (but no later than 24 hours) after the time it is provided or made available to such third party) and (iii) take any action required by applicable law or that any court of competent jurisdiction orders TWC to take; and

 

    the TWC board of directors may make an adverse recommendation change (i) following receipt of a superior proposal or (ii) involving or relating to an intervening event (as defined under “The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation by TWC,” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus).

TWC is only permitted to take the actions described above if the TWC board of directors determines in good faith, after considering advice from outside legal counsel, that the failure to take that action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law. In addition, before taking any of the actions described above, TWC has to notify Comcast that it intends to take that action and continue to advise Comcast on a current basis of the status and terms of any discussions and negotiations with any third party in connection with an acquisition proposal. Further, the TWC board of directors is not permitted to make an adverse recommendation change in response to an acquisition proposal unless, (i) such acquisition proposal constitutes a superior proposal,

 

 

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(ii) TWC promptly notifies Comcast, in writing at least five business days before taking that action, of its intention to do so, and attaches the most current version of the proposed agreement under which such superior proposal is proposed to be consummated and the identity of the third party making the superior proposal, and (iii) Comcast does not make, within such five business day period, an offer that is at least as favorable to the stockholders of TWC as such superior proposal.

In addition, the TWC board of directors is not permitted to make an adverse recommendation change in response to an intervening event unless (i) TWC has provided Comcast with written information describing the intervening event in reasonable detail promptly after becoming aware of it and keeps Comcast fully informed, on a reasonably current basis, of material developments with respect to such intervening event, (ii) TWC has provided Comcast at least five business days prior notice of its intention to make an adverse recommendation change with respect to such intervening event, attaching a reasonably detailed explanation of the facts underlying the determination by the TWC board of directors that an intervening event has occurred and its need to make an adverse recommendation change in light of the intervening event and (iii) Comcast does not make, within such five-business-day period, an offer that the TWC board of directors determines would obviate the need for an adverse recommendation change in light of the intervening event.

During any five-business-day period prior to effecting an adverse recommendation change in response to an acquisition proposal or an intervening event, TWC and its representatives must negotiate in good faith with Comcast and its representatives regarding any revisions to the terms of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement proposed by Comcast.

On July 22, 2014, Comcast informed TWC that, in connection with the settlement of certain stockholder litigation challenging the merger, Comcast has agreed, among other things, to reduce the five-business-day time periods described in the three preceding paragraphs to three business days. The litigation and settlement are described in more detail under “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—Litigation Relating to the Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

If the TWC board of directors withdraws, modifies or qualifies its recommendation in favor of adoption of the merger agreement, the merger agreement must nonetheless be submitted to TWC’s stockholders for adoption, unless the merger agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms. See “The Merger Agreement— Obligation of the TWC Board of Directors to Recommend the Merger Agreement and Call and Hold a Stockholders’ Meeting” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Termination of the Merger Agreement (See Page [])

As more fully described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and in the merger agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions described in the merger agreement, the merger agreement may be terminated at any time before completion of the merger in any of the following ways:

 

    by mutual written consent of Comcast and TWC;

 

    by either Comcast or TWC, if:

 

    the merger has not been completed on or before the initial end date, unless all conditions to completion have been satisfied on the initial end date other than certain conditions relating to regulatory approvals and either Comcast or TWC elects to extend the initial end date to August 12, 2015, which together with the initial end date is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the end date, in which case the merger agreement may be terminated by either Comcast or TWC if the merger has not been completed on or before August 12, 2015; however, the right to terminate the merger agreement at the end date will not be available to any party whose breach of any provision of the merger agreement results in the failure of the merger to be completed by such time;

 

 

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    there is in effect any applicable law, order or injunction that makes completion of the merger illegal or otherwise prohibited, or permanently enjoins TWC or Comcast from consummating the merger and, in either such case, such applicable law, order or injunction has become final and non-appealable; however, the right to terminate the merger agreement under this paragraph will not be available to any party whose breach of any provision of the merger agreement results in such applicable law, order or injunction being in effect;

 

    TWC stockholders fail to adopt the merger agreement upon a vote taken on a proposal to adopt the merger agreement at a TWC stockholders’ meeting called for that purpose;

 

    Comcast shareholders fail to approve the stock issuance upon a vote taken on a proposal to approve the stock issuance at a Comcast shareholders’ meeting called for that purpose; or

 

    there has been a breach by the other party of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement that would result in the failure of the other party to satisfy the applicable condition to the closing related to accuracy of representations and warranties or performance of covenants, and such breach has not been cured within 30 days of notice thereof or is incapable of being cured, but only so long as the party seeking to terminate pursuant to this paragraph is not then in breach of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the merger agreement, which breach would cause the applicable condition to the closing not to be satisfied; or

 

    by Comcast, if:

 

    the TWC board of directors makes an adverse recommendation change or fails to reaffirm its recommendation to TWC stockholders in favor of adopting the merger agreement as promptly as practicable (but within 10 business days) after receipt of a written request to do so from Comcast, following the public announcement of an acquisition proposal, but only prior to the adoption of the merger agreement by TWC’s stockholders (provided that Comcast may only make such request once with respect to any such acquisition proposal or any material amendment thereto);

 

    there is in effect any applicable law, order or injunction, which has become final and non-appealable, of any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction in a jurisdiction in which TWC, Comcast or their respective subsidiaries has substantial operations that imposes any burdensome condition; or

 

    prior to the adoption of the merger agreement by TWC stockholders, there has been an intentional and material breach by TWC of (i) any of its obligations described under “The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation by TWC” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, which breach was authorized or permitted by TWC and results in a third party making an acquisition proposal that is reasonably likely to materially interfere with or delay completion of the merger, or (ii) its obligations to call and hold a meeting of its stockholders for purposes of adopting the merger agreement; or

 

    by TWC, if:

 

    there has been an intentional and material breach of Comcast’s obligations to call and hold a meeting of its shareholders for purposes of approving the stock issuance; or

 

    a material breach of the voting agreement shall have occurred that is not curable or, if capable of being cured, is not cured within 30 days notice thereof.

Specific Performance; Remedies (See Page [])

Under the merger agreement, each of Comcast and TWC is entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the merger agreement or to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of the merger agreement, in addition to any other remedy to which that party may be entitled at law or in equity.

 

 

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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (See Page [])

Comcast and TWC have structured the merger as a “tax-free” reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, TWC stockholders will generally not recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes on the exchange of their shares of TWC common stock for Comcast common stock in the merger, except for any gain or loss recognized in connection with any cash received in lieu of fractional Comcast shares. The companies themselves will not recognize gain or loss as a result of the merger. It is a condition to the obligations of TWC and Comcast to complete the merger that each receive a legal opinion from its respective outside counsel that the merger will be a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that Comcast, Merger Sub and TWC will each be a party to that reorganization.

Accounting Treatment (See Page [])

The merger will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting with Comcast considered the acquirer of TWC. Comcast will record assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed from TWC at their respective fair values at the date of completion of the merger. Any excess of the purchase price (as described under Note 2 of the “Comcast Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements—Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information Giving Effect to the TWC Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus) over the net fair value of such assets and liabilities will be recorded as goodwill.

Rights of TWC Stockholders Will Change as a Result of the Merger (See Page [])

TWC stockholders will have different rights once they become Comcast shareholders due to differences between the organizational documents of Comcast and TWC and differences between Pennsylvania law, where Comcast is incorporated, and Delaware law, where TWC is incorporated. These differences are described in more detail under “Comparison of Stockholder Rights” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Litigation Relating to the Merger (See Page [])

Following the announcement of the merger, eight putative class action complaints challenging the merger have been filed on behalf of purported TWC stockholders in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York (the “New York Supreme Court”) and the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. Five of the actions have been consolidated in the New York Supreme Court, and three of the actions are pending in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. The complaints generally allege, among other things, that the members of the TWC board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to TWC stockholders during merger negotiations and by entering into the merger agreement and approving the merger, and that TWC, Comcast and Merger Sub aided and abetted such breaches of fiduciary duties. The complaints further allege that the joint proxy statement/prospectus filed by Comcast with the SEC on March 20, 2014, which contained the preliminary proxy statement of TWC, was misleading or omitted certain material information.

On July 22, 2014, the parties to the litigation entered into a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) reflecting the terms of an agreement, subject to final approval by the New York Supreme Court and certain other conditions, to settle all of the outstanding litigation challenging the merger. The defendants believe that the claims asserted against them in the lawsuits are without merit and, if the settlement does not receive final approval by the New York Supreme Court or otherwise is not consummated, intend to defend the litigation vigorously. The defendants are entering into the settlement solely to eliminate the burden and expense of further litigation, to put the claims that were or could have been asserted to rest, and to avoid any possible delay to the closing of the merger that might arise from further litigation. The settlement will not affect the timing of the merger or the amount of consideration to be paid in the merger. The litigation and settlement are described in more detail under “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—Litigation Relating to the Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF COMCAST

The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data of Comcast. The selected financial data of Comcast for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are derived from Comcast’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the Comcast 2013 10-K, and which is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The selected financial data of Comcast for each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, have been derived from Comcast’s audited consolidated financial statements for such years, which have not been incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

The selected financial data for Comcast as of June 30, 2014, and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 are derived from Comcast’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2014, which is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited financial data presented have been prepared on a basis consistent with Comcast’s audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of Comcast’s management, such unaudited financial data reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for those periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any future period.

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
    Year ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2013     2012     2011(2)     2010     2009  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Statement of Income Data

              

Revenue

   $ 34,252      $ 31,580      $ 64,657      $ 62,570      $ 55,842      $ 37,937      $ 35,756   

Operating Income

     7,372        6,502        13,563        12,179        10,721        7,980        7,214   

Net income attributable to Comcast(1)

     3,863        3,171        6,816        6,203        4,160        3,635        3,638   

Basic earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Shareholders

   $ 1.49      $ 1.20      $ 2.60      $ 2.32      $ 1.51      $ 1.29      $ 1.27   

Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Comcast Shareholders

   $ 1.47      $ 1.19      $ 2.56      $ 2.28      $ 1.50      $ 1.29      $ 1.26   

Dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.45      $ 0.39      $ 0.78      $ 0.65      $ 0.45      $ 0.378      $ 0.297   

Balance Sheet Data (at period end)

              

Total assets

   $ 157,459      $ 156,819      $ 158,813      $ 164,971      $ 157,818      $ 118,534      $ 112,733   

Total debt, including current portion

     46,549        46,649        47,847        40,458        39,309        31,415        29,096   

Comcast shareholders’ equity

     51,971        49,091        50,694        49,356        47,274        44,354        42,721   

Statement of Cash Flows Data

              

Net cash provided by (used in):

              

Operating activities

   $ 7,547      $ 7,685      $ 14,160      $ 14,854      $ 14,345      $ 11,179      $ 10,281   

Investing activities

     (3,888     (4,960     (9,514     (1,486     (12,508     (5,711     (5,897

Financing activities

     (3,848     (12,287     (13,879     (4,037     (6,201     (155     (4,908

 

 

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(1) For 2013, 2012 and 2011 and the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Comcast 2013 10-K and the Comcast June 30, 2014 10-Q for a discussion of the effects of items impacting net income attributable to Comcast. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, net income attributable to Comcast is stated after deducting net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $319 million, $1.7 billion and $1 billion, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, net income attributable to Comcast is stated after deducting net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $100 million and $218 million, respectively. The reduction in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in 2014 and 2013 was primarily due to the NBCUniversal redemption transaction in March 2013, pursuant to which Comcast acquired the remaining 49% common equity interest in NBCUniversal that it did not already own. See Note 4 to Comcast’s consolidated financial statements included in the Comcast 2013 10-K for additional information on the NBCUniversal redemption transaction.
(2) On January 28, 2011, Comcast completed the NBCUniversal transaction in which Comcast acquired a controlling interest in NBCUniversal. The results of operations of NBCUniversal are included in the financial information above for all periods following January 28, 2011. See Note 4 to Comcast’s consolidated financial statements included in the Comcast 2013 10-K for additional information on the NBCUniversal transaction.

 

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF TWC

The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data of TWC. The selected financial data of TWC for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, are derived from TWC’s audited consolidated financial statements set forth in TWC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 2014, which recast TWC’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the TWC 2013 10-K. Both of the filings are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The selected financial data of TWC for each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, have been derived from TWC’s audited consolidated financial statements for such years, which have not been incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

The selected financial data of TWC as of June 30, 2014, and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 are derived from TWC’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2014, which is incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The selected financial data of TWC as of June 30, 2013 are derived from TWC’s unaudited consolidated financial statements for such period, which have not been incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited financial data presented have been prepared on a basis consistent with TWC’s audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of TWC’s management, such unaudited financial data reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for those periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any future period.

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
    Year ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
     (in millions, except per share data)  

Statement of Income Data

              

Revenue

   $ 11,308      $ 11,025      $ 22,120      $ 21,386      $ 19,675      $ 18,868      $ 17,868   

Operating Income(1)

     2,255        2,247        4,580        4,445        4,069        3,689        3,317   

Net income attributable to TWC shareholders

     978        882        1,954        2,155        1,665        1,308        1,070   

Basic net income per common share attributable to TWC common shareholders

   $ 3.48      $ 3.00      $ 6.76      $ 6.97      $ 5.02      $ 3.67      $ 3.07   

Diluted net income per common share attributable to TWC common shareholders

   $ 3.46      $ 2.98      $ 6.70      $ 6.90      $ 4.97      $ 3.64      $ 3.05   

Cash dividends declared per share

   $ 1.50      $ 1.30      $ 2.60      $ 2.24      $ 1.92      $ 1.60      $ —     

Balance Sheet Data (at period end)

              

Total assets

   $ 48,456      $ 49,228      $ 48,273      $ 49,809      $ 48,276      $ 45,822      $ 43,694   

Total debt, including current portion(2)

     24,580        26,392        25,052        26,689        26,442        23,121        22,331   

Mandatorily redeemable preferred equity

     —          300        —          300        300        300        300   

Statement of Cash Flows Data

              

Net cash provided (used) by:

              

Operating activities

   $ 3,092      $ 2,945      $ 5,753      $ 5,525      $ 5,688      $ 5,218      $ 5,179   

Investing activities

     (2,067     (2,027     (3,476     (3,345     (3,530     (2,872     (3,307

Financing activities

     (1,147     (1,599     (5,056     (4,053     (28     (347     (6,273

 

(1) Operating Income includes merger-related and restructuring costs of $141 million in the six months ended June 30, 2014, $58 million in the six months ended June 30, 2013, $119 million in 2013, $115 million in 2012, $70 million in 2011, $52 million in 2010 and $81 million in 2009. Operating Income in 2011 includes a $60 million impairment charge on wireless assets that will no longer be utilized.
(2) Total debt includes $1.663 billion of debt due within one year as of June 30, 2014 and $1.767 billion, $1.518 billion and $2.122 billion of debt due within one year as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

 

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COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA

The following table sets forth selected historical and unaudited pro forma combined per share information for Comcast and TWC.

Historical Per Share Information of Comcast and TWC

The historical per share information of each of Comcast and TWC below is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of each of Comcast and TWC as of, and for the year ended, December 31, 2013 and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of each of Comcast and TWC as of, and for the six months ended, June 30, 2014.

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined per Comcast Common Share Data

The unaudited pro forma combined per Comcast common share data set forth below gives effect to the merger under the acquisition method of accounting, as if the merger had occurred on January 1, 2013, the first day of Comcast’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, in the case of net income, and at June 30, 2014, in the case of book value per share data, and assuming that each outstanding share of TWC common stock had been converted into Comcast common shares based on the exchange ratio.

The unaudited pro forma combined per Comcast common share data is derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of each of Comcast and TWC as of, and for the six months ended, June 30, 2014 and the audited consolidated financial statements for each of Comcast and TWC for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The acquisition method of accounting is based on Financial Accounting Standards Board, Accounting Standards Codification, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” and uses the fair value concepts defined in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” which Comcast has adopted as required. Acquisition accounting requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Fair value measurements recorded in acquisition accounting are dependent upon detailed valuation studies of TWC’s assets and liabilities and other studies that have yet to commence. Accordingly, the pro forma adjustments reflect the assets and liabilities of TWC at their preliminary estimated fair values. Differences between these preliminary estimates and the final values in acquisition accounting will occur and these differences could have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma combined per share information set forth in the following table.

The unaudited pro forma combined per Comcast common share data does not purport to represent the actual results of operations that Comcast would have achieved had the companies been combined during these periods or to project the future results of operations that Comcast may achieve after the merger.

