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Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
CSG to Present at Oppenheimer's 28 th Annual Technology, Internet & Communications Conference
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CSG ® (NASDAQ: CSGS) today announced that the company will present at Oppenheimer's 28 th Annual Technology, Internet & Communications Conference on Monday, August 11 th. The presentation will be held at 1:15 p.m. EST and will feature comments from CSG Chief Executive Officer Brian Shepherd. The conference presentation will be available via webcast here. About CSG CSG empowers companies to build unforgettable experiences, making it easier for people and businesses to connect with, use and pay for the services they value most. Our customer experience, billing and payments solutions help companies of any size make money and make a difference. With our SaaS solutions, company leaders can take control of their future and tap into guidance along the way from our fiercely committed and forward-thinking CSGers around the world. Want to be future-ready and a change-maker like the global brands that trust CSG? Visit to learn more.
Miami Herald
04-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Comcast has a gift for AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile customers
Comcast is not exactly beloved by customers. The cable company and Internet provider has a reputation for shady pricing practices. It advertises one price, but does not mention all the fees and other costs consumers actually have to pay. You might be buying a $25 skinny cable bundle, but it will actually cost you more than twice that once you pay the local broadcast and sports fees. Related: T-Mobile announces free new perk for customers after major loss This is a company that was longer a monopoly, but which still operates largely as if consumers don't have a choice. In some cases, at least with internet, they actually may not have a choice. Some markets only have one provider, and while there are alternatives like Elon Musk's Starlink, they are expensive and impractical. Still, it seems hard to believe that Comcast would think it could expand its business into areas where consumers do have a choice. But, when you target a market where AT&T and Verizon are leading players, how much customers hate you is relative. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter When you're weighing your options between three companies that aren't exactly famous for customer service, it's reasonable to think that price may become the deciding factor. As it entered the wireless phone market, Comcast has actually been a price leader. That actually puts it in a decent position to win market share from AT&T, Verizon, and maybe even the somewhat better T-Mobile. Comcast CFO Jason Armstrong spoke at the recent MoffettNathanson 2025 Media, Internet & Communications Conference on May 15. He was surprisingly candid about his company's growth plans. "We talk about these six growth drivers across the company. And so on the content and experience side, it's parks, as we talked about. It's studios and streaming. On the connectivity side of the business, it's wireless residential broadband and business services. So if you were to take those and sort of say, what's the size of the sandbox in each one of those that we're playing in? Wireless is the one that sticks out, as this is the largest sandbox of anything," he said. Comcast offers discount wireless service that uses its WiFi network wherever possible. When it's not, the company's phone jumped to Verizon's network. More Retail: Costco quietly plans to offer a convenient service for customersT-Mobile pulls the plug on generous offer, angering customersAT&T makes generous offer to older customers That's a lower-cost way to offer wireless service, since it does not require constantly investing in a network. Armstrong sees wireless as a massive growth opportunity. "It's 80 billion is residential broadband. 200 billion is the size of the wireless market. So it's a logical place to be focused where, if you look at our share of that sandbox, it's probably the smallest out of the six. So it's sort of this neat opportunity where it's biggest sandbox, we currently have the smallest share. So that's a ton of room to grow into," he added. While it does advertise its wireless service broadly, Armstrong pointed out that it has a core audience that it can reach more easily. "I'd just point out, we're selling into our broadband customer base, right? So that is a very different sales and acquisition cycle than someone that's got to go attract a customer that they don't currently have," he said. Comcast's cost structure also allows it to do something Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile can't. "But then there's the decision on the back of that. Is this a standalone business that you're thinking purely about in revenue and EBITDA terms for the wireless business? Or can you go reinvest, right, and drive outsized growth, maybe accelerate your growth?" he shared. Related: Verizon quietly makes bold move to keep customers from fleeing Comcast has decided to bet big on growth. "We're leaning in, we do have - we've got free line out there for a year. Gives us incredible monetization after that year. We're starting to tier into different segments. We've got a premium segment we just announced. It's a little bit higher price point, but still a huge discount to the wireless industry. So fits nicely, but gets us a little bit more in the handset game," he added. Comcast's Xfinity wireless brand is currently offering a free mobile line for a year to new and existing customers who subscribe to select Xfinity Internet plans. That offer includes both new and existing customers. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Disney Parks Chief Josh D'Amaro Predicts Universal's Epic Universe Will Actually Drive More Disney World Visitors
Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said he's not concerned about NBCUniversal's massive new Epic Universe theme park reducing traffic to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando — in fact, he thinks the opening of the rival destination will help boost attendance. D'Amaro, speaking at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference on Wednesday, when asked about Epic Universe said, 'We're always on the offensive… We're constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks.' More from Variety Disney's Upfront Went Hard on Sports - With an Off-Key Manning Brothers Musical - but Hardly Mentioned ABC Disney's Dana Walden to CNBC's James Cramer: Streaming 'Is a Growth Business for Our Company' Jimmy Kimmel Takes On Bob Iger, Netflix and Gen Z's YouTube Habits in Upfronts Monologue: 'When You Have Kids, You'll Come Crawling Back to Disney Like Dogs!" He continued, 'If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe,' that draws new visitors to the region, 'that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.' Universal Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, 2025. As part of a 750-acre development, it will be the biggest of Universal Orlando's three theme parks, featuring more than 50 experiences across five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park and Dark Universe. In his talk, D'Amaro also hyped Disney's plans to open the new theme park in Abu Dhabi, announced last week. He noted that Disneyland in Anaheim will turn 70 years old this year. The Abu Dhabi park will be the company's seventh theme park resort — so, he said, opening a new park is a once-in-a-decade decision. 'We knew there was demand for Disney product around the world,' D'Amaro said about the company's scoping out potential locations for its next park. The team focused on the Middle East region and ultimately settled on Abu Dhabi. One-third of the world's population is within a four-hour flight radius of Abu Dhabi, he said. 'This is a crossroads for the world,' he said. Disney didn't provide a timeline for the construction or opening target date for the new park. The project is being developed in partnership with Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based maker of immersive destinations and experiences, which is funding the buildout of the park under license from Disney. Disney, which will have creative control and oversight of the Abu Dhabi park, said 'the waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe and beyond.' The new park will 'combine Disney's iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi's vibrant culture, stunning shorelines and breathtaking architecture.' D'Amaro has said the resort in Abu Dhabi will be 'the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio' and the setting 'will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways.' Disney in 2023 said it planned to boost capital spending in the Disney Experiences business to $60 billion over a 10-year period, nearly double compared with the previous decade. D'Amaro said that when CEO Bob Iger returned as chief in November 2022, he agreed that Disney has plenty of room to grow the theme parks business. 'Josh, we've gotta turbo-charge this business,' Iger said, according to D'Amaro. 'We've only scratched the surface in terms of the stories we can tell,' D'Amaro said, noting that Disney parks have yet to build attractions based on popular films like 'Coco' and 'Black Panther.' In the first three months of 2025, revenue in Disney's Experiences segment, which includes theme parks, cruises, resorts and consumer products, rose 6% to $8.89 billion. Total segment operating profit was up 9%, to $2.49 billion, with 13% growth in domestic parks and experiences and a 14% rise for consumer products offsetting a 23% decline in international theme parks. For fiscal year 2025, Disney projected 6%-8% growth in operating income for the theme park and consumer products biz. D'Amaro is one of the internal candidates Disney's board is been said to have been evaluating as the successor to Iger, whose contract expires at the end of 2026. The company's board, led by chairman James Gorman, has said it expects to announce a CEO successor early next year. D'Amaro began his career at Disney in 1998 at the Disneyland Resort. Over his 27-year career, he has held leadership positions across the company both internationally and domestically, including CFO for Disney Consumer Products Global Licensing, chief commercial officer for Walt Disney World Resort, and various business planning, strategy, marketing, creative and operations roles. Prior to becoming chairman of Disney Experiences, D'Amaro was president of Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Disney leader predicts Universal's Epic Universe will drive more visitors to the 'House of Mouse': Reports
