The stock was down 9.2% before the opening bell, extending its losses to more than 44% since reaching a record high in June 2025.

The latest forecast is the second straight quarter in which Netflix has guided below analysts’ estimates. Following the update, at least 11 analysts lowered their price targets for the company’s shares.

Although Netflix has expanded beyond its traditional subscription business, adding advertising, live programming and higher subscription prices to increase revenue per user, investors are still focused on whether it can continue attracting new subscribers.

Jeffrey Wlodarczak, an analyst at Pivotal Research Group, said subscriber growth remains the company’s biggest challenge as younger viewers spend more time on free social media platforms than on long-form streaming services.

“The story lacks excitement,” he said.

He added, “We believe this will result in slower subscriber growth and attempts by the company to offset this via more aggressive price increases and investment in content.”

Analysts also pointed to stronger competition from established streaming rivals such as Disney as well as YouTube, which continues to attract younger audiences with free video content.

Jefferies analysts said Netflix’s content line-up for the second half of 2026 is weaker than the one it offered a year earlier, which could make it harder to reassure investors.

Netflix has also reduced the amount of performance data it shares with the market. The company stopped publishing quarterly subscriber figures in 2025 and announced that, from January 2027, it will release its viewing-hours report once a year instead of twice.

Despite the recent decline, Netflix still trades at a premium compared with some of its biggest rivals. Its shares are valued at about 19.9 times expected earnings over the next 12 months, compared with 13.5 times for Disney and 6.6 times for Comcast.

With the decline, investors are currently concerned that Netflix may find it difficult to maintain the strong growth that once set it apart, especially as viewers have more entertainment choices and free online platforms continue to gain ground.

The post Netflix Shares Fall 9% as Weak Earnings Forecast Disappoints Investors appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This is one of the biggest changes in its history as it separates its broadband and technology operations from its media and entertainment assets.

The tax-free spin-off, which is expected to be completed within the next year, will see NBCUniversal and Sky become an independent company, while Comcast continues as a standalone technology and connectivity business. 

Existing Comcast shareholders will own shares in both companies after the separation.

The media company will include Universal’s film and television studios, NBC, Telemundo, streaming platform Peacock, Sky, Bravo and Universal’s theme parks. 

Comcast, meanwhile, will focus on broadband, wireless services, business connectivity and its technology platforms.

The company said the decision reflects changes in the communications and entertainment industries, arguing that each business will be better placed to pursue its own growth plans and respond to changing market conditions.

Brian Roberts, chairman and co-chief executive officer of Comcast, will remain involved in both businesses after the separation. 

Mike Cavanagh will become CEO of the new NBCUniversal, while former Comcast Chief Financial Officer Michael Angelakis will return as Comcast’s CEO after the transaction is completed. He will first rejoin the company as a strategic adviser.

Announcing the decision, Roberts said: “This is a very exciting day for our company. The transaction we are announcing will unlock a more entrepreneurial management approach and open up a multitude of new opportunities for each business. I very much look forward to helping guide our collective growth for this next chapter.”

Speaking about the leadership changes, he added: “Mike Cavanagh will lead the new NBCUniversal media and entertainment company as CEO. Mike is one of the finest executives I’ve ever worked with and a trusted partner. His vision is for a unique, independent, focused company that will be home to some of the industry’s most valuable brands and assets across theme parks, film, television, streaming, sports and news.”

Roberts also welcomed Angelakis back to the company, saying, “I am also incredibly pleased to welcome back Michael Angelakis as Comcast CEO. As our widely admired former CFO, Michael’s deep knowledge of the business and passion for technology – combined with the leadership of Steve Croney, Jason Armstrong and the entire Comcast management team – will serve us well as we continue to take bold actions in today’s competitive environment.”

Cavanagh said both companies would begin operating independently from a position of strength.

“Both companies begin this next chapter from positions of strength. Comcast will continue to build on its leadership in connectivity, while NBCUniversal, together with Sky, will have the scale, brands, content and financial resources to compete as a premier global media and entertainment company,” he said.

He added, “I’m personally thrilled to continue leading NBCUniversal into the future. With our iconic brands and theme parks, leading franchises and incredible creative talent, we are well-positioned for long-term value creation.”

Angelakis said he was looking forward to returning to the company.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside Comcast’s talented leadership team for many years, and am excited to return to partner with Brian, Steve, Jason and the entire organisation. Comcast’s exceptional assets, entrepreneurial roots, deep customer relationships and strong track record of innovation and technological leadership provide a powerful foundation for the future.”

The separation reverses years of consolidation that brought content production and distribution under one company. Comcast first acquired a controlling stake in NBCUniversal from General Electric in 2011 before taking full ownership two years later.

The move also follows growing pressure on traditional media companies as cable television subscriptions continue to decline and streaming services reshape the industry. At the same time, Comcast’s broadband business has faced increasing competition from wireless internet providers and expanding fibre networks.