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined per TWC Equivalent Share Data

The unaudited pro forma combined per TWC equivalent share data set forth below shows the effect of the merger from the perspective of an owner of TWC common stock. The information was calculated by multiplying the unaudited pro forma combined per Comcast common share amounts by the exchange ratio.

Generally

You should read the below information in conjunction with the selected historical consolidated financial information included elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the historical consolidated financial

 

 

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statements of Comcast and TWC and related notes that have been filed with the SEC, certain of which are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Comcast,” “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of TWC” and “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on pages [], [] and [], respectively, of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited pro forma combined per Comcast common share data and the unaudited pro forma combined per TWC equivalent share data is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and related notes included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “Comcast Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

     As of/For the
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2014
     As of/For the
Year Ended
December 31,

2013
 

Comcast Historical per Common Share Data:

     

Net income—basic

   $ 1.49       $ 2.60   

Net income—diluted

     1.47         2.56   

Cash dividends paid

     0.42         0.7475   

Book value(1)

     20.08         19.45   

TWC Historical per Common Share Data:

     

Net income—basic

   $ 3.48       $ 6.76   

Net income—diluted

     3.46         6.70   

Cash dividends paid

     1.50         2.60   

Book value(1)

     26.53         24.98   

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined per Comcast Common Share Data(4):

     

Net income—basic

   $ 1.42       $ 2.48   

Net income—diluted

     1.40         2.45   

Cash dividends paid(2)

     N/A         N/A   

Book value(1)

     28.03         N/A   

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined per TWC Equivalent Share Data(4):

     

Net income—basic(3)

   $ 4.08       $ 7.13   

Net income—diluted(3)

     4.03         7.04   

Cash dividends paid(2)

     N/A         N/A   

Book value(1)(3)

     80.59         N/A   

 

(1) Amount is calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity by common shares or shares of common stock, as applicable, outstanding.
(2) Pro forma combined dividends per share is not presented as the dividend policy for the combined entity will be determined by the Comcast board of directors following completion of the merger.
(3) Amounts calculated by multiplying unaudited pro forma combined per share amounts by the exchange ratio in the merger (2.875 shares of Comcast Class A common stock for each share of TWC common stock).
(4) Amounts calculated based on pro forma financial statements giving effect to the merger excluding the divestiture transactions.

 

 

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COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

Market Prices

The following table sets forth, for the calendar periods indicated, the high and low intra-day sales prices per share of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class A Special common stock and per share of TWC common stock. Comcast Class A common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol CMCSA, and Comcast Class A Special common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol CMCSK. There is no established public trading market for Comcast Class B common stock. The Comcast Class B common stock can be converted, on a share-for-share basis, into Comcast Class A common stock or Comcast Class A Special common stock. TWC’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TWC.

 

     Comcast Class A      Comcast Class A Special      TWC Common Stock  
     High      Low          High              Low          High      Low  

2012:

                 

First Calendar Quarter

   $ 30.41      $ 24.28      $ 30.00      $ 23.97      $ 81.75      $ 63.93   

Second Calendar Quarter

     31.99        28.09        31.48        27.80        83.64        73.52   

Third Calendar Quarter

     36.90        31.04        35.83        30.60        96.57        81.07   

Fourth Calendar Quarter

     38.22        34.94        36.91        34.00        100.50        89.06   

2013:

                 

First Calendar Quarter

   $ 42.01      $ 37.21      $ 40.33      $ 35.84      $ 102.00      $ 84.57   

Second Calendar Quarter

     43.74        38.75        41.88        37.35        113.06        89.81   

Third Calendar Quarter

     46.33        40.26        46.00        38.55        120.93        106.01   

Fourth Calendar Quarter

     52.09        44.09        49.94        42.62        139.85        108.88   

2014:

                 

First Calendar Quarter

   $ 55.28      $ 49.00      $ 53.10      $ 47.87      $ 147.28      $ 130.53   

Second Calendar Quarter

     54.26         47.74         53.88         47.21         148.20         132.58   

Third Calendar Quarter (through [], 2014)

                 

The following table sets forth the closing price per share of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class A Special common stock and of TWC common stock as of February 12, 2014, the last trading day before the public announcement of the merger agreement, and as of [], 2014, the most recent practicable trading day prior to the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The table also shows the implied value of the merger consideration proposed for each share of TWC common stock as of the same two dates. This implied value was calculated by multiplying the closing price of a share of Comcast Class A common stock on the relevant date by the exchange ratio of 2.875.

 

     Comcast
Class A
Common Stock
     Comcast
Class A Special
Common Stock
     TWC Common
Stock
     Implied Per
Share Value of
Merger
Consideration
 

February 12, 2014

   $ 55.24      $ 52.95      $ 135.31      $ 158.82  

[], 2014

   $         $         $         $     

The market prices of shares of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class A Special common stock and TWC common stock have fluctuated since the date of the announcement of the merger agreement and will continue to fluctuate from the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to the date of the TWC special meeting and the date the merger is completed, and the market prices of shares of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class A Special common stock will continue to fluctuate after the date the merger is completed. No assurance can be given concerning the market prices of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class A Special common stock and TWC common stock before completion of the merger or Comcast Class A common

 

 

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stock or Comcast Class A Special common stock after completion of the merger. The exchange ratio is fixed in the merger agreement, but the market price of Comcast Class A common stock (and therefore the value of the merger consideration) when received by TWC stockholders after the merger is completed could be greater than, less than or the same as shown in the table above. Accordingly, TWC stockholders are advised to obtain current market quotations for Comcast Class A common stock and TWC common stock in deciding whether to vote for adoption of the merger agreement.

Dividends

Comcast currently pays a quarterly dividend on Comcast common shares and last paid a quarterly dividend on July 23, 2014, of $0.225 per share. In addition, on July 24, 2014, Comcast declared a quarterly dividend of $0.225 per share, which will be paid on October 22, 2014 to Comcast shareholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2014. Under the terms of the merger agreement, during the period before completion of the merger, Comcast is not permitted to declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution other than its regular cash dividend in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in an amount not to exceed $0.225 per share per quarter in 2014, as such amount may be increased for 2015 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

TWC currently pays a quarterly dividend on TWC common stock, and last paid a quarterly dividend on June 16, 2014, of $0.75 per share. In addition, on July 24, 2014, TWC declared a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share, which will be paid on September 15, 2014 to TWC stockholders of record at the close of business on August 29, 2014. Under the terms of the merger agreement, during the period before completion of the merger, TWC is not permitted to declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution other than its regular cash dividend in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in an amount not to exceed $0.75 per share per quarter in 2014, as such amount may be increased for 2015 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

In addition, the merger agreement provides that Comcast and TWC will coordinate the declaration of dividends in order that holders of shares of Comcast Class A common stock and TWC common stock do not receive two dividends or fail to receive one dividend for any quarter in respect of shares of TWC common stock, on the one hand, and shares of Comcast Class A common stock issuable in respect of such shares of TWC common stock, on the other hand.

Any former TWC stockholder who holds the Comcast Class A common stock into which TWC common stock has been converted in connection with the merger will receive whatever dividends are declared and paid on Comcast Class A common stock after completion of the merger. However, no dividend or other distribution having a record date after completion of the merger will actually be paid with respect to any Comcast Class A common stock into which TWC common stock has been converted in connection with the merger until the certificates formerly representing shares of TWC common stock have been surrendered (or the book-entry shares formerly representing shares of TWC common stock have been transferred), at which time any accrued dividends and other distributions on those shares of Comcast Class A common stock will be paid without interest. Subject to the limitations set forth in the merger agreement, any future dividends by Comcast will be made at the discretion of the Comcast board of directors. Subject to the limitations set forth in the merger agreement, any future dividends by TWC will be made at the discretion of the TWC board of directors. There can be no assurance that any future dividends will be declared or paid by Comcast or TWC or as to the amount or timing of those dividends, if any.

 

 

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COMCAST UNAUDITED

PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements (the “unaudited pro forma financial information”) gives effect to the proposed merger in which TWC will become a 100% owned subsidiary of Comcast (the “TWC merger”). Unaudited pro forma financial information is also provided to give further effect to a series of proposed transactions with Charter in which, following the closing of the TWC merger, Comcast has agreed, subject to various conditions, to divest cable systems resulting in a net disposition of approximately 3.9 million subscribers from the combined company (the “Charter divestiture transactions”). The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheets are presented as if the TWC merger and the Charter divestiture transactions had occurred on June 30, 2014. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 are presented as if the TWC merger and the Charter divestiture transactions had occurred on January 1, 2013, the beginning of the earliest period presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information is based on the historical consolidated financial statements of Comcast, TWC and the acquired Charter cable systems, and the assumptions and adjustments set forth in the accompanying explanatory notes. The Charter divestiture transactions are presented from the historical perspective of Comcast, TWC and Charter and are not intended to be indicative of how these businesses would operate as stand-alone entities.

The unaudited pro forma financial information for the TWC merger has been developed from and should be read in conjunction with the Comcast and TWC unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contained in the Comcast and TWC Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, and the Comcast audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Comcast 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the TWC audited consolidated financial statements contained in the TWC Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 2014, which are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited pro forma financial information for the Charter divestiture transactions is derived from the historical accounting records of Comcast, TWC and Charter. For purposes of developing the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014, TWC’s and Charter’s acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed have been recorded at their estimated fair values with the excess purchase price assigned to goodwill. The fair values assigned in this unaudited pro forma financial information are preliminary and represent Comcast’s current best estimate of fair value and are subject to revision. The unaudited pro forma financial information is provided for illustrative purposes only and is based on available information and assumptions that Comcast believes are reasonable. It does not purport to represent what the actual consolidated results of operations or the consolidated financial position of Comcast would have been had the TWC merger or the Charter divestiture transactions occurred on the dates indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position. The actual financial position and results of operations will differ, perhaps significantly, from the pro forma amounts reflected herein due to a variety of factors, including access to additional information, changes in value not currently identified and changes in operating results following the date of the pro forma financial information.

Comcast intends to review the synergies of the combined business subsequent to the completion of the Charter divestiture transactions, which may result in a plan to realign or reorganize certain of TWC’s and the acquired Charter cable systems’ existing operations. The costs of implementing such a plan, if it were to occur, and any resulting future cost savings have not been reflected in the accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information. For further information on the synergies expected from the Charter divestiture transactions, the selection of cable systems included in the Charter divestiture transactions and a map highlighting the cable systems relating to the Charter divestiture transactions, refer to “The Divestiture Transactions” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

 

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Upon closing of the TWC merger, TWC stockholders will receive 2.875 shares of Comcast Class A common stock in exchange for each share of TWC common stock (the “exchange ratio”). For purposes of this unaudited pro forma financial information, giving effect to the exchange ratio described above, the estimated aggregate consideration to complete the TWC merger would have been $44.5 billion based upon a per share price of $54.50, the closing share price of Comcast Class A common stock on August 19, 2014, and 279.8 million shares of TWC common stock outstanding as of August 19, 2014. The purchase price also includes vested Comcast equity awards with an estimated fair value of $510 million that will be issued in respect of vested equity awards held by employees of TWC and $143 million that will be paid in cash to TWC non-employees who held equity awards, whether vested or not vested. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that the consideration transferred be measured at the date the TWC merger is completed at the then-current market price. This requirement will likely result in a total consideration that is different from the amount presented in this unaudited pro forma financial information. Based on the 279.8 million shares of TWC common stock outstanding as of August 19, 2014 and the exchange ratio, each dollar increase (decrease) in the per share price of the Comcast Class A common stock will result in an $804 million increase (decrease) in the total consideration for the TWC merger, substantially all of which Comcast expects would be recorded as an increase (decrease) in the amount of goodwill recorded in the TWC merger. The number of outstanding shares of TWC common stock will change prior to the closing of the TWC merger due to transactions in the normal course, including the vesting and/or exercise of outstanding TWC equity awards. This change is not expected to have a material effect on this unaudited pro forma financial information.

The Charter divestiture transactions consist of the following three transactions: (1) a spin-off of cable systems serving approximately 2.5 million Comcast subscribers (the “spin-off transaction”) into a newly formed public entity (“SpinCo”), (2) an exchange of cable systems serving approximately 1.5 million TWC subscribers for cable systems serving approximately 1.7 million Charter subscribers (the “exchange transaction”) and (3) a sale to Charter of cable systems serving approximately 1.5 million TWC subscribers for cash (the “sale transaction”).

The Charter divestiture transactions are designed to satisfy Comcast’s undertaking in the TWC merger agreement to divest cable systems serving up to approximately 3 million subscribers in connection with its request for regulatory approvals for the TWC merger. Unaudited pro forma financial information giving effect to any divestiture transactions other than those agreed upon with Charter is not presented because of the speculative nature of the need for and form of such alternate divestiture transactions, which could be in the form of a spin-off, sale or other transaction, or a combination thereof.

In connection with the spin-off transaction, Comcast will form SpinCo, which will hold and operate cable systems serving approximately 2.5 million Comcast subscribers. Comcast, Charter and SpinCo will use reasonable best efforts to cause SpinCo to incur new indebtedness in an aggregate amount equal to 5.0 times the 2014 EBITDA of the SpinCo cable systems (as such term is defined by SpinCo’s financing sources for purposes of the financing). This indebtedness will consist of bank debt and/or term loans used to fund cash distributions to Comcast and SpinCo notes newly issued to Comcast, which will enable Comcast to complete a debt-for-debt exchange (collectively, the “SpinCo financing transactions”). In connection with the debt-for-debt exchange, one or more financial institutions are expected to conduct a third-party tender offer for certain of Comcast’s existing publicly traded debt securities. Following the closing of the third-party tender offer, the financial institutions will hold the tendered debt securities for a minimum period of time before entering into an agreement with Comcast to exchange the tendered debt securities for the new SpinCo notes held by Comcast. The notional amount and terms of the new SpinCo notes issued by SpinCo to Comcast and subsequently transferred to the financial institutions will be determined following the outcome of the tender offer and the terms will reflect the credit characteristics of SpinCo. Comcast anticipates that following the debt-for-debt exchange, the financial institutions will resell the SpinCo notes they receive in a Rule 144A private placement to qualified institutional buyers. Following the SpinCo financing transactions, Comcast will then distribute, through the spin-off transaction, the common shares of SpinCo pro rata to the holders of all of Comcast’s outstanding common stock,

 

 

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inclusive of former TWC stockholders. Following the spin-off transaction, a newly formed, wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Charter will merge with and into Charter with the effect that all shares of Charter will be converted into shares of a new holding company, which will survive as the publicly traded parent company of Charter (“New Charter”). After the above internal reorganization of Charter, SpinCo will merge with a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of New Charter, with SpinCo as the surviving public entity, resulting in Comcast shareholders, inclusive of former TWC stockholders, owning an estimated 67% of the outstanding shares of SpinCo common stock and New Charter or a subsidiary of New Charter owning the estimated remaining 33% (the “SpinCo merger”). Comcast will have no remaining interest in SpinCo. Comcast shareholders, including former TWC stockholders, will receive in exchange for the SpinCo common stock acquired by New Charter or a subsidiary of New Charter, shares of New Charter common stock. For diagrams illustrating the steps to consummate the divestiture transactions, please see pages [] and [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Under the terms of the Charter divestiture transactions agreement, the value for the exchange and sale transactions will be based on 7.125 times of the divested systems’ Carveout 2014 EBITDA (as defined in the Charter divestiture transactions agreement). For purposes of this unaudited pro forma financial information, the value of the exchange and sale transactions are estimated to be $8.0 billion and $7.7 billion, respectively. The Carveout 2014 EBITDA was estimated using the 2013 results of the cable systems included in this unaudited pro forma financial information, adjusted for overhead allocations (as defined in the Charter divestiture transactions agreement), and applying a 2014 growth rate to the 2013 amounts. The growth rates used are based on Wall Street research consensus estimates for 2014 EBITDA for each company (Comcast cable systems 5.50%, TWC cable systems 3.60% and Charter cable systems 8.10%). In addition, the SpinCo indebtedness is estimated to be $7.8 billion using a similar methodology, consisting of $3.0 billion of SpinCo notes and $4.8 billion of other bank debt and/or term loans (to be used to fund cash distributions to Comcast and for general corporate purposes at SpinCo). The cash distributions to Comcast are expected to be up to the amount of Comcast’s tax basis in SpinCo, and Comcast expects to use the proceeds to repay indebtedness, repurchase shares or fund dividends. For purposes of this unaudited pro forma financial information, the aggregate distributions of cash by SpinCo to Comcast have been assumed to be $4.5 billion and the reduction in total debt outstanding has been assumed to be $2.7 billion as a result of the expected debt-for-debt exchange and assuming a hypothetical $300 million premium to par value on the debt-for-debt exchange. The amounts of the reduction in debt and SpinCo cash distributions will be dependent upon the ultimate completion of the SpinCo financing transactions and the detailed analysis to quantify Comcast’s tax basis in SpinCo, and are subject to change.

