Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) shares increased by 6 percent in early morning stock market trading Wednesday following the cable and internet service provider’s 4Q and FY 2011 Earnings Report.

Comcast’s Fourth Quarter Earnings beat most Wall Street analyst estimates, coming in at $1.29 billion or $0.47 per share compared to $1.02 billion and $0.36 EPS in 4Q 2010. Overall revenue in 2011 was up more than 50% from 2010 at $15 billion.

Percentage-wise, Comcast has now posted Net Income increases for three straight quarters with sales rising for four consecutive quarters.

CEO Speaks

Comcast Corporation Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts told investors Wednesday, “Last year was a very important year for our company. Cable continued to drive innovation, increase new product introductions and transform the customer experience, and we successfully integrated NBCUniversal. We also reported strong financial and operating results in both the fourth quarter and for the full year. Specifically, cable had another terrific quarter of improving customer metrics, demonstrating that our new XFINITY brand and our intensified focus on service and innovation are making a real difference. Our results at NBCUniversal underscore the strong performance of the cable networks and theme parks, and we continue to make progress enhancing the franchise values of its businesses.”

Roberts added, “As we begin 2012, the strength of our businesses and free cash flow generation will allow us to continue to build value and consistently return capital to shareholders. To underscore our optimism, we are increasing our dividend by 44% and have instituted a new $6.5 billion share repurchase plan, with $3 billion to be repurchased this year.”

Dividend and Share Repurchase Increases

Comcast also announced an increase in dividend and share repurchases Wednesday, with dividends on common shares rising 44% to $0.65 on an annualized basis while a Share Repurchase Program of $6.5 billion has been authorized, with $3 billion in shares to be repurchased this calendar year.

The Board of Directors approved a Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.1625 per share which will be payable on April 25, 2012.

Stock Performance

As shares for Comcast Corporation approached $29.00 Wednesday, the stock’s market value has enjoyed a 21% Year To Date boost since it’s December 30, 2011 close of $23.71. If Comcast shares continue to rise, they will likely eclipse their 10-year high. The company’s stock peaked in late 1999 at approximately $33.

With a current Market Capitalization of $78.59 billion, Comcast Corporation has a Price To Earnings Ratio of 20.67 and a 1-Year EPS of $1.40. Below are the Intraday Trading and 2012 Year To Date stock charts for Comcast (CMCSA).

Comcast Future

With Comcast’s position as a global media, entertainment and communications leader, it appears poised to continue its trend of surging revenue and profits as its Cable Network Sales rise. Its status as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) also places it in a position to capitalize on growing opportunities in web-based applications that can tie-in viewing experiences with real-time communications and interactive networking.

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