Industry analysts believe the split could also make NBCUniversal more attractive for future mergers or acquisitions, although no potential deal has been announced.

Comcast said the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals, board approval, financing arrangements and other customary conditions. The company also plans to retain up to a 19.9% stake in NBCUniversal for up to one year after the spin-off before gradually selling that holding in a tax-efficient manner.

The post Comcast to Split Into Two Public Companies as NBCUniversal Becomes Independent appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The breach, which took place in February 2024, compromised sensitive data, including customers’ names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and account information.

This incident comes from a cyberattack on FBCS, a Pennsylvania-based debt collection agency that previously worked with Comcast but ceased operations for the telecom giant in 2020. 

Initially, FBCS assured Comcast that no customer data had been affected by the breach. However, a few months later, in July, the debt collection agency revised the notice, confirming that customer data had indeed been compromised.

The attack itself occurred between 14 and 26 February 2024, during which time cybercriminals gained access to FBCS’s systems. The attackers reportedly extracted large amounts of data and encrypted some systems in a ransomware effort. 

Comcast’s affected customers had registered around 2021, and the breach is tied to FBCS’s data retention practices, which goes beyond its working relationship with the telecom company.

While Comcast has confirmed the scope of the breach, the incident impacted more than just its subscribers. FBCS disclosed in an earlier filing that the attack had exposed the personal information of over 4.25 million individuals, affecting customers of various organisations. 

Among them are Truist Bank and CF Medical, both of which reported some breaches. CF Medical, for instance, saw the health information of more than 620,000 people stolen as part of the ransomware attack.

In light of the breach, Comcast has offered credit monitoring and identity protection services for a year to the affected customers. The company clarified that the security incident occurred entirely within FBCS’s systems and did not compromise its own platforms or those of its Xfinity services. 

However, FBCS has informed Comcast that due to its financial difficulties, it will be unable to provide additional support or protection services to individuals impacted by the attack.

Authorities are still investigating the full scope of the ransomware incident, but no major ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. While Comcast continues to respond to the aftermath of the breach, the situation reiterates the risks companies face when relying on third-party providers for services, especially in data handling and security.

The post Comcast Confirms Data Breach Affecting 238,000 Customers in Ransomware Attack appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This strategic Showmax relaunch is in partnership with industry giants Multichoice Group, Comcast, NBC Universal, and Sky.

Showmax’s General Manager in Nigeria, Opeoluwa Filani, representing John Ugbe, the CEO, expressed gratitude during the pre-launch event, stating, “It’s an absolute delight to stand before you as we usher in a new era for Showmax in collaboration with Comcast, NBC Universal, and Sky.”

Filani highlighted the importance of this collaboration, emphasizing the creation of a new Showmax that reflects the changing environment of streaming video on demand services. He also mentioned the upcoming February launch, promising a brand-new look, an innovative app, and an entirely revamped product supported by cutting-edge technology.

“Our steadfast dedication lies in amplifying indigenous content creation, championing narratives that authentically represent Africa’s rich cultural heritage,” said Filani, underlining Showmax’s commitment to local content.

Filani detailed Showmax’s journey, which aims to elevate Nigeria’s storytelling to a global audience. He highlighted the platform’s role as a pioneer, empowering local creators and showcasing their talents to the world through a diverse range of Nigerian originals and culturally relevant shows.

To assert Showmax’s commitment to local content, Filani revealed an extensive library of over 80,000 hours of content, emphasizing the platform’s focus in driving the surge of streaming video on demand in the region.

“We have an expansive African operational footprint that benefits Showmax from our fiscal offices to sales forces, marketing teams, regulatory, finance, and legal teams,” Filani stated, emphasizing Showmax’s strong position in the market.

The revelation of collaborations with industry giants like HBO, was noted to facilitate a surge in international content. Filani also mentioned upcoming live sports offerings tailored to the audience of football lovers in Nigeria.

“With over 50 million smartphones in the hands of Nigerians, our new Showmax production is set to address a substantial market,” Filani said.

The partnership with the English Premier League was a major highlight, with Showmax introducing a mobile-only subscription that grants access to all 386 games for an affordable monthly fee, starting from February 23, 2024.

CEO of the Premier League, Richard Masters, acknowledged the strength of the partnership with Multichoice and expressed excitement about the new initiative, stating, “The Premier League in your pocket with a new price point to watch all Premier League matches on mobile phones.”

Arinola Shobande, Head of Marketing for Showmax Nigeria, added a personal touch to the announcement, emphasizing the exceptional features of the new Showmax. She highlighted the platform’s curated content, improved search functionality, and optimized streaming experience, promising users the ability to stream for 24 hours with just one gig of data.