The closing of the Charter divestiture transactions is contingent upon, among other things, the closing of the TWC merger, approval by Charter stockholders, completion of the SpinCo financing transactions, regulatory approvals and other conditions. In addition, the Charter divestiture transactions may be terminated (1) upon termination of the TWC merger, (2) by either Comcast or Charter upon a material breach of the other party, subject to cure provisions, (3) upon any final and non-appealable injunction or legal impediment, (4) if following receipt of the financial information for the cable systems in the exchange and sale transactions, Charter is unable to obtain committed financing for the sale transaction, (5) in the event Charter’s shareholder approval is not obtained, (6) solely by Comcast if Charter’s board makes an adverse change to its recommendation, and (7) if the divestiture transactions have not been consummated within certain time periods from the completion of the TWC merger.

Neither Comcast shareholders nor TWC stockholders are entitled to vote on the Charter divestiture transactions or on the alternate divestiture transactions, if any, and no vote with respect thereto is being solicited by Comcast or TWC.

For purposes of presentation, the unaudited pro forma financial information has been separated into two sets of unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. The first gives effect to the TWC merger excluding the Charter divestiture transactions and the second gives effect to the TWC merger including the Charter divestiture transactions.

 

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

Giving Effect to the TWC Merger

As of June 30, 2014

 

(in millions)   Comcast
Corporation
    Time Warner
Cable Inc.
    Reclassifications
3a
    TWC
Merger-Related
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma for
TWC Merger
Excluding
Charter
Divestiture
Transactions
 

Assets

           

Current Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,529      $ 403      $ —        $ (2,500   3p   $ (568

Investments

    2,325        —          —          —            2,325   

Receivables, net

    6,232        906        —          (76   3b     7,062   

Programming rights

    905        —          —          —            905   

Deferred income tax assets

    —          348        (348     —            —     

Other current assets

    1,781        331        348        (11   3h     2,449   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current assets

    12,772        1,988        —          (2,587       12,173   

Film and television costs

    5,208        —          —          —            5,208   

Investments

    3,072        68        —          (3   3c     3,137   

Property and equipment, net

    29,970        15,604        (710     —        3d     44,864   

Franchise rights

    59,364        26,012        —          14,688      3e     100,064   

Goodwill

    27,323        3,137        —          26,099      3f     56,559   

Other intangible assets, net

    17,233        576        710        8,045      3e     26,564   

Other noncurrent assets, net

    2,517        1,071        —          (97   3h     3,491   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 157,459      $ 48,456      $ —        $ 46,145        $ 252,060   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities and Equity

           

Current Liabilities:

           

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

  $ 5,432      $ 565      $ 895      $ (76   3b   $ 6,816   

Accrued participations and residuals

    1,364        —          —          —            1,364   

Deferred revenue

    847        195        (168     —            874   

Accrued programming expense

    —          895        (895     —            —     

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    6,785        1,956        168        162      3g, 3m     9,071   

Current portion of long-term debt

    2,947        1,663        —          (1   3h     4,609   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    17,375        5,274        —          85          22,734   

Long-term debt, less current portion

    43,602        22,917        —          4,618      3h     71,137   

Deferred income taxes

    31,854        12,162        —          7,023      3i     51,039   

Other noncurrent liabilities

    11,241        689        —          —            11,930   

Commitments and contingencies

           

Redeemable noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

    1,055        —          —          (3   3c     1,052   

Equity:

           

Comcast Corporation total shareholders’ equity

    51,971        —          —          41,832      3g, 3j, 3m, 3p     93,803   

Time Warner Cable Inc. total stockholders’ equity

    —          7,410        —          (7,410   3k     —     

Noncontrolling interests

    361        4        —          —            365   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total equity

    52,332        7,414        —          34,422          94,168   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 157,459      $ 48,456      $ —        $ 46,145        $ 252,060   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma financial information.

 

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income

Giving Effect to the TWC Merger

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014

 

(in millions, except per share data)   Comcast
Corporation
    Time Warner
Cable Inc.
    Reclassifications
3a
    TWC
Merger-Related
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma for
TWC Merger
Excluding
Charter
Divestiture
Transactions
       

Revenue

  $ 34,252      $ 11,308      $ —        $ (256   3b   $ 45,304     

Costs and Expenses:

             

Programming and production

    10,782        2,650        —          (243   3b     13,189     

Other operating and administrative

    9,676        2,371        1,295        (111   3g, 3l, 3m     13,231     

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    2,452        1,099        —          (13   3b     3,538     

Technical operations

    —          742        (742     —            —       

Customer care

    —          412        (412     —            —       

Depreciation

    3,168        1,570        (150     —        3d     4,588     

Amortization

    802        68        150        470      3e     1,490     

Merger-related and restructuring costs

    —          141        (141     —            —       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   
    26,880        9,053        —          103          36,036     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Operating income

    7,372        2,255        —          (359       9,268     

Other Income (Expense):

             

Interest expense

    (1,290     (713     —          226      3h     (1,777  

Investment income (loss), net

    233        —          —          —            233     

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    54        —          22        1      3c     77     

Other income (expense), net

    (54     23        (22     —            (53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   
    (1,057     (690     —          227          (1,520  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Income before income taxes

    6,315        1,565        —          (132       7,748     

Income tax expense

    (2,352     (587     —          52      3i     (2,887  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net income

    3,963        978        —          (80       4,861     

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

    (100     —          —          (1   3c     (101  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 3,863      $ 978      $ —        $ (81     $ 4,760     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Earnings per share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders:

             

Basic

  $ 1.49      $ 3.48            $ 1.42        3o   

Diluted

  $ 1.47      $ 3.46            $ 1.40        3o   

Weighted average shares outstanding:

             

Basic

    2,598        278              3,356        3o   

Diluted

    2,636        282              3,406        3o   

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma financial information.

 

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income

Giving Effect to the TWC Merger

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

(in millions, except per share data)   Comcast
Corporation
    Time Warner
Cable Inc.
    Reclassifications
3a
    TWC
Merger-Related
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma for
TWC Merger
Excluding
Charter
Divestiture
Transactions
       

Revenue

  $ 64,657      $ 22,120      $ —        $ (448   3b   $ 86,329     

Costs and Expenses:

             

Programming and production

    19,670        4,950        —          (396   3b     24,224     

Other operating and administrative

    18,584        4,876        2,385        106      3l, 3m     25,951     

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    4,969        2,048        —          (52   3b     6,965     

Technical operations

    —          1,500        (1,500     —            —       

Customer care

    —          766        (766     —            —       

Depreciation

    6,254        3,155        (270     —        3d     9,139     

Amortization

    1,617        126        270        949      3e     2,962     

Merger-related and restructuring costs

    —          119        (119     —            —       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   
    51,094        17,540        —          607          69,241     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Operating income

    13,563        4,580        —          (1,055       17,088     

Other Income (Expense):

             

Interest expense

    (2,574     (1,552     (3     454      3h     (3,675  

Investment income (loss), net

    576        —          3        —            579     

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    (86     —          19        1      3c     (66  

Other income (expense), net

    (364     11        (19     —            (372  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   
    (2,448     (1,541     —          455          (3,534  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Income before income taxes

    11,115        3,039        —          (600       13,554     

Income tax expense

    (3,980     (1,085     —          234      3i     (4,831  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net income

    7,135        1,954        —          (366       8,723     

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

    (319     —          —          (1   3c     (320  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 6,816      $ 1,954      $ —        $ (367     $ 8,403     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Earnings per share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders:

             

Basic

  $ 2.60      $ 6.76            $ 2.48        3o   

Diluted

  $ 2.56      $ 6.70            $ 2.45        3o   

Weighted average shares outstanding:

             

Basic

    2,625        288              3,383        3o   

Diluted

    2,665        292              3,435        3o   

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma financial information.

 

 

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Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

Giving Effect to the TWC Merger

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information is intended to reflect the impact of the TWC merger on Comcast’s consolidated financial statements and presents the pro forma consolidated financial position and results of operations of Comcast based on the historical financial statements and accounting records of Comcast and TWC after giving effect to the TWC merger, excluding the Charter divestiture transactions, and the TWC merger-related pro forma adjustments as described in these notes. A separate set of unaudited pro forma financial information, including the effects of the Charter divestiture transactions, follows on pages [] to [].

Merger-related pro forma adjustments are included only to the extent they are (i) directly attributable to the TWC merger, (ii) factually supportable and (iii) with respect to the statements of income, expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. The accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only.

The TWC merger will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting with Comcast considered the acquirer. The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the preliminary assessment of fair values and useful lives assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Fair value estimates were determined based on preliminary discussions between Comcast and TWC, due diligence efforts and information available in public filings. The detailed valuation studies necessary to arrive at the required estimates of the fair values for the TWC assets acquired and liabilities assumed have not commenced. Significant assets and liabilities that are subject to preparation of valuation studies to determine appropriate fair value adjustments include property and equipment, identifiable intangible assets, including franchise rights, and debt obligations. Changes to the fair values of these assets and liabilities will also result in changes to goodwill and deferred tax liabilities.

The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet gives effect to the TWC merger as if it had occurred on June 30, 2014, and the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 give effect to the TWC merger as if it had occurred on January 1, 2013, the beginning of the earliest period presented.

Other TWC Merger-Related Adjustments

The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects certain reclassifications of TWC balance sheet and statements of income categories to conform to Comcast’s presentation.

The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects certain adjustments to eliminate transactions between Comcast and TWC.

The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect any adjustments to conform TWC’s accounting policies to those adopted by Comcast, as no such adjustments have been identified that would have a material effect on the unaudited pro forma financial information.

Further review may identify additional reclassifications, intercompany transactions or differences between the accounting policies of the two companies that, when conformed, could have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma financial information of the combined company. At this time, Comcast and TWC are not aware of any reclassifications, intercompany transactions or accounting policy differences that would have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma financial information that are not reflected in the TWC merger-related pro forma adjustments.

 

 

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Items Not Adjusted in the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

The unaudited pro forma financial information does not include any adjustment for liabilities or related costs that may result from integration activities, since management has not completed the process of making these assessments. Significant liabilities and related costs may ultimately be recorded for employee severance or relocation, costs of vacating some facilities and costs associated with other exit and integration activities.

Comcast performed an analysis of the cost structure of the Comcast and TWC businesses on a stand alone basis as compared to an estimate of the cost structure of the combined businesses and as a result, Comcast anticipates that the TWC merger will result in significant annual operating synergies that leverage Comcast’s and TWC’s combined platform to create economies of scale that would be unachievable without completing the transaction. In addition, the TWC merger will result in annual compensation expense savings from the elimination of overlapping positions and support functions. Comcast currently expects that approximately $1.5 billion of annual cost savings and synergies will be realized within three years from completion of the merger transaction, net of implementation costs. No assurance can be made that Comcast will be able to achieve these synergies and no such synergies have been reflected in the unaudited pro forma financial information. For further information on the cost savings and synergies expected from the TWC merger, refer to “Comcast’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Comcast Board of Directors—Increase Operating Efficiency” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income do not include any material nonrecurring charges that might arise as a result of the TWC merger, including supplemental management bonuses. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet only includes adjustments for transaction-related costs that are factually supportable.

Comcast and TWC each has investments in certain entities that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As a result of the TWC merger, these entities may be required to be consolidated for accounting purposes as a result of their governance structure at that time. The consolidation of these entities has not been reflected in the unaudited pro forma financial information because it is not expected to have a material effect on the unaudited pro forma financial information. The values of these and other TWC investments and TWC’s noncontrolling interests have not been adjusted to fair value in the unaudited pro forma financial information, as the valuation studies necessary to arrive at the required estimates of fair value have not commenced.

The TWC merger may result in changes in Comcast’s tax rate used to determine deferred income taxes due to changes in apportionment factors related to state income taxes. Any changes in Comcast’s deferred taxes as a result of the TWC merger will be reflected in income as of the closing date. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not include the impact of any such changes on Comcast’s existing deferred tax assets and liabilities, as the analysis is not complete.

The cable systems acquired in the TWC merger and subsequently sold in the Charter divestiture transactions have not been classified as held for sale or discontinued operations, as the financial information related to these cable systems is included as an adjustment in the unaudited pro forma financial information giving effect to the Charter divestiture transactions. In addition, no gain or loss has been assumed related to these transactions.

Note 2. TWC Merger Transaction

On February 12, 2014, Comcast and TWC entered into the TWC merger agreement, which provides for a merger in which TWC will become a 100% owned subsidiary of Comcast. If the TWC merger is completed, TWC stockholders will have the right to receive, in exchange for each share of TWC common stock owned immediately prior to the TWC merger, 2.875 shares of Comcast Class A common stock. Upon completion of the TWC merger, TWC stock options and other equity awards will generally convert into stock options and equity awards with respect to Comcast Class A common stock, after giving effect to the exchange ratio. The exchange

 

 

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ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted for changes in the market value of shares of Comcast Class A common stock or TWC common stock. Because the exchange ratio was fixed at the time the TWC merger agreement was executed and the market value of Comcast Class A common stock and TWC common stock will continue to fluctuate, TWC stockholders cannot be assured of the value of the shares of Comcast Class A common stock they will receive relative to the value of their shares of TWC common stock and will likely result in a per-share equity component different from the $54.50 closing price of Comcast Class A common stock on August 19, 2014 that is assumed for purposes of this unaudited pro forma financial information, and that difference may be material.

Merger Purchase Price

The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet has been adjusted to reflect the estimated fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the TWC merger and the excess of the consideration over these fair values is recorded to goodwill. The fair value of the TWC merger consideration, or the purchase price, in the unaudited pro forma financial information is estimated to be approximately $44.5 billion. This amount was derived based on the 279.8 million outstanding shares of TWC common stock at August 19, 2014, the exchange ratio and a price per share of Comcast Class A common stock of $54.50, which represents the closing price on August 19, 2014. The actual number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock issued to TWC stockholders upon closing of the TWC merger will be based on the actual number of shares of TWC common stock outstanding when the TWC merger closes, and the valuation of those shares will be based on the trading price of Comcast Class A common stock at that time. TWC equity awards outstanding at the time of the closing of the TWC merger will be assumed by Comcast. TWC equity awards held by current employees will be converted into equity awards with respect to Comcast Class A common stock, after giving effect to the exchange ratio. The terms of these awards, including vesting provisions, will generally be identical to those of the historical TWC equity awards. TWC equity awards held by non-employees, whether or not vested, will be canceled and the holders will be entitled to cash in an amount equal to the value of the equity awards as if they were converted on the basis described above. The fair value of vested equity awards held by employees and all equity awards held by non-employees, whether or not vested, will be considered part of the purchase price. Accordingly, the purchase price includes estimated fair values for employee and non-employee TWC equity awards of $510 million and $143 million, respectively.

The table below presents the preliminary purchase price as if the TWC merger had closed on June 30, 2014, along with a preliminary allocation of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the TWC merger:

Preliminary Purchase Price

 

(in millions, except per share data)       

Outstanding shares of TWC common stock as of August 19, 2014

     279.8   

Share exchange ratio

     2.875   
  

 

 

 

Shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be issued

     804   

Price per share as of August 19, 2014

   $ 54.50   

Fair value of Comcast Class A common stock to be issued

   $ 43,841   

Fair value of Comcast equity awards issued in exchange for vested TWC equity awards

     510   

Cash paid for TWC non-employee equity awards

     143   
  

 

 

 
   $ 44,494   
  

 

 

 

 

 

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Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price

 

(in millions)          Notes  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 403        3n   

Receivables and other current assets

     1,498        3n   

Property and equipment

     14,894        3d   

Franchise rights

     40,700        3e   

Goodwill

     29,236        3f   

Other identifiable intangible assets

     9,331        3e   

Other noncurrent assets

     1,039        3n   

Long-term debt, including current portion

     (29,197     3h   

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (19,185     3i   

Other liabilities assumed

     (4,225     3n   
  

 

 

   
   $ 44,494     
  

 

 

   

Upon completion of the fair value assessment following the TWC merger, Comcast anticipates the finalized fair values of the net assets acquired will differ from the preliminary assessment outlined above. Generally, changes to the initial estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recorded as adjustments to those assets and liabilities and residual amounts will be allocated to goodwill.

Note 3. Reclassifications and TWC Merger-Related Pro Forma Adjustments

The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the following adjustments related to the TWC merger:

 

  (a) Conforming reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts in the TWC balance sheet and statements of income to conform to Comcast’s presentation, including reclassifying TWC’s deferred income tax assets to other current assets, software and related amortization from property and equipment, net and depreciation to other intangible assets, net and amortization, respectively, accrued programming expense to accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors, subscriber-related liabilities from deferred revenue to accrued expenses and other current liabilities, equity in net income of investees from other income (expense), net to equity in net income (losses) of investees, net and presenting TWC’s technical operations, customer care and merger-related and restructuring costs within the other operating and administrative costs and expenses caption.

 

  (b) Eliminations. Adjustments to eliminate balances and activity between Comcast and TWC for purposes of the combined pro forma presentation. Transactions relate principally to programming and advertising between Comcast and TWC. The adjustments eliminate the following items as intercompany balances:

 

(in millions)     As of June 30, 2014  

Balance Sheet

   

Receivables, net

  

  $ (76

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

   

    (76
(in millions)   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 

Statements of Income

   

Revenue

  $ (256   $ (448

Costs and Expenses:

   

Programming and production

    (243     (396

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    (13     (52

 

 

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  (c) Investments and redeemable noncontrolling interests. Adjustment to eliminate a TWC investment accounted for under the equity method with the redeemable noncontrolling interest balance recorded at Comcast. The entity is a consolidated subsidiary of Comcast and, therefore, Comcast accounts for the TWC interest as a redeemable noncontrolling interest.

 

  (d) Property and equipment. For purposes of this unaudited pro forma financial information, Comcast believes, to the best of its knowledge, that the current TWC book values represent the best estimate of fair value. No adjustment has been made because it is preliminarily assumed that the recorded book value in the TWC balance sheet approximates the fair value. This assumption is based on an analysis performed by TWC in connection with the realignment of its reportable segments during the first quarter of 2014 and previous impairment analyses, which assumed that TWC’s accounting for depreciation of property and equipment has approximated decreases in fair value since such assets were purchased. As such, there is no adjustment to depreciation expense resulting from a pro forma fair value adjustment. Any differences between the fair value and the book value would generally be attributable to cable distribution equipment and cable plant rather than customer premise equipment, such as set-top boxes and modems. If, upon the completion of the valuation, the fair value of property and equipment is determined to be 10% greater than the book value and that increase was attributable to cable distribution equipment and cable plant, annual depreciation expense would increase by approximately $170 million.

 

  (e) Intangible assets. Adjustments to reflect the fair values of TWC’s identifiable intangible assets. The primary assets include cable franchise rights and customer relationships. The fair values were determined in connection with analysis performed by TWC in connection with the realignment of its reportable segments during the first quarter of 2014 and were based on an income approach model. Discounted cash flows associated with the cable franchise rights and customer relationships were estimated using TWC’s long range projections.

No adjustment has been made to software or the related amortization expense because it is preliminarily assumed that the recorded book value in the TWC balance sheet approximates the fair value. The following table presents information about the identifiable intangible assets:

 

(in millions)                     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 

Intangible Asset

  Fair Value     Adjustment     Useful Life     Incremental Amortization  

Cable franchise rights

  $ 40,700      $ 14,688        Indefinite       

Customer relationships and other

    8,621        8,045        8 years      $ 470      $ 949   

Software

    710        —          3-5 years        —          —     

The cable franchise rights valuation applies a terminal growth rate and discount rate commensurate with the riskiness of the cash flows. The significant increase in the fair value of the franchise rights over TWC’s carrying value primarily reflects the increase in the overall value in TWC since impairment charges were recorded on such assets in 2008. Cable franchise rights will not be amortized but rather are assessed for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or circumstances indicate that the rights might be impaired. Based on a comparison of recent valuation studies for cable companies, the percentage of business enterprise value allocated to cable franchise rights can be as high as 75%. While the preliminary valuation of the cable franchise rights represents only 55% of the acquired business enterprise value, any change in the value of the cable franchise rights is expected to be allocated to goodwill, which is another indefinite-lived asset that is also reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.

The customer relationships valuation includes an estimate of how long the customer will remain a customer following the TWC merger date (i.e., expected churn). Comcast’s analysis of expected churn considered historical churn for both Comcast and TWC, which Comcast also believes to be relatively consistent with the broader cable industry. The amortization adjustment for the customer relationships asset is based on the expected net cash flows from the acquired TWC customers and a preliminary

 

 

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assumption of amortization on a straight-line basis over an 8 year period. This assumption is subject to further analysis and may change to an accelerated recognition methodology. If an accelerated recognition methodology were used, it would not be expected to have a material effect on the unaudited pro forma financial information.

 

  (f) Goodwill. Adjustment to record goodwill resulting from the TWC merger. Goodwill represents the residual of the purchase price over the fair value of the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but rather is assessed for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.

 

  (g) Transaction-related costs. Adjustment to record liabilities of $75 million, net of related tax benefits, for advisory fees related to the TWC merger with a corresponding adjustment to Comcast Corporation shareholders’ equity. Amount does not include estimates for fees that are not readily determinable or factually supportable. There was also an adjustment to eliminate nonrecurring transaction-related costs of $173 million recorded in the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

 

  (h) Long-term debt. Adjustments to record long-term debt at fair value using quoted market values as of August 19, 2014. TWC deferred debt issuance costs were also eliminated. The TWC merger-related pro forma adjustments are a result of the quoted market values of the TWC debt portfolio being higher than the face amount of the related debt. The quoted market value of a debt instrument is higher than the face amount of the debt when the market interest rates are lower than the stated interest rate of the debt. In acquisition accounting, this results in an increase in debt and a reduction in interest expense to reflect the lower market interest rate. The difference between the fair value and the face amount of each borrowing is amortized as interest expense over the remaining term of each borrowing based on its maturity date. For the total debt portfolio, the adjustment is a reduction in interest expense of $220 million and $441 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013, respectively, resulting in interest expense that effectively reflects current market interest rates rather than the stated interest rate. Interest expense is further adjusted to reflect the elimination of amortization related to TWC’s previously deferred debt issuance costs of $6 million and $13 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

  (i) Income taxes. Adjustment to record the deferred tax impact of acquisition accounting adjustments primarily related to intangible assets, including franchise rights, and long-term debt. The incremental deferred tax liabilities were calculated based on the tax effect of the approximately $18.0 billion step-up in book basis of the net assets of TWC, excluding the amount attributable to goodwill, using an estimated statutory tax rate of 39%. The income tax expense impact of the pro forma adjustments was determined by applying an estimated statutory tax rate of 39% to the pre-tax amount of the TWC merger-related pro forma adjustments.

 

  (j) Comcast Class A common stock issuance. An estimated 804 million shares of Comcast Class A common stock will be issued to TWC’s shareholders, based on 279.8 million TWC shares of common stock outstanding as of August 19, 2014, at a per share price of $54.50, which was the closing price on August 19, 2014, for a total value of $43.8 billion. Additionally, the purchase price includes vested Comcast equity awards with an estimated fair value of $510 million that will be issued in respect of vested equity awards held by employees of TWC. The purchase price excludes Comcast equity awards with an estimated fair value of $803 million that will be issued in respect of unvested equity awards held by employees of TWC.

 

  (k) TWC stockholders’ equity. Adjustment to eliminate all TWC stockholders’ equity, including common stock, additional paid-in capital, accumulated other comprehensive loss, net, and retained earnings.

 

  (l)

Pension amortization. Adjustment to remove the amortization of net actuarial gains and losses and prior service credits for TWC’s pension plans of $1 million of gains and $75 million of losses for the

 

 

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  six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013, respectively. Net actuarial gains and losses and prior service credits are included in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of equity. Because TWC’s equity, including accumulated other comprehensive loss, net, is eliminated in the opening balance sheet, the results for the period following the TWC merger will not include any impact from the amortization of these deferred net actuarial gains and losses and prior service credits.

 

  (m) Share-based compensation. Adjustment to record incremental compensation expense related to converted unvested TWC equity awards of $61 million and $181 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013, respectively. Compensation expense, following the closing of the TWC merger, will reflect the fair value of the awards as of the closing date. At closing, TWC employee vested equity awards will be converted into equity awards with respect to Comcast Class A common stock, after giving effect to the exchange ratio. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities includes an adjustment of $143 million for TWC non-employee equity awards. A corresponding tax benefit of $56 million is also included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities, with the offset in equity. These non-employee awards, whether or not vested, will be canceled and the holders will be entitled to cash in an amount equal to the value of the equity awards as if they were converted on the basis described above.

 

  (n) Fair value of cash, receivables and other assets and liabilities. Fair value is assumed to equal TWC’s historical carrying value due to either the liquid nature or short duration of the asset or liability, or based upon overall immateriality to the purchase price allocation.

 

  (o) Earnings per share. The pro forma combined basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 are calculated as follows:

 

(in millions, except per share data)   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 

Pro forma net income

  $ 4,760      $ 8,403   

Basic weighted average Comcast shares outstanding

    2,598        2,625   

TWC shares converted to Comcast shares(a)

    804        804   

Comcast incremental share repurchase—Note 3p

    (46     (46
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma basic weighted average shares outstanding

    3,356        3,383   

Dilutive effect of securities:

   

Comcast equity awards

    38        40   

TWC equity awards converted to Comcast equity awards(a)

    12        12   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma diluted weighted average shares outstanding

    3,406        3,435   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma basic earnings per share

  $ 1.42      $ 2.48   

Pro forma diluted earnings per share

  $ 1.40      $ 2.45   

 

  (a) Represents the estimated number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be issued to TWC shareholders based on the number of shares of TWC common stock outstanding as of August 19, 2014 and after giving effect to the exchange ratio as determined in the TWC merger agreement. TWC basic shares outstanding and the estimated dilutive effect of TWC stock awards for both the six months ended June 30, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2013 were 280 million and 4 million, respectively.

 

  (p) Share repurchase. Adjustment to reflect the impact of an incremental $2.5 billion share repurchase by Comcast. In addition to its existing plan to repurchase $3 billion of shares during 2014, following Comcast’s shareholder approval of the issuance of Comcast Class A common stock for the TWC merger and TWC’s stockholder approval of the TWC merger, Comcast intends to repurchase an additional $2.5 billion of shares during 2014, subject to market conditions. For purposes of this unaudited pro forma information, based upon a per share price of $54.50 of Comcast Class A common stock on August 19, 2014, the share repurchase would equate to 46 million shares. The resulting negative cash position from the TWC merger-related pro forma reflects a subtotal and not Comcast’s anticipated cash position subsequent to the closing of the TWC merger and the Charter divestiture transactions. It is assumed in this pro forma financial information that both the TWC merger and the Charter divestiture transactions will close on the same day. There will be sufficient liquidity, including through cash on hand and Comcast’s revolving credit facility, for the purpose of Comcast’s anticipated share repurchases and general working capital needs.

 

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

Giving Effect to the TWC Merger and the Charter Divestiture Transactions

As of June 30, 2014

 

(in millions)   Pro Forma
for TWC
Merger
Excluding
Charter
Divestiture
Transactions
    Comcast
Cable
Systems in
SpinCo
    TWC Cable
Systems in
Exchange
and Sale
Transactions
    Charter
Cable
Systems
Acquired in
Exchange
Transaction
    Charter
Divestiture
Transactions-
Related Pro
Forma
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma
for TWC
Merger
Including
Charter
Divestiture
Transactions
 

Assets

             

Current Assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ (568   $ (300   $ —        $ —        $ 12,800      3e, 3j   $ 11,932   

Investments

    2,325        —          —          —          —            2,325   

Receivables, net

    7,062        (175     (272     63        20      3a     6,698   

Programming rights

    905        —          —          —          —            905   

Other current assets

    2,449        (27     (116     22        —            2,328   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current assets

    12,173        (502     (388     85        12,820          24,188   

Film and television costs

    5,208        —          —          —          —            5,208   

Investments

    3,137        —          —          —          —            3,137   

Property and equipment, net

    44,864        (1,982     (2,889     2,877        660      3b     43,530   

Franchise rights

    100,064        (5,561     (10,241     1,927        1,295      3c     87,484   

Goodwill

    56,559        (1,241     (4,126     349        2,996      3d     54,537   

Other intangible assets, net

    26,564        (92     (2,180     334        851      3c     25,477   

Other noncurrent assets, net

    3,491        (7     (6     38        —            3,516   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 252,060      $ (9,385   $ (19,830   $ 5,610      $ 18,622        $ 247,077   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities and Equity

             

Current Liabilities:

             

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

  $ 6,816      $ (303   $ (271   $ 348      $ 20      3a   $ 6,610   

Accrued participations and residuals

    1,364        —          —          —          —            1,364   

Deferred revenue

    874        (3     (20     28        —            879   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    9,071        (141     (109     —          1,827      3e, 3j     10,648   

Current portion of long-term debt

    4,609        —          —          —          —            4,609   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    22,734        (447     (400     376        1,847          24,110   

Long-term debt, less current portion

    71,137        (7,800     —          —          5,100      3e     68,437   

Deferred income taxes

    51,039        (2,859     (3,697     912        475      3f     45,870   

Other noncurrent liabilities

    11,930        (34     (33     5        —            11,868   

Commitments and contingencies

             

Redeemable noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

    1,052        —          —          —          —            1,052   

Equity:

             

Comcast Corporation total shareholders’ equity

    93,803        1,755        (15,700     4,317        11,200      3g     95,375   

Noncontrolling interests

    365        —          —          —          —            365   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total equity

    94,168        1,755        (15,700     4,317        11,200          95,740   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 252,060      $ (9,385   $ (19,830   $ 5,610      $ 18,622        $ 247,077   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma financial information.

 

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income

Giving Effect to the TWC Merger and the Charter Divestiture Transactions

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014

 

(in millions, except per share data)   Pro Forma
for TWC
Merger
Excluding
Charter
Divestiture
Transactions
    Comcast
Cable
Systems in
SpinCo
    TWC Cable
Systems in
Exchange
and Sale
Transactions
    Charter
Cable
Systems
Acquired in
Exchange
Transaction
    Charter
Divestiture
Transactions-
Related Pro
Forma
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma
for TWC
Merger
Including
Charter
Divestiture
Transactions
       

Revenue

  $ 45,304      $ (2,297   $ (2,745   $ 1,658      $ 41      3a   $ 41,961     

Costs and Expenses:

               

Programming and production

    13,189        (514     (629     464        58      3a     12,568     

Other operating and administrative

    13,231        (635     (601     513        —            12,508     

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    3,538        (116     (271     102        (17   3a     3,236     

Depreciation

    4,588        (261     (306     330        55      3b     4,406     

Amortization

    1,490        (14     (136     40        34      3c     1,414     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   
    36,036        (1,540     (1,943     1,449        130          34,132     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Operating income

    9,268        (757     (802     209        (89       7,829     

Other Income (Expense):

               

Interest expense

    (1,777     195        —          —          (117   3e     (1,699  

Investment income (loss), net

    233        —          —          —          —            233     

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    77        —          —          —          —            77     

Other income (expense), net

    (53     —          —          —          —            (53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   
    (1,520     195        —          —          (117       (1,442  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Income before income taxes

    7,748        (562     (802     209        (206       6,387     

Income tax expense

    (2,887     219        313        (82     79      3f     (2,358  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net income

    4,861        (343     (489     127        (127       4,029     

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

    (101     —          —          —          —            (101  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 4,760      $ (343   $ (489   $ 127      $ (127     $ 3,928     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Earnings per share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders:

               

Basic

  $ 1.42                $ 1.17        3i   

Diluted

  $ 1.40                $ 1.15        3i   

Weighted average shares outstanding:

               

Basic

    3,356                  3,356        3i   

Diluted

    3,406                  3,406        3i   

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma financial information.