“This product is not just about streaming on demand; it’s a new experience. It’s all about falling in love with content all over again. This is Showmax. Welcome to the new era,” Shobande exclaimed.

Shobande highlighted the two-year journey that led to the creation of an exceptional product, noting its accessibility to both high and low-income earners. “We didn’t rebrand because the product was broken; it was already good. We wanted to elevate it into something exceptional,” she asserted.

The cornerstone of this rebrand is the new Showmax logo, an identity beyond mere colors and symbols. The orange colour is a gradient that describes how the sun rises and you can only see that in Africa.

Shobande explained that the logo tells a story, portraying how Showmax connects Africans to the content they love. She noted that the rebrand is a result of extensive research and collaboration with people from all over Africa.

The mission at Showmax, as stated by Shobande, is to offer an effortless platform providing affordable access to a wide array of content. With prices as low as N1200, Showmax aims to cater to hardworking Africans, allowing them to enjoy quality entertainment without breaking the bank. Shobande expressed gratitude to the technical team and customers who actively participated in trials, stating the extensive effort that went into creating the new app.

Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, then took the stage to shed light on the exciting content lineup for Showmax’s relaunch. Tejumola announced the release of 21 new titles across Africa, with Nigeria set to receive five. She highlighted shows like “Chetam,” an epic drama series, and “Free Men,” a documentary series on the apprenticeship system in the East.

The content revelation continued with insights into Showmax’s impressive production statistics. Tejumola revealed that Showmax has produced over 1300 hours of originals, a 150% increase from the previous year. She emphasized the impact on local economies and communities, showcasing Showmax’s commitment to providing diverse and engaging content.

During a panel session, Showmax’s primary focus on the African market was discussed, touching on the strategic relaunch, emphasizing a commitment to delivering the best service, technology, and content for African viewers. Plans to potentially expand to other markets were hinted at, but the immediate focus remained on Africa.

A notable highlight of the panel session was the clarification on Showmax’s decision to make Premier League content available exclusively on mobile devices. The emphasis was on Africa being a mobile-first continent, with over 450 million mobile phones. The move aims to make the EPL accessible to a broader audience, aligning with the evolving consumer behavior.

The executives addressed questions regarding Showmax’s standalone nature, subscription models, and competition. They reaffirmed Showmax’s focus on providing quality content at affordable prices, speaking on the hyperlocal strategy and partnerships that secure access to extensive international content libraries.

As the event concluded, Showmax confirmed that the new app will be available for download from January 23rd, existing users will maintain initial login details, with a seamless migration process. By February 12, all 44 countries will have migrated into the new Showmax app.

The post Showmax Relaunches to Showcase New Era of Entertainment appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This comes at a time when Africa is approaching an inflection point in terms of broadband connectivity and affordability. 

The new Showmax group will be 70% owned by MultiChoice and 30% by NBCUniversal. It will build on Showmax’s success to date and aim to create the leading streaming service in Africa.

Powered by Peacock’s leading, globally-scaled technology, Showmax subscribers will have access to an extensive premium content portfolio, bringing African audiences the best of local and international programming. 

The service will combine MultiChoice’s accelerating investment in local content with a unique pipeline of award-winning and critically acclaimed international content licensed from NBCUniversal and Sky, third party content from HBO, Warner Brothers International, Sony and others, as well as live English Premier League (EPL) football. 

The partnership will also provide access to all the best African content such as Showmax Originals and local content from MultiChoice’s proprietary channels including Mzansi Magic, Africa Magic and Maisha Magic. 

Using a significant portfolio of global media assets and Peacock’s streaming platform, which finished 2022 with over 20 million paid subscribers in the US, NBCUniversal and Sky will provide ongoing support through the licensing of both technology and content.

“We launched Showmax as the first African streaming service in 2015 and are extremely proud of its success to date. This agreement represents a great opportunity for our Showmax team to scale even greater heights by working with a leading global player in Comcast and its subsidiaries,” said Calvo Mawela, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice.

“The new business venture deepens an already strong relationship and builds on the Sky Glass technology partnership that we announced in September last year. We believe we are extremely well positioned to create a winning platform going forward.”

Dana Strong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Sky, commented, “This new collaboration in streaming and content with MultiChoice, NBCUniversal, and Sky takes our partnership to the next level in one of the world’s most vibrant, fastest growing markets. Last year, we announced MultiChoice as a customer of the Sky Glass platform and now we are excited to help innovate its Showmax streaming service.”

Matt Strauss, Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer & International, NBCUniversal, added, “This partnership is an incredible opportunity to further scale the global presence of Peacock’s world-class streaming technology, as well as to introduce millions of new customers to extensive premium content from NBCUniversal and Sky’s stellar entertainment brands.”

The post MultiChoice, Comcast’s NBCUniversal, Sky Set to Bolster Streaming Service Offering in Africa appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.