 

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income

Giving Effect to the TWC Merger and the Charter Divestiture Transactions

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

(in millions, except per share data)   Pro Forma
for TWC
Merger
Excluding
Charter
Divestiture
Transactions
    Comcast
Cable
Systems in
SpinCo
    TWC Cable
Systems in
Exchange
and Sale
Transactions
    Charter
Cable
Systems
Acquired in
Exchange
Transaction
    Charter
Divestiture
Transactions-
Related Pro
Forma
Adjustments
    Notes   Pro Forma
for TWC
Merger
Including
Charter
Divestiture
Transactions
       

Revenue

  $ 86,329      $ (4,470   $ (5,501   $ 3,112      $ 74      3a   $ 79,544     

Costs and Expenses:

               

Programming and production

    24,224        (972     (1,212     846        99      3a     22,985     

Other operating and administrative

    25,951        (1,273     (1,252     1,010        —            24,436     

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    6,965        (232     (503     191        (25   3a     6,396     

Depreciation

    9,139        (517     (693     603        110      3b     8,642     

Amortization

    2,962        (29     (273     87        61      3c     2,808     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   
    69,241        (3,023     (3,933     2,737        245          65,267     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Operating income

    17,088        (1,447     (1,568     375        (171       14,277     

Other Income (Expense):

               

Interest expense

    (3,675     390        —          —          (233   3e     (3,518  

Investment income (loss), net

    579        —          —          —          —            579     

Equity in net income (losses) of investees, net

    (66     —          —          —          —            (66  

Other income (expense), net

    (372     —          —          —          —            (372  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   
    (3,534     390        —          —          (233       (3,377  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Income before income taxes

    13,554        (1,057     (1,568     375        (404       10,900     

Income tax expense

    (4,831     412        612        (146     158      3f     (3,795  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net income

    8,723        (645     (956     229        (246       7,105     

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable subsidiary preferred stock

    (320     —          —          —          —            (320  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net income attributable to Comcast Corporation

  $ 8,403      $ (645   $ (956   $ 229      $ (246     $ 6,785     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Earnings per share attributable to Comcast Corporation shareholders:

               

Basic

  $ 2.48                $ 2.01        3i   

Diluted

  $ 2.45                $ 1.98        3i   

Weighted average shares outstanding:

               

Basic

    3,383                  3,383        3i   

Diluted

    3,435                  3,435        3i   

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma financial information.

 

 

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Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

Giving Effect to the TWC Merger and Charter Divestiture Transactions

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information is intended to reflect the impacts of the TWC merger and the Charter divestiture transactions on Comcast’s consolidated financial statements and presents the pro forma consolidated financial position and results of operations of Comcast based on the historical financial statements and accounting records of Comcast, TWC and the acquired Charter cable systems after giving effect to the TWC merger, the Charter divestiture transactions and the Charter divestiture transactions-related pro forma adjustments as described in these notes. The starting point for this presentation is the Comcast unaudited pro forma financial information giving effect to the TWC merger, as presented on pages [] to [], and should be read in conjunction with that information and the related notes.

The Charter divestiture transactions-related pro forma adjustments are included only to the extent they are (i) directly attributable to the Charter divestiture transactions, (ii) factually supportable and (iii) with respect to the statements of income, expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. The accompanying unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only.

The Charter cable systems acquired in the exchange transaction will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting with Comcast considered the acquirer. The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the preliminary assessment of fair values and useful lives assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Fair value estimates were determined based on preliminary discussions between Comcast and Charter management, due diligence efforts and information available in public filings. The detailed valuation studies necessary to arrive at the required estimates of the fair values for the Charter assets acquired and liabilities assumed have not commenced. Significant assets and liabilities that are subject to preparation of valuation studies to determine appropriate fair value adjustments include property and equipment and identifiable intangible assets, including franchise rights. Changes to the fair values of these assets and liabilities will also result in changes to goodwill and deferred tax liabilities.

The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet gives effect to the TWC merger and the Charter divestiture transactions as if they had occurred on June 30, 2014, and the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 give effect to the TWC merger and the Charter divestiture transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2013, the beginning of the earliest period presented.

Other Charter Divestiture Transactions-Related Adjustments

The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects certain adjustments to eliminate transactions between Comcast, TWC and Charter.

The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect any reclassifications or adjustments to conform Charter’s financial statement presentation or accounting policies to those adopted by Comcast, as no such adjustments have been identified that would have a material effect on the unaudited pro forma financial information.

Further review may identify additional intercompany transactions, reclassifications or differences between the accounting policies of the two companies that, when conformed, could have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma financial information of the combined company. At this time, Comcast is not aware of any intercompany transactions, reclassifications or accounting policy differences that would have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma financial information that are not reflected in the Charter divestiture transactions-related pro forma adjustments.

 

 

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Items Not Adjusted in the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

The unaudited pro forma financial information does not include any adjustment for liabilities or related costs that may result from integration activities, since management has not completed the process of making these assessments. Significant liabilities and related costs may ultimately be recorded for employee severance or relocation, costs of vacating some facilities and costs associated with other exit and integration activities.

The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income do not include any material nonrecurring charges that might arise as a result of the TWC merger or the Charter divestiture transactions, including supplemental management bonuses. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet only includes adjustments for transaction-related costs that are factually supportable.

The TWC merger and Charter divestiture transactions may result in changes in Comcast’s tax rate used to determine deferred income taxes due to changes in apportionment factors related to state income taxes. Any changes in Comcast’s deferred taxes as a result of the TWC merger and Charter divestiture transactions will be reflected in income as of the closing dates. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not include the impact of any such changes on Comcast’s existing deferred tax assets and liabilities, as the analysis is not complete.

The SpinCo financing transactions are expected to result in the recording of a loss on the debt-for-debt exchange. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income do not include the impact of this nonrecurring loss.

In connection with the SpinCo financing transactions, SpinCo is expected to make cash distributions to Comcast up to the amount of Comcast’s tax basis in SpinCo. The aggregate distributions are assumed to be $4.5 billion for purposes of this unaudited pro forma financial information. Comcast expects to use the proceeds to repay indebtedness, repurchase shares or fund dividends. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not assume any use of these proceeds.

In connection with the sale transaction, Charter will pay to Comcast the tax benefit of the step up it receives in the tax basis of the assets sold. Such tax benefit will be paid as realized by Charter over an eight year period, and an additional payment will be made at the end of such eight year period in the amount of any remaining tax benefit (on a present value basis). The unaudited pro forma financial information does not include any adjustments related to these tax benefit payments, as the amounts and timing of the receipts are not known.

If the Charter divestiture transactions do not occur, Comcast is prepared to divest cable systems serving an aggregate of up to approximately 3 million subscribers. A divestiture of 3 million subscribers would represent a 20% increase in the 2.5 million subscribers included in the spin-off transaction that is part of the Charter divestiture transactions. In the aggregate, the Charter divestiture transactions comprise 30% more subscribers than Comcast had undertaken to divest and Comcast would expect that any alternate divestiture transaction would result in the divestiture of fewer subscribers than the Charter divestiture transactions but more subscribers than the spin-off transaction alone. This alternative transaction may be in the form of a spin-off, sale or other transaction, or combination thereof, and no such alternative form of transaction is probable at this time. However, if such alternative transaction were in the form of a spin-off, the effects of such alternative transaction would likely be proportionate to the amounts set forth in the column titled “Comcast Cable Systems in SpinCo” in the unaudited pro forma financial information above, such that, in the case of a spin-off of 3 million subscribers, the financial position and the results of operations of the divested Comcast cable systems would likely be approximately 20% greater than the amounts included in that column.

 

 

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Note 2. Charter Divestiture Transactions

On April 25, 2014, Comcast entered into an agreement with Charter on a series of divestiture transactions, pursuant to which Comcast, following the closing of the TWC merger, will divest cable systems serving approximately 5.5 million subscribers and acquire cable systems serving approximately 1.7 million subscribers from Charter resulting in a net disposition of approximately 3.9 million subscribers from the combined company. The Charter divestiture transactions consist of the following three transactions: (1) a spin-off of cable systems serving approximately 2.5 million Comcast subscribers into SpinCo, (2) an exchange of cable systems serving approximately 1.5 million TWC subscribers for cable systems serving approximately 1.7 million Charter subscribers, and (3) a sale to Charter of cable systems serving approximately 1.5 million TWC subscribers for cash. The value for the Charter exchange and sale transactions will be based on 7.125 times the divested cable systems’ Carveout 2014 EBITDA (as defined in the Charter divestiture transactions agreement) and will be different than the $8.0 billion and $7.7 billion, respectively, assumed for purposes of this unaudited pro forma financial information. If the final transaction values are ultimately determined to be 10% greater or less than the values assumed in the unaudited pro forma financial information, such a change would not likely have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the combined company.

Following the closing of the TWC merger, Comcast, Charter and SpinCo will use reasonable best efforts to cause SpinCo to incur new indebtedness in an aggregate amount equal to 5.0 times the 2014 EBITDA of the SpinCo cable systems (as such term is defined by SpinCo’s financing sources for purposes of the financing). This indebtedness will consist of bank debt and/or term loans used to fund cash distributions to Comcast and SpinCo notes newly issued to Comcast, which will enable Comcast to complete a debt-for-debt exchange. In connection with the debt-for-debt exchange, one or more financial institutions are expected to conduct a third-party tender offer for certain of Comcast’s existing publicly traded debt securities. Following the closing of the third-party tender offer, the financial institutions will hold the tendered debt securities for a minimum period of time before entering into an agreement with Comcast to exchange the tendered debt securities for the new SpinCo notes held by Comcast. The notional amount and terms of the new SpinCo notes issued by SpinCo to Comcast and subsequently transferred to the financial institutions will be determined following the outcome of the tender offer and the terms will reflect the credit characteristics of SpinCo. Comcast anticipates that following the debt-for-debt exchange, the financial institutions will resell the SpinCo notes they receive in a Rule 144A private placement to qualified institutional buyers. For purposes of this unaudited pro forma financial information, the SpinCo indebtedness is estimated to be $7.8 billion, consisting of $3.0 billion of SpinCo notes and $4.8 billion of other bank debt and/or terms loans (to be used to fund cash distributions to Comcast and for general corporate purposes at SpinCo). The cash distributions to Comcast are expected to be up to the amount of Comcast’s tax basis in SpinCo, and Comcast expects to use the proceeds to repay indebtedness, repurchase shares or fund dividends. The aggregate distributions of cash by SpinCo to Comcast have been assumed to be $4.5 billion and the reduction in total debt outstanding has been assumed to be $2.7 billion as a result of the expected debt-for-debt exchange and assuming a hypothetical $300 million premium to par value on the debt-for-debt exchange. The amounts of the reduction in debt and the SpinCo cash distributions are subject to change based on the ultimate completion of the SpinCo financing transactions and the finalization of the detailed analysis to quantify Comcast’s tax basis in SpinCo. A hypothetical 10% decrease in the amount of Comcast debt exchanged would result in an increase to interest expense of $16 million on an annual basis.

Following the spin-off transaction, SpinCo will merge with New Charter, with SpinCo as the surviving public entity, resulting in Comcast shareholders, including former TWC stockholders, owning an estimated aggregate 67% of the outstanding shares of SpinCo common stock and New Charter or a subsidiary of New Charter owning the estimated remaining 33%. Comcast will have no remaining interest in SpinCo after the spin-off transaction. As part of the SpinCo merger, New Charter will replace Charter as the publicly traded company and the SpinCo merger will result in Comcast shareholders, including former TWC stockholders, owning shares of New Charter common stock in addition to the SpinCo common stock.

 

 

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The unaudited pro forma financial information includes the following separate columns to present the effects of the transactions described above:

Comcast Cable Systems in SpinCo—Presents the historical Comcast financial information of the cable systems divested in the spin-off transaction and the SpinCo indebtedness incurred immediately prior to the spin-off transaction.

TWC Cable Systems in Exchange and Sale TransactionsPresents the historical TWC financial information of the cable systems divested in the exchange and sale of cable systems to Charter adjusted for their proportionate share of the acquisition accounting pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma financial information giving effect to the TWC merger.

Charter Cable Systems Acquired in Exchange Transaction—Presents the historical Charter financial information of the cable systems acquired in the exchange transaction.

The unaudited financial information for the cable systems set forth above and included in the Charter divestiture transactions columns are each integrated businesses of Comcast, TWC or Charter and are not stand-alone entities. The unaudited financial information reflects the preliminary allocations of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses directly attributable to these cable systems, as well as certain other preliminary allocations deemed reasonable by management, to present the unaudited pro forma financial information. The preliminary allocation methodologies developed for purposes of these pro forma statements are considered reasonable by each company’s respective management. The unaudited financial information does not include costs associated with shared functions (e.g., corporate headquarters and related administrative overhead allocations). Accordingly, the unaudited financial information in these columns does not reflect the financial position or results of operations as if these cable systems were stand-alone entities for the periods presented. As part of the process for completing the Charter divestiture transactions, audited carveout financial statements will be prepared. These audited carveout financial statements will include the allocation of shared functions and other administrative allocations. The preliminary estimate of the annual amount of such costs to be allocated to the Comcast cable systems in SpinCo, the TWC cable systems in the exchange and sale transactions and the Charter cable systems acquired in the exchange transaction are $290 million, $420 million and $80 million, respectively. As such, the carveout financial statements will likely be materially different from the presentation in this unaudited pro forma financial information.

The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet has been adjusted to reflect the estimated fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Charter in the exchange transaction and the excess of the fair value of the consideration over these fair values is recorded to goodwill. The fair value of the exchange transaction consideration, or the purchase price, in the unaudited pro forma financial information is approximately $8.0 billion. This represents the estimated fair value of the TWC cable systems exchanged. The actual value of the exchange transaction will be based on the operations of the exchanged cable systems for 2014 and is subject to change.

The table below presents the preliminary purchase price for the Charter cable systems acquired as if the exchange transaction had closed on June 30, 2014, along with a preliminary allocation of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the exchange transaction.

Preliminary Purchase Price

 

(in millions)            

Fair value of TWC cable systems exchanged

   $ 8,000      
  

 

 

    

 

 

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Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price

 

(in millions)          Notes  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 300        3h,3j   

Receivables and other current assets

     66        3h   

Property and equipment

     3,537        3b   

Franchise rights

     3,222        3c   

Goodwill

     3,345        3d   

Other identifiable intangible assets

     1,185        3c   

Other noncurrent assets

     38        3h   

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (2,680     3f   

Other liabilities assumed

     (1,013     3h   
  

 

 

   
   $ 8,000     
  

 

 

   

Upon completion of the fair value assessment following the exchange transaction, Comcast anticipates the finalized fair values of the net assets acquired will differ from the preliminary assessment outlined above. Generally, changes to the initial estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recorded as adjustments to those assets and liabilities and residual amounts will be allocated to goodwill. If upon completion of the valuations, the fair values are 10% greater or less than the amounts included in the preliminary purchase price allocation above, such a change would not likely have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the combined company.

Note 3. Charter Divestiture Transactions-Related Pro Forma Adjustments

The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the following adjustments related to the Charter divestiture transactions:

 

  (a) Eliminations. Adjustments to reflect the restoration of the intercompany transactions between the SpinCo and TWC divested cable systems with Comcast, which were previously eliminated in consolidation. This is offset by an adjustment to eliminate intercompany transactions between Comcast and the acquired Charter cable systems. Transactions relate principally to programming and advertising between Comcast and these cable systems.

 

       The adjustments include the following intercompany balances:

 

As of June 30, 2014 (in millions)   Comcast Cable
Systems in SpinCo
    TWC Cable
Systems in
Exchange and Sale
Transactions
    Charter Cable
Systems Acquired
in Exchange
Transaction
    Charter Divestiture
Transactions-
Related Pro Forma
Adjustments
 

Balance Sheet

       

Receivables, net

  $ 19      $ 20      $ (19   $ 20   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses related to trade creditors

    19        20        (19     20   

 

 

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Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 (in
millions)
  Comcast Cable
Systems in SpinCo
    TWC Cable
Systems in
Exchange and Sale
Transactions
    Charter Cable
Systems Acquired
in Exchange
Transaction
    Charter Divestiture
Transactions-
Related Pro Forma
Adjustments
 

Statement of Income

       

Revenue

  $ 48      $ 67      $ (74   $ 41   

Costs and Expenses:

       

Programming and production

    42        64        (48     58   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    6        3        (26     (17

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013 (in
millions)
  Comcast Cable
Systems in SpinCo
    TWC Cable
Systems in
Exchange and Sale
Transactions
    Charter Cable
Systems Acquired
in Exchange
Transaction
    Charter Divestiture
Transactions-
Related Pro Forma
Adjustments
 

Statement of Income

       

Revenue

  $ 96      $ 118      $ (140   $ 74   

Costs and Expenses:

       

Programming and production

    86        104        (91     99   

Advertising, marketing and promotion

    10        14        (49     (25

 

  (b) Property and equipment. Adjustment to reflect the fair value of the acquired property and equipment from Charter in the exchange transaction. The fair value adjustment is based on previous valuations performed by Charter for general business purposes and allocated to the cable systems in the exchange transaction pro rata based on subscribers. The property and equipment valuation performed by Charter estimates the replacement cost of the assets less an assumption for depreciation based on the age of the underlying assets. There were corresponding adjustments to depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013 of $55 million and $110 million, respectively, based on an estimated average useful life of 6 years.

 

  (c) Intangible assets. Adjustments to reflect the fair values of the acquired identifiable intangible assets from Charter in the exchange transaction. The primary assets include cable franchise rights and customer relationships. The fair values were based on previous valuations performed by Charter for general business purposes and allocated to cable systems in the exchange transaction by applying a relative percentage of the excess purchase price to the intangible assets. The valuations performed by Charter utilized an income approach model based on the present value of discrete future cash flows attributable to each of the intangible assets identified assuming a discount rate.

Cable franchise rights will not be amortized but rather are assessed for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or circumstances indicate that the rights might be impaired. Any change in the value of the cable franchise rights is expected to be allocated to goodwill, which is another indefinite-lived asset that is also reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.

The amortization adjustment for the customer relationships asset is based on the expected net cash flows from the acquired Charter customers and a preliminary assumption of amortization on a straight-line basis over an 8 year period. This assumption is subject to further analysis and may change to an accelerated recognition methodology. If an accelerated recognition methodology were used, it is not expected to have a material effect on the unaudited pro forma financial information.

 

 

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The following table presents information about the identifiable intangible assets:

 

(in millions)                         Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
     Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 

Intangible Asset

   Fair Value      Adjustment      Useful Life      Incremental Amortization  

Cable franchise rights

   $ 3,222       $ 1,295         Indefinite         

Customer relationships and other

     1,185         851         8 years       $ 34       $ 61   

 

  (d) Goodwill. Adjustments to reflect the additional goodwill resulting from the cable systems acquired from Charter in the exchange transaction. The amount of goodwill represents the residual of the purchase price over the fair value of the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but rather is assessed for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired.

 

  (e) Long-term debt. Adjustment to reduce the amount in the “Comcast Cable Systems in SpinCo” column of $7.8 billion to the total reduction in debt outstanding of $2.7 billion resulting from the debt-for-debt exchange. SpinCo will incur new indebtedness prior to the completion of the Charter divestiture transactions consisting of bank debt and/or term loans used to fund cash distributions to Comcast and SpinCo notes newly issued to Comcast, which will enable Comcast to complete the debt-for-debt exchange following the TWC merger. Certain financial institutions are expected to conduct a third-party tender offer for certain of Comcast’s existing publicly traded debt securities. Following the closing of the third-party tender offer, the financial institutions will hold the tendered debt securities for a minimum period of time before entering into an agreement with Comcast to exchange the tendered debt securities for the new SpinCo notes held by Comcast. Following the spin-off transaction, the SpinCo indebtedness will no longer be consolidated with Comcast. See “The Charter divestiture transactions—Contribution and Spin-Off” for further information. The SpinCo financing transactions assume a hypothetical $300 million premium to par value on the debt-for-debt exchange, which is expected to result in a loss and is reflected as a pro forma adjustment to shareholders’ equity. This is partially offset by an adjustment to shareholders’ equity for the related tax benefit on this loss of $117 million which is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents is adjusted to eliminate $300 million related to the portion of the other bank debt and/or term loans to be used for general corporate purposes at SpinCo, which will no longer be consolidated with Comcast following the spin-off transaction, and to record the aggregate distributions of $4.5 billion by SpinCo to Comcast. There is also a corresponding adjustment to interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2014 related to the elimination of interest expense on the SpinCo indebtedness of $195 million partially offset by a reduction of interest expense on the tendered notes of $78 million. The corresponding adjustment to interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to the elimination of interest expense on the SpinCo indebtedness is $390 million partially offset by a reduction of interest expense on the tendered notes of $157 million.

 

  (f) Income taxes. Adjustments to record the deferred tax impact of acquisition accounting adjustments for the cable systems acquired from Charter in the exchange transaction primarily related to intangible assets, including franchise rights and property and equipment. The incremental deferred tax liabilities were calculated based on the tax effect of the approximately $4.5 billion of step-up in book basis of the net assets of Charter offset by the additional tax basis resulting from the transaction. In addition, there is an adjustment to reclassify $1.3 billion of deferred tax liabilities to current taxes payable resulting from the tax gain on the sale transaction. The income tax expense impact of the Charter divestiture transactions-related pro forma adjustments was determined by applying an estimated statutory tax rate of 39% to the pre-tax amount of the Charter divestiture transactions-related pro forma adjustments.

 

 

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  (g) Shareholders’ equity. Adjustment to reflect the changes in pro forma Comcast total shareholders’ equity as a result of the Charter divestiture transactions.

The amounts in the column titled “Comcast Cable Systems in SpinCo” represents the impact of the spin-off transaction, including the historical net assets of the cable systems included in SpinCo, as well as the impact on the net assets of SpinCo from the SpinCo financing transactions.

The amounts in the columns titled “TWC Cable Systems in Exchange and Sale Transactions” and “Charter Cable Systems Acquired in Exchange Transaction” represent the net assets of the cable systems included in the exchange and sale transactions on the basis described in Note 2. There is no gain or loss on the exchange and sale transactions assumed in this unaudited pro forma financial information, and as a result there is a pro forma adjustment of $11.4 billion relating to the impact of the cash proceeds from the exchange and sale transactions and the fair value adjustments related to the Charter cable systems acquired in the exchange.

The SpinCo financing transactions are expected to result in an estimated loss of $183 million, net of tax, relating to the hypothetical premium to par value on the debt-for-debt exchange as discussed further in Note 3e.

The following is a summary of the impact of the divestiture transactions on pro forma Comcast total shareholders’ equity:

Pro Forma Comcast Total Shareholders’ Equity

 

(in millions)       

Pro forma for TWC merger excluding Charter divestiture transactions

   $ 93,803   

Distribution of SpinCo to Comcast shareholders

     1,755   

Exchange and sale transactions

     —     

Loss from debt-for-debt exchange premium, net of tax

     (183
  

 

 

 

Pro forma for TWC merger including Charter divestiture transactions

   $ 95,375   
  

 

 

 

 

  (h) Fair value of cash, receivables and other assets and liabilities. Fair value related to these accounts is assumed to equal Charter’s historical carrying value for the cable systems acquired in the exchange transaction due to either the liquid nature or short duration of the asset or liability, or based upon overall immateriality to the purchase price allocation.

 

 

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  (i) Earnings per share. The pro forma combined basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 are calculated as follows:

 

(in millions, except per share data)    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 

Pro forma net income

   $ 3,928      $ 6,785   

Basic weighted average Comcast shares outstanding

     2,598        2,625   

TWC shares converted to Comcast shares(a)

     804        804   

Comcast incremental share repurchase—Note 3p to unaudited pro forma information giving effect to the TWC merger

     (46     (46)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma basic weighted average shares outstanding

     3,356        3,383   

Dilutive effect of securities:

    

Comcast equity awards

     38        40   

TWC equity awards converted to Comcast equity awards(a)

     12        12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     3,406        3,435   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma basic earnings per share

   $ 1.17      $ 2.01   

Pro forma diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.15      $ 1.98   

 

  (a) Represents the estimated number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be issued to TWC shareholders based on the number of shares of TWC common stock outstanding as of August 19, 2014 and after giving effect to the exchange ratio as determined in the TWC merger agreement. TWC basic shares outstanding and the estimated dilutive effect of TWC stock awards for both the six months ended June 30, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2013 were 280 million and 4 million, respectively.

 

  (j) Cash proceeds from exchange and sale transactions. Adjustments to reflect the cash proceeds received from the sale transaction of $7.7 billion and the cash received from the exchange transaction of $300 million, which is based on the difference in the estimated fair values of the cable systems exchanged. The adjustment to accrued expenses and other current liabilities reflects the income tax payable resulting from the tax gains on the sale transaction and a portion of the exchange transaction totaling $1.9 billion.

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information contained or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the matters addressed in “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, TWC stockholders should carefully consider the following risk factors in determining whether to vote for the adoption of the merger agreement, and Comcast shareholders should carefully consider the following risk factors in deciding whether to vote for the approval of the stock issuance. You should also read and consider the risk factors associated with each of the businesses of TWC and Comcast because these risk factors may affect the operations and financial results of the combined company. These risk factors may be found under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the Comcast 2013 10-K and the TWC 2013 10-K, each of which is on file with the SEC and both of which are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Because the exchange ratio is fixed and the market price of Comcast Class A common stock has fluctuated and will continue to fluctuate, TWC stockholders cannot be sure at the time they vote on the merger of the value of the merger consideration they will receive or the value of the TWC common stock they will give up.

Upon completion of the merger, each share of TWC common stock outstanding immediately prior to the merger (other than those held by TWC as treasury stock or any shares that may be owned by Comcast immediately prior to the effective time) will be converted into the right to receive 2.875 shares of Comcast Class A common stock. Because the exchange ratio is fixed, the value of the merger consideration will depend on the market price of Comcast Class A common stock at the time the merger is completed. The value of the merger consideration has fluctuated since the date of the announcement of the merger agreement and will continue to fluctuate from the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to the date of the TWC special meeting and the date the merger is completed and thereafter. The closing price per share of TWC common stock as of February 12, 2014, the last trading date before the public announcement of the merger agreement, was $135.31, and the closing price per share has fluctuated as high as $[] and as low as $[] between that date and [], 2014. The closing price per share of Comcast Class A common stock as of February 12, 2014, the last trading date before the public announcement of the merger agreement, was $55.24, and the closing price per share has fluctuated as high as $[] and as low as $[] between that date and [], 2014. Accordingly, at the time of the TWC special meeting, TWC stockholders will not know or be able to determine the market value of the merger consideration they would receive upon completion of the merger. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including, among others, general market and economic conditions, changes in Comcast’s and TWC’s respective businesses, operations and prospects, market assessments of the likelihood that the merger will be completed, the timing of the merger and regulatory considerations. Many of these factors are beyond Comcast’s and TWC’s control.

The market price of Comcast Class A common stock after the merger may be affected by factors different from those affecting shares of TWC common stock currently.

Upon completion of the merger, holders of TWC common stock will become holders of shares of Comcast Class A common stock. The businesses of Comcast differ from those of TWC in important respects, and, accordingly, the results of operations of Comcast after the merger, as well as the market price of Comcast Class A common stock, may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the results of operations of TWC. For further information on the businesses of Comcast and TWC and certain factors to consider in connection with those businesses, see the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus and referred to under “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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After completion of the merger, Comcast may fail to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the merger, which could adversely affect the value of Comcast Class A common stock.

The success of the merger will depend, in part, on Comcast’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings from combining the businesses of Comcast and TWC. The ability of Comcast to realize these anticipated benefits and cost savings is subject to certain risks including:

 

    Comcast’s ability to successfully combine the businesses of Comcast and TWC; and

 

    whether the combined business will perform as expected.

If Comcast is not able to successfully combine the businesses of Comcast and TWC within the anticipated time frame, or at all, the anticipated cost savings and other benefits of the merger may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected, the combined businesses may not perform as expected and the value of the Comcast Class A common stock (including the merger consideration) may be adversely affected.

Comcast and TWC have operated and, until completion of the merger, will continue to operate, independently, and there can be no assurances that their businesses can be integrated successfully. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key Comcast or TWC employees, the loss of subscribers and customers, the disruption of either company’s or both companies’ ongoing businesses or in unexpected integration issues, higher than expected integration costs and an overall post-completion integration process that takes longer than originally anticipated. Specifically, the following issues, among others, must be addressed in integrating the operations of TWC and Comcast in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger so the combined business performs as expected:

 

    combining certain of the companies’ operations and corporate functions;

 

    integrating the companies’ technologies;

 

    integrating and unifying the product offerings and services available to customers;

 

    identifying and eliminating redundant and underperforming functions and assets;

 

    harmonizing the companies’ operating practices, employee development and compensation programs, internal controls and other policies, procedures and processes;

 

    maintaining existing agreements with customers, distributors, providers and vendors and avoiding delays in entering into new agreements with prospective customers, distributors, providers and vendors;

 

    addressing possible differences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures and management philosophies;

 

    consolidating the companies’ administrative and information technology infrastructure;

 

    coordinating programming, distribution and marketing efforts;

 

    managing the movement of certain positions to different locations;

 

    coordinating geographically dispersed organizations; and

 

    effecting the divestiture transactions, or, if the divestiture transactions are not completed, effecting potential alternative divestitures and other actions that may be required in connection with obtaining regulatory approvals.

In addition, at times the attention of certain members of either company’s or both companies’ management and resources may be focused on completion of the merger and the integration of the businesses of the two companies and diverted from day-to-day business operations, which may disrupt each company’s ongoing business and the business of the combined company.

 

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Comcast and TWC may have difficulty attracting, motivating and retaining executives and other employees in light of the merger.

Uncertainty about the effect of the merger and the divestiture transactions on Comcast and TWC employees may impair Comcast’s and TWC’s ability to attract, retain and motivate personnel prior to and following the merger. Employee retention may be particularly challenging during the pendency of the merger, as employees of Comcast and TWC may experience uncertainty about their future roles with the combined business. In addition, pursuant to change-in-control provisions in their respective employment agreements with TWC, certain employees of TWC are entitled to receive severance payments upon a constructive termination of employment. Such TWC employees potentially could terminate their employment following specified circumstances set forth in their employment agreements, including certain changes in such employees’ duties, position, compensation and benefits or primary office location and collect severance. Such circumstances could occur in connection with the merger as a result of changes in roles and responsibilities. See “Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for a further discussion of some of these issues. If employees of Comcast or TWC depart, the integration of the companies may be more difficult and the combined company’s business following the merger may be harmed. Furthermore, Comcast may have to incur significant costs in identifying, hiring and retaining replacements for departing employees and may lose significant expertise and talent relating to the businesses of Comcast or TWC, and Comcast’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger may be adversely affected. In addition, there could be disruptions to or distractions for the workforce and management associated with activities of labor unions or integrating employees into Comcast.

Completion of the merger is subject to many conditions and if these conditions are not satisfied or waived, the merger will not be completed.

The obligations of Comcast and TWC to complete the merger are subject to satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions, including, among others: (i) adoption of the merger agreement by TWC stockholders, (ii) approval of the stock issuance by Comcast shareholders, (iii) expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period (or extension thereof) under the HSR Act, (iv) adoption of an order, and release of the full text thereof, by the FCC granting its consent to the transfer of control or assignment of the licenses and authorizations issued by the FCC to TWC or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and approval of certain LFAs, such that the sum of the aggregate number of subscribers of TWC belonging to franchise areas for which either (x) no LFA consent is required or (y) if LFA consent is required, such consent shall have been obtained, shall be no less than 85% of the aggregate number of video subscribers of TWC, (v) absence of any applicable law, order or injunction of certain governmental authorities that prohibits completion of the merger, (vi) approval for the listing on NASDAQ of the shares of Comcast Class A common stock to be issued in the merger, subject only to official notice of issuance, (vii) accuracy of the representations and warranties made in the merger agreement by the other party, subject to certain materiality thresholds, (viii) performance in all material respects by the other party of the material obligations required to be performed by it at or prior to completion of the merger, and (ix) the absence of a material adverse effect on the other party (see “The Merger Agreement—Definition of ‘Material Adverse Effect’” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for the definition of material adverse effect). In certain cases, Comcast’s obligation to complete the merger is further subject to the relevant governmental approvals having been received without the imposition of, and there being no applicable law imposing, a burdensome condition (see “The Merger Agreement—Reasonable Best Efforts Covenant” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for a definition of burdensome condition). For a more complete summary of the conditions that must be satisfied or waived prior to completion of the merger, see “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. There can be no assurance that the conditions to closing of the merger will be satisfied or waived or that the merger will be completed. See “—Failure to complete the merger could negatively impact the stock price and the future business and financial results of Comcast and TWC,” below.

 

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In order to complete the merger, Comcast and TWC must make certain governmental filings and obtain certain governmental authorizations, and if such filings and authorizations are not made or granted or are granted with conditions to the parties, completion of the merger may be jeopardized or the anticipated benefits of the merger could be reduced.

Completion of the merger is conditioned upon the expiration or early termination of the waiting periods relating to the merger under the HSR Act and the required governmental authorizations, including an order of the FCC, having been obtained and being in full force and effect. Although Comcast and TWC have agreed in the merger agreement to use their reasonable best efforts, subject to certain limitations, to make certain governmental filings or obtain the required governmental authorizations, as the case may be, there can be no assurance that the relevant waiting periods will expire or that the relevant authorizations will be obtained. In addition, the governmental authorities with or from which these authorizations are required have broad discretion in administering the governing regulations. As a condition to authorization of the merger or related transactions, these governmental authorities may impose requirements, limitations or costs or require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of Comcast’s business after completion of the merger. Under the terms of the merger agreement, subject to certain exceptions, (i) Comcast is prepared to divest up to approximately three million subscribers of the combined company and (ii) Comcast and its subsidiaries are required to (A) accept certain conditions and take certain actions imposed by governmental authorities that would apply to, or affect, the businesses, assets or properties of it, its subsidiaries or TWC and its subsidiaries, so long as such actions are consistent in scope and magnitude with the conditions and actions (other than any condition that was subsequently suspended by the agency that imposed the condition) required or imposed by governmental authorities in connection with prior acquisitions of United States domestic cable systems consummated within the past twelve years with an aggregate purchase price of at least $500 million, and (B) implement certain undertakings agreed to by TWC and Comcast described in “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger—Efforts to Obtain Regulatory Approvals” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. There can be no assurance that regulators will not impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions and that such conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of delaying completion of the merger or imposing additional material costs on or materially limiting the revenues of the combined company following the merger, or otherwise adversely affecting Comcast’s businesses and results of operations after completion of the merger. In addition, we can provide no assurance that these conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not result in the delay or abandonment of the merger. See “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger” and “The Merger Agreement—Reasonable Best Efforts Covenant” beginning on pages [] and [], respectively, of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Failure to complete the divestiture transactions with Charter could require Comcast to pursue an alternate disposition transaction, which may be on less favorable terms to Comcast. If the divestiture transactions are completed, the value of shares received in connection with the divestiture transactions may fluctuate.

On April 25, 2014, Comcast entered into the transactions agreement with Charter. The transactions agreement contemplates three transactions: (1) a contribution, spin-off and merger transaction, (2) an asset exchange and (3) a sale of assets. The consummation of the divestiture transactions is subject to a number of closing conditions, including, among others, completion of the merger, the receipt of certain regulatory approvals, approval by Charter’s stockholders and certain conditions relating to the financing for the divestiture transactions. Comcast and Charter may be unable to obtain the necessary approvals or otherwise satisfy the conditions required to consummate the divestiture transactions on a timely basis or at all. If Comcast is unable to consummate the divestiture transactions, Comcast may be required to pursue an alternative transaction to divest subscribers on terms which differ from the terms of the divestiture transactions. There is no assurance as to when any such alternate disposition transaction would be consummated, or that any such alternate disposition transaction would be consummated in a tax-efficient manner or otherwise on terms as favorable to Comcast and its shareholders (including, after the merger, the former TWC stockholders) as the divestiture transactions.

 

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If the divestiture transactions are completed, Comcast shareholders (including any legacy TWC stockholders who received shares of Comcast Class A common stock in the merger and continue to hold such shares through the record date for the divestiture transactions) will receive SpinCo shares and New Charter shares as described under “The Divestiture Transactions” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. There is currently no public market for SpinCo shares and there can be no assurance that an active trading market for SpinCo shares will develop as a result of the spin-off or be sustained in the future. The lack of an active market may make it more difficult to sell SpinCo shares and could lead to the price of SpinCo shares being depressed or more volatile. The prices at which SpinCo shares and New Charter shares may trade after the divestiture transactions is uncertain. The market price for SpinCo shares and New Charter shares may fluctuate widely, depending on many factors, some of which may be beyond SpinCo or New Charter’s control, including, actual or anticipated fluctuations in operating results due to factors related to SpinCo or New Charter’s business, the success or failure of the SpinCo and New Charter business strategies, SpinCo and New Charter’s ability to obtain third-party financing as needed, the failure of securities analysts to cover SpinCo or New Charter shares after the divestiture transactions, the operating and share price performance of other comparable companies, changes in laws and regulations affecting SpinCo and New Charter’s business, general economic conditions and other external factors. Additionally, stock markets in general have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the trading price of SpinCo and New Charter shares.

Comcast’s and TWC’s business relationships may be subject to disruption due to uncertainty associated with the merger.

Parties with which Comcast or TWC does business may experience uncertainty associated with the transaction, including with respect to current or future business relationships with Comcast, TWC or the combined business. Comcast’s and TWC’s business relationships may be subject to disruption as customers, distributors, suppliers, vendors and others may attempt to negotiate changes in existing business relationships or consider entering into business relationships with parties other than Comcast, TWC or the combined business. These disruptions could have an adverse effect on the businesses, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the combined business, including an adverse effect on Comcast’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger. The risk, and adverse effect, of such disruptions could be exacerbated by a delay in completion of the merger or termination of the merger agreement.

Certain of TWC’s executive officers and directors have interests in the merger that may be different from your interests as a stockholder of TWC or as a shareholder of Comcast.

When considering the recommendation of the TWC board of directors that TWC stockholders vote in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement and the recommendation of the Comcast board of directors that the Comcast shareholders approve the stock issuance, TWC stockholders and Comcast shareholders should be aware that directors and executive officers of TWC have certain interests in the merger that may be different from or in addition to the interests of TWC stockholders and Comcast shareholders generally. These include severance rights, rights to continuing indemnification and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and payment pursuant to certain equity awards. See “Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for a more detailed description of these interests. The TWC board of directors and the Comcast board of directors were aware of these interests and considered them, among other things, in evaluating and negotiating the merger agreement and the merger and in recommending that the TWC stockholders adopt the merger agreement and that the Comcast shareholders approve the stock issuance.

The merger agreement limits TWC’s ability to pursue alternatives to the merger and may discourage other companies from trying to acquire TWC for greater consideration than what Comcast has agreed to pay.

The merger agreement contains provisions that make it more difficult for TWC to sell its business to a party other than Comcast. These provisions include a general prohibition on TWC soliciting any acquisition proposal or offer for a competing transaction. Further, there are only limited exceptions to TWC’s agreement that the

 

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TWC board of directors will not withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Comcast the recommendation of the TWC board of directors in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement, and Comcast generally has a right to match any competing acquisition proposals that may be made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to the adoption of the merger agreement by TWC stockholders, the TWC board of directors is permitted to withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Comcast the recommendation of the TWC board of directors in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement if it determines in good faith that the failure to take such action would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties to TWC stockholders under applicable law. The merger agreement, however, also requires that TWC submit the adoption of the merger agreement to a vote of TWC’s stockholders even if the TWC board of directors changes its recommendation in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement in a manner adverse to Comcast. See “The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation by TWC” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

While TWC believes these provisions and agreement are reasonable and customary and are not preclusive of other offers, the provisions might discourage a third party that has an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of TWC from considering or proposing that acquisition, even if that party were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per-share value than the currently proposed merger consideration.

Failure to complete the merger could negatively impact the stock price and the future business and financial results of Comcast and TWC.

If the merger is not completed for any reason, including as a result of TWC stockholders or Comcast shareholders failing to approve the necessary proposals, the ongoing businesses of Comcast and TWC may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the benefits of having completed the merger, Comcast and TWC would be subject to a number of risks, including the following:

 

    Comcast and TWC may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on their respective stock prices;

 

    Comcast and TWC may experience negative reactions from their respective customers, regulators and employees;

 

    Comcast and TWC will be required to pay certain costs relating to the merger, whether or not the merger is completed;

 

    the merger agreement places certain restrictions on the conduct of TWC’s and Comcast’s businesses prior to completion of the merger. Such restrictions, the waiver of which is subject to the consent of the other party (in certain cases, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), may prevent TWC and Comcast from making certain acquisitions, taking certain other specified actions or otherwise pursuing business opportunities during the pendency of the merger (see “The Merger Agreement—Conduct of Business Pending the Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for a description of the restrictive covenants applicable to TWC and Comcast); and

 

    matters relating to the merger (including integration planning) will require substantial commitments of time and resources by Comcast and TWC management, which would otherwise have been devoted to day-to-day operations and other opportunities that may have been beneficial to either Comcast or TWC as an independent company.

If the merger is not completed, the risks described above may materialize and they may adversely affect Comcast’s and TWC’s businesses, financial condition, financial results and stock prices.

In addition, Comcast and TWC could be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the merger or related to any enforcement proceeding commenced against Comcast or TWC to perform their respective obligations under the merger agreement. If the merger is not completed, these risks may materialize and may adversely affect Comcast’s and TWC’s businesses, financial condition, financial results and stock prices.

 

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The Comcast Class A common stock to be received by TWC stockholders upon completion of the merger will have different rights from shares of TWC common stock.

Upon completion of the merger, TWC stockholders will no longer be stockholders of TWC, a Delaware corporation, but will instead become shareholders of Comcast, a Pennsylvania corporation, and their rights as shareholders will be governed by Pennsylvania law and the terms of Comcast’s articles and Comcast’s Amended and Restated By-laws, which are referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Comcast’s by-laws. Pennsylvania law and the terms of Comcast’s articles and Comcast’s by-laws are in some respects materially different than Delaware law and the terms of TWC’s charter and by-laws, which currently govern the rights of TWC stockholders. See “Comparison of Stockholder Rights” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for a discussion of the different rights associated with Comcast Class A common stock.

After the merger, TWC stockholders will have a significantly lower ownership and voting interest in Comcast than they currently have in TWC and will exercise less influence over management.

Based on the number of shares of TWC common stock outstanding as of [], 2014, and the number of shares of Comcast Class A common stock outstanding as of [], 2014, it is expected that, immediately after completion of the merger, former TWC stockholders will own approximately []% of the outstanding shares of Comcast common stock (including Comcast Class A common stock, Comcast Class A Special common stock and Comcast Class B common stock), representing []% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock and []% of the combined voting power of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock. Comcast Class B common stock has a nondilutable 33 1/3% of the combined voting power of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock, along with approval rights with respect to certain actions. Consequently, former TWC stockholders will have less influence over the management and policies of Comcast than they currently have over the management and policies of TWC.

Lawsuits have been filed and other lawsuits may be filed against TWC and Comcast challenging the merger. An adverse ruling in any such lawsuit may prevent the merger from being completed.

Following the announcement of the merger, eight putative class action complaints challenging the merger have been filed on behalf of purported TWC stockholders in the New York Supreme Court and the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. Five of these actions have been consolidated in the New York Supreme Court under the following caption: Barrett, et al. v. Time Warner Cable Inc., et al., Index No. 650507/2014 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.). Three of these actions are pending in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware under the following captions: Louisiana Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System v. Black, et al., No. 9410-VCN (Del. Ch.); Tangarone v. Time Warner Cable Inc., et al., No. 9471-VCN (Del. Ch.); Empire State Supply Corp. v. Time Warner Cable Inc., et al., No. 9477-VCN. These complaints name as defendants TWC, the members of the TWC board of directors, Comcast and Merger Sub. The complaints generally allege, among other things, that the members of the TWC board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to TWC stockholders during merger negotiations and by entering into the merger agreement and approving the merger, and that TWC, Comcast and Merger Sub aided and abetted such breaches of fiduciary duties. The complaints further allege that the joint proxy statement/prospectus filed by Comcast with the SEC on March 20, 2014, which contained the preliminary proxy statement of TWC, was misleading or omitted certain material information. The complaints seek, among other relief, injunctive relief enjoining the stockholder vote and merger, unspecified declaratory and equitable relief, compensatory damages in an unspecified amount and costs and fees.

On July 22, 2014, the parties to the litigation entered into an MOU reflecting the terms of an agreement, subject to final approval by the New York Supreme Court and certain other conditions, to settle all of the outstanding litigation challenging the merger. The defendants believe that the claims asserted against them in the lawsuits are without merit and, if the settlement does not receive final approval by the New York Supreme Court or is otherwise not consummated, intend to defend the litigation vigorously. The defendants are entering into the settlement solely to eliminate the burden and expense of further litigation, to put the claims that were or could

 

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have been asserted to rest, and to avoid any possible delay to the closing of the merger that might arise from further litigation. The settlement will not affect the timing of the merger or the amount of consideration to be paid in the merger.

See “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—Litigation Relating to the Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for more information about the lawsuits related to the merger that have been filed prior to the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

One of the conditions to completion of the merger is the absence of any applicable law (including any order) being in effect that prohibits completion of the merger. Accordingly, if a plaintiff is successful in obtaining an order enjoining completion of the merger, then such order may prevent the merger from being completed, or from being completed within the expected time frame.

As a result of the assumption of TWC’s outstanding debt, the indebtedness of Comcast following completion of the merger will be substantially greater than Comcast’s indebtedness on a stand-alone basis. This increased level of indebtedness could adversely affect Comcast, including by decreasing Comcast’s business flexibility, and will increase its interest expense.

Comcast would have substantially increased indebtedness following completion of the merger in comparison to that of Comcast on a recent historical basis, which would have the effect, among other things, of reducing Comcast’s flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and increasing Comcast’s interest expense. In addition, the amount of cash required to service Comcast’s increased indebtedness levels following completion of the merger and thus the demands on Comcast’s cash resources will be greater than the amount of cash flows required to service the indebtedness of Comcast prior to the transaction. The increased levels of indebtedness following completion of the merger could also reduce funds available for Comcast’s investments in product development as well as capital expenditures, share repurchases and other activities and may create competitive disadvantages for Comcast relative to other companies with lower debt levels.

In addition, Comcast’s credit ratings impact the cost and availability of future borrowings and, accordingly, Comcast’s cost of capital. Comcast’s ratings reflect each rating organization’s opinion of Comcast’s financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet Comcast’s debt obligations.

Each of the ratings organizations reviews Comcast’s ratings periodically, and there can be no assurance that Comcast’s current ratings will be maintained in the future. Although each of the ratings organizations confirmed Comcast’s ratings after the announcement of the merger and following a subsequent $2.2 billion debt issuance by Comcast, downgrades in Comcast’s ratings could adversely affect Comcast’s businesses, cash flows, financial condition, operating results and stock and debt prices.

Comcast and TWC will incur significant transaction and merger-related costs in connection with the merger.

Comcast and TWC expect to incur a number of non-recurring costs associated with the merger and combining the operations of the two companies. The substantial majority of non-recurring expenses will be comprised of transaction costs related to the merger. The significant, non-recurring costs associated with the merger include, among others, fees and expenses of financial advisors (which are described under “Opinions of TWC’s Financial Advisors,” “Opinion of Financial Advisor to the TWC Independent Directors” and “Opinion of Comcast’s Financial Advisor” beginning on pages [], [] and [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, respectively) and other advisors and representatives, certain employment-related costs relating to employees of TWC (which are described under “Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus), filing fees due in connection with filings required under the HSR Act and filing fees (which equaled approximately $5 million), litigation costs and printing and mailing costs for this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Some of these costs have already been incurred or may be incurred regardless of whether

 

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the merger is consummated, including a portion of the fees and expenses of financial advisors and other advisors and representatives and filing fees for this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Comcast also will incur transaction fees and costs related to formulating and implementing integration plans with respect to the two companies, including facilities and systems consolidation costs. Comcast continues to assess the magnitude of these costs, and additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in the merger and the integration of the two companies’ businesses. Although Comcast expects that the elimination of duplicative costs, as well as the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses, should allow Comcast to offset integration-related costs over time, this net benefit may not be achieved in the near term, or at all.

The merger, the divestiture transactions and any alternate disposition transactions may not be accretive, and may be dilutive, to Comcast’s earnings per share, which may negatively affect the market price of Comcast Class A common stock.

Because shares of Comcast Class A common stock will be issued in the merger and fair value adjustments are required under acquisition accounting to TWC’s tangible and intangible assets (including recognizing additional intangible assets relating to amortizing customer relationships), as indicated in “Comcast Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements—Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income Giving Effect to the TWC Merger For the Year Ended December 31, 2013” and “Comcast Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements—Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income Giving Effect to the TWC Merger For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014” beginning on pages [] and [], respectively, of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, Comcast expects that the merger will initially be dilutive to its earnings per share, which may negatively affect the market price of shares of Comcast Class A common stock. In addition, the divestiture transactions contemplate the combined company divesting a net total of approximately 3.9 million subscribers, including 2.5 million existing Comcast subscribers to be contributed to SpinCo and spun off to the combined company’s shareholders. Comcast expects the divestiture transactions, if consummated, to be further dilutive to its earnings per share. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements Giving Effect to the TWC Merger and Charter Divestiture Transactions—Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 and For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. If the divestiture transactions are not consummated and Comcast instead enters into an alternate disposition transaction, such alternate disposition transaction may be dilutive to Comcast’s earnings per share as well.

In connection with the completion of the merger, Comcast expects to issue approximately [] shares of Comcast Class A common stock. The issuance of these new shares of Comcast Class A common stock could have the effect of depressing the market price of shares of Comcast Class A common stock.

In January 2014, the Comcast board of directors increased Comcast’s share repurchase authorization to $7.5 billion of Comcast Class A common stock and/or Comcast Class A Special common stock. At that time, Comcast announced that it expects to repurchase $3 billion of stock during 2014, subject to market conditions. In addition, after Comcast’s shareholders approve the stock issuance and TWC’s stockholders approve the merger, Comcast intends to repurchase an additional $2.5 billion of stock during 2014, subject to market conditions. In February 2014, in connection with the announcement of the merger, Comcast announced its intention to increase its share repurchase authorization by an additional $10 billion of Comcast common stock after the closing of the merger transaction. Although Comcast’s current intention is to increase the share repurchases and authorization and ultimately complete the additional share buybacks, there is no guarantee that the Comcast board of directors will authorize, or that Comcast will complete, such actions. The timing and amount of any share buyback activity following the special meetings and after the closing of the merger will depend on prevailing market conditions, as well as Comcast’s operating and financial profile. Further, there is no guarantee as to the timing of additional share buyback or as to whether any additional share buyback, whether completed in full or in part, will be sufficient to prevent dilution to Comcast’s earnings per share.

 

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In addition, future events and conditions could increase the dilution that is currently projected, including adverse changes in market conditions, additional transaction and integration related costs and other factors such as the failure to realize some or all of the benefits anticipated in the merger. Any dilution of, or delay of any accretion to, Comcast’s earnings per share could cause the price of shares of Comcast Class A common stock to decline or grow at a reduced rate.

The Comcast unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus are preliminary and the actual financial condition and results of operations after the merger may differ materially.

The Comcast unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements in this joint proxy statement/prospectus are presented for illustrative purposes only are not necessarily indicative of what Comcast’s actual financial condition or results or operations would have been had the merger been completed on the dates indicated. The Comcast unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements reflect adjustments, which are based upon preliminary estimates, to record the TWC identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value and the resulting goodwill recognized. The purchase price allocation reflected in this document is preliminary, and final allocation of the purchase price will be based upon the actual purchase price and the fair value of the assets and liabilities of TWC as of the date of the completion of the merger. Accordingly, the final acquisition accounting adjustments may differ materially from the pro forma adjustments reflected in this document. For more information, see “Comcast Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Risks relating to Comcast and TWC.

Comcast and TWC are, and following completion of the merger Comcast will continue to be, subject to the risks described in (i) Part I, Item 1A in the Comcast 2013 10-K and (ii) Part I, Item 1A in the TWC 2013 10-K. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The SEC encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions. In this joint proxy statement/prospectus, Comcast and TWC state their beliefs of future events and of their future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify these so-called “forward-looking statements” by words such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “expects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of these words, and other comparable words. You should be aware that these statements are only predictions. In evaluating these statements, you should consider various factors, including the risks and uncertainties listed in “Risk Factors” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and in other reports that Comcast and TWC file with the SEC.

Additionally, Comcast and TWC operate in highly competitive, consumer-driven and rapidly changing environments. These environments are affected by government regulation; economic, strategic, political and social conditions; competition affecting the industries in which they operate; consumer response to new and existing products and services; technological developments; and, particularly in view of new technologies, the ability to develop and protect intellectual property rights. The actual results of Comcast or TWC could differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of any of such factors, which could adversely affect Comcast’s and TWC’s businesses, results of operations or financial condition. Neither Comcast nor TWC undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Both Comcast’s and TWC’s businesses, and any anticipated benefits of the merger to Comcast shareholders and TWC stockholders, may be affected by, among other things:

 

    the timing to complete the merger;

 

    failure to receive necessary shareholder approvals;

 

    the risk that a condition to completion of the merger may not be satisfied;

 

    the risk that a regulatory or other approval that may be required for the merger is delayed, is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated or that may be burdensome;

 

    the risk that a condition to completion of the divestiture transactions may not be satisfied and Comcast is required to pursue an alternate disposition transaction, which may be on less favorable terms;

 

    the anticipated benefits of the merger and the divestiture transactions to Comcast and Comcast’s ability to achieve the synergies and value creation projected to be realized following completion of the merger and divestiture transactions;

 

    Comcast’s ability to promptly and effectively integrate TWC’s businesses;

 

    changes in Comcast’s plans to effect the divestiture transactions or an alternate disposition transaction and complete potential share repurchases;

 

    the diversion of management and workforce time on merger-related issues, including activities of labor unions and the integration of TWC employees into Comcast;

 

    changes in Comcast’s or TWC’s businesses, future cash requirements, capital requirements, results of operations, revenues, financial condition and/or cash flows;

 

    changes in acquisition-related transaction costs, the amount of fees paid to financial advisors and the potential payments to TWC’s named executive officers in connection with the merger;

 

    operating costs and business disruption that may be greater than expected;

 

    the ability to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with providers or other business partners pending completion of the merger; and

 

    effects of competition.

 

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THE COMPANIES

Comcast Corporation

Comcast is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast was incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania in 2001 and, through its predecessors, has developed, managed and operated cable systems since 1963. In 2011, Comcast closed the NBCUniversal transaction in which it acquired control of the businesses of NBCUniversal, and in 2013, Comcast acquired General Electric Company’s remaining 49% common equity interest in NBCUniversal. Comcast presents its operations for Comcast Cable in one reportable business segment, Cable Communications, and its operations for NBCUniversal in four reportable business segments.

 

    Cable Communications: Consists of the operations of Comcast Cable, which is the nation’s largest provider of video, high-speed Internet and voice services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides similar services to businesses and sells advertising. As of June 30, 2014, Comcast’s cable systems served 22.5 million video customers, 21.3 million high-speed Internet customers and 11.0 million voice customers and passed more than 54 million homes and businesses. As of June 30, 2014, Comcast had customer relationships with approximately 25.1 million residential customers and 1.6 million business customers.

 

    Cable Networks: Consists primarily of Comcast’s national cable networks, its regional sports and news networks, its international cable networks, and its cable television production operations.

 

    Broadcast Television: Consists primarily of the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, Comcast’s 10 NBC and 17 Telemundo owned local broadcast television stations, and Comcast’s broadcast television production operations.

 

    Filmed Entertainment: Consists primarily of the studio operations of Universal Pictures, which produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide.

 

    Theme Parks: Consists primarily of Comcast’s Universal theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood.

The Cable Networks, Broadcast Television, Filmed Entertainment and Theme Parks segments comprise the NBCUniversal businesses.

In 2013, Comcast’s Cable Communications segment generated 65% of Comcast’s consolidated revenue and 80% of its operating income before depreciation and amortization.

Comcast’s other business interests primarily include Comcast-Spectacor, which owns the Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center arena in Philadelphia and operates arena management-related businesses.

Time Warner Cable Inc.

TWC is among the largest providers of video, high-speed data and voice services in the U.S., with technologically advanced, well-clustered cable systems located mainly in five geographic areas—New York State (including New York City), the Carolinas, the Midwest (including Ohio, Kentucky and Wisconsin), Southern California (including Los Angeles) and Texas. TWC’s mission is to connect its customers to the world—simply, reliably and with superior service. As of June 30, 2014, TWC served approximately 14.5 million residential customers and 658,000 business customers who subscribed to one or more of its video, high-speed data and voice services. TWC’s business services also include networking and transport services (including cell tower backhaul services) and enterprise-class, cloud-enabled hosting, managed applications and services. TWC also sells video and online advertising inventory to a variety of local, regional and national customers.

Time Warner Cable Inc. was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on March 21, 2003, and TWC and its predecessors have been in the cable business for over 40 years in various legal forms.

 

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SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF COMCAST

Comcast is providing this joint proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be voted at the Comcast special meeting of shareholders (or any adjournment or postponement of the Comcast special meeting) that Comcast has called to consider and vote on a proposal to approve the stock issuance and a proposal to adjourn the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient proxies to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting.

Date, Time and Location

Together with this joint proxy statement/prospectus, Comcast is also sending Comcast shareholders a notice of the Comcast special meeting and a form of proxy that is solicited by the Comcast board of directors for use at the Comcast special meeting to be held on [], 2014, at [] located at [], at [] AM, local time, and any adjournments or postponements of the Comcast special meeting.

Only shareholders or their proxy holders may attend the Comcast special meeting. If you hold shares in your name at the record date (the close of business on [], 2014), please be prepared to provide proper identification, such as a driver’s license, to gain admission to the Comcast special meeting.

If you are a beneficial owner of Comcast common shares held in “street name” by a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record at the record date (the close of business on [], 2014), in addition to proper identification, you will also need proof of ownership at the record date to be admitted to the Comcast special meeting. A brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership. If you want to vote your shares of Comcast common stock held in “street name” in person at the Comcast special meeting, you will have to obtain a legal proxy in your name from the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record that holds your shares.

Purpose

At the Comcast special meeting, Comcast shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on the following proposals:

 

    to approve the stock issuance; and

 

    to approve the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the special meeting.

The Comcast board of directors does not presently intend to bring any other business before the Comcast special meeting, and the Comcast board of directors does not expect any other matters to be brought before the Comcast special meeting. However, it is intended that proxies, in the form enclosed, will be voted in respect of any other business that may properly come before the Comcast special meeting in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting such proxies.

Comcast shareholders are not entitled to vote on the divestiture transactions, and no vote with respect thereto is being solicited by Comcast.

Recommendations of the Comcast Board of Directors

After consideration and consultation with its advisors, the members of the Comcast board of directors present at the Comcast board meeting unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the merger, the stock issuance and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of Comcast and unanimously approved and declared advisable the merger agreement, the merger, the stock issuance and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The Comcast board of directors unanimously recommends that Comcast shareholders vote “FOR” the stock issuance. The Comcast board of directors further unanimously recommends that Comcast shareholders vote “FOR” the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at

 

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the time of the Comcast special meeting. See “TWC Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement and Comcast Proposal I: Approval of the Stock Issuance—Comcast’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Comcast Board of Directors” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus for a more detailed discussion of the recommendation of the Comcast board of directors that Comcast shareholders approve the stock issuance.

Comcast Record Date; Outstanding Shares; Shareholders Entitled to Vote

The Comcast board of directors has fixed the close of business on [], 2014, as the record date for determination of the Comcast shareholders entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Comcast special meeting. Only Comcast shareholders of record on the record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Comcast special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Comcast special meeting. As of the close of business on [], 2014, there were [] shares of Comcast Class A common shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting, held by approximately [] holders of record. As of the close of business on [], 2014, there were 9,444,375 shares of Comcast Class B common shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting, held by three holders of record. Brian L. Roberts, Comcast’s Chairman and CEO, beneficially owns all of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock. A complete list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting will be available at the Comcast special meeting for inspection by any shareholder.

Quorum

A quorum of shareholders at the Comcast special meeting is required for Comcast shareholders to approve the stock issuance, but not to approve any adjournment of the Comcast special meeting. The presence at the Comcast special meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the votes that all shareholders are entitled to cast will constitute a quorum. Abstentions will be deemed present and entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. Comcast common shares held in “street name” with respect to which the beneficial owner fails to give voting instructions to the broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, and shares of Comcast common stock with respect to which the beneficial owner otherwise fails to vote, will not be considered present and entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

If the Comcast special meeting is adjourned for one or more periods aggregating at least 15 days due to the absence of a quorum, Comcast shareholders who are entitled to vote and who attend (including by proxy) the adjourned meeting, even though they do not constitute a quorum as described in the preceding paragraph, will constitute a quorum for the purpose of acting on any matter described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Required Vote

Approval of the stock issuance requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by Comcast Class A shareholders and Comcast Class B shareholders, voting as a single class, along with the affirmative vote of (i) a majority of the votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by Comcast Class B shareholders or (ii) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock, acting by written consent, which written consent has previously been obtained. As of the record date, each holder of Comcast Class A common stock is entitled to [] votes per share and each holder of Comcast Class B common stock is entitled to 15 votes per share. Holders of Comcast Class A Special common stock are not entitled to vote at the meeting.

As described above, certain Comcast shareholders have entered into the voting agreement, pursuant to which they have agreed with TWC to vote their shares of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock in favor of the stock issuance and against any corporate action that would frustrate the purposes or impede the consummation of the merger. As of the record date, these shares represent an aggregate of approximately [0.02]% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock and 100% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock, which together represent approximately [33.35]% of the

 

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combined voting power of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock for purposes of the single class vote. The voting agreement may be terminated under certain circumstances.

Following entry into the merger agreement, pursuant to the voting agreement, holders of all the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock delivered the written consent approving the stock issuance for purposes of the separate Class B vote. The written consent may be revoked by the Comcast Class B shareholders under certain circumstances. See “The Voting Agreement” beginning on page [] of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

The written consent is sufficient to approve the stock issuance for purposes of the separate Class B vote. Accordingly, the only vote being sought at the Comcast special meeting on the proposal to approve the stock issuance is the single class vote. An abstention is not considered a vote cast. Accordingly, with respect to the single class vote, assuming a quorum is present, a Comcast shareholder’s abstention from voting, the failure of a Comcast shareholder who holds his or her shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record or a Comcast shareholder’s other failure to vote will have no effect on the proposal.

Approval of the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies, if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Comcast special meeting by Comcast Class A shareholders and Comcast Class B shareholders, voting as a single class. An abstention is not considered a vote cast. Accordingly, a Comcast shareholder’s abstention from voting, the failure of a Comcast shareholder who holds his or her shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record to give voting instructions to that broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record or a Comcast shareholder’s other failure to vote will have no effect on the outcome of any vote to adjourn the Comcast special meeting.

Share Ownership of and Voting by Comcast Directors and Executive Officers

At the record date for the Comcast special meeting (the close of business on [], 2014), Comcast’s directors and executive officers and their affiliates beneficially owned and had the right to vote [] shares of Comcast common stock at the Comcast special meeting, which represents approximately []% of the shares of Comcast common stock entitled to vote at the Comcast special meeting.

It is expected that Comcast’s directors and executive officers will vote their shares “FOR” the stock issuance and “FOR” the adjournment of the Comcast special meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the stock issuance at the time of the Comcast special meeting. In addition, under the terms of the voting agreement, certain shareholders have agreed with TWC to vote certain shares in favor of the stock issuance and against any corporate action that would frustrate the purposes or impede the consummation of the merger. These shares include certain shares controlled by Comcast’s Chairman and CEO and his family members, and represent as of the record date an aggregate of approximately [0.02]% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class A common stock and 100% of the outstanding shares of Comcast Class B common stock, which together represent approximately [33.35]% of the combined voting power of Comcast Class A common stock and Comcast Class B common stock.

Voting of  Shares

Via the Internet or by Telephone

If you hold Comcast shares directly in your name as a shareholder of record, you may vote via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com or by telephone by calling (800) 690-6903 toll-free. Votes submitted via the Internet or by telephone must be received by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on [], 2014.

If you hold Comcast shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, you may vote via the Internet or by telephone only if Internet or telephone voting is made available by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record. Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record with these materials.

 

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By Mail

If you hold Comcast shares directly in your name as a shareholder of record, you will need to sign, date and mark your proxy card and return it using the postage-paid return envelope provided or return it to Vote Processing, Comcast Corporation, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. must receive your proxy card no later than the close of business on [], 2014.

If you hold Comcast shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, to vote by mail, you will need to sign, date and mark the voting instruction form provided by your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record and return it in the postage-paid return envelope provided. Your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record must receive your voting instruction form in sufficient time to vote your shares.

In Person

If you hold Comcast shares directly in your name as a shareholder of record, you may vote in person at the Comcast special meeting. Shareholders of record also may be represented by another person at the Comcast special meeting by executing a proper proxy designating that person.

If you hold Comcast shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record, you must obtain a legal proxy from that institution and present it to the inspector of elections with your ballot to be able to vote in person at the Comcast special meeting. To request a legal proxy, please contact your broker, bank, nominee or other holder of record.

When a shareholder submits a proxy via the Internet or by telephone, his or her proxy i