The Brief A Disney Parks leader says he isn't worried about Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park reducing traffic to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. He believes the opening of the rival destination will help boost attendance. In the first three months of 2025, revenue in Disney's Experiences segment rose 6% to $8.89 billion. Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, 2025. ORLANDO, Fla. - Disney Parks Chief Josh D'Amaro says he isn't worried about Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park reducing traffic to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando — in fact, he thinks the opening of the rival destination will help boost attendance. What they're saying D'Amaro spoke about Epic Universe on Wednesday at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference. D'Amaro said Disney has only scratched the surface when it comes to stories the theme park giant can share. He noted that Disney has yet to build attractions based on popular films like "Coco" and "Black Panther." "We're always on the offensive," he said. "We're constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks. … If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe … that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom." By the numbers In 2023, Disney announced plans to boost capital spending in the Disney Experiences business to $60 billion over a 10-year period, nearly double compared with the previous decade. In the first three months of 2025, revenue in Disney's Experiences segment rose 6% to $8.89 billion, according to a report from Variety. The segment includes theme parks, cruises, resorts and consumer products. Variety reports the total segment operating profit was up 9%, to $2.49 billion, with a 13% growth in domestic parks and experiences and a 14% rise in consumer products offsetting a 23% decline in international theme parks. For fiscal year 2025, Variety reports that Disney projected a 6%-8% growth in operating income for the theme park and consumer products business. Big picture view When speaking about Disney's successes and future plans, D'Amaro also brought up the new theme park in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi park will be the company's seventh theme park resort. D'Amaro said the resort in Abu Dhabi will be "the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio" and the setting "will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways." The waterfront destination will blend Disney's iconic stories and characters with Abu Dhabi's culture, architecture and innovation. Disney will lead creative design and operations, while Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, will develop and build the resort. Once completed, the resort will feature Disney-themed attractions and entertainment, dining, and immersive storytelling experiences that reflect both Disney magic and Abu Dhabi culture. D'Amaro said opening a new park is a once-in-a-decade decision. "We knew there was demand for Disney products around the world," he said. "The team focused on the Middle East region and ultimately settled on Abu Dhabi. One-third of the world's population is within a four-hour flight radius of Abu Dhabi. This is a crossroads for the world." Disney has not yet provided a timeline for the construction or opening target date for the new park. The backstory Epic Universe will be Universal's fourth theme park in Orlando – and the newest theme park to open in Florida. Epic Universe joins Universal's three other theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay. Epic Universe will be home to five new lands, each with its own rides, attractions, shows, bars and restaurants. The five immersive worlds are: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Universal Orlando states that Celestial Park is the "main portal" leading to the four other lands. It is inspired by "astronomical and mythological elements," which "create imaginative sensory delights." The Ministry of Magic is the third installment of the wizard-themed lands that Universal Orlando has brought to life. Now, guests will be able to explore the wizarding streets of Paris in the 1920s, just like Newt Scamander™ from Fantastic Beasts, and check out the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. Super Nintendo World can be best described as stepping into any Super Nintendo game. Guests can expect to be fully immersed in this land! Based on the Academy Award-nominated film trilogy, "How to Train your Dragon," this land has something for the whole family. Guests will step into the rugged and rocky land where vikings and dragons live together in harmony! Dark Universe is the grim and mythical world that will allow guests to explore the mystery of monsters! The village is full of creatures and experiments from Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. Epic is also home to three hotels: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal's Terra Luna Resort and its sister property, Universal's Stella Nova Resort. Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, 2025. Universal Orlando's Epic Universe first look: Dark Universe Universal Orlando's Epic Universe first look: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Universal Orlando's Epic Universe first look: Super Nintendo World Universal Orlando's Epic Universe first look: How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk Universal Orlando's Epic Universe first look: Celestial Park Epic Universe: First photos of Universal Orlando's newest theme park Universal Orlando reveals exclusive Epic Universe merchandise ahead of 2025 opening Universal Orlando Resort shares first look at Epic Universe menu items Epic Universe tickets: New Florida resident tickets, packages on sale STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Variety in an article on May 14, 2025. Information about Epic Universe was also collected from previous reporting and information provided by Universal Orlando.
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Disney parks boss Josh D'Amaro touts Mouse House bona fides as succession chatter rages
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro brought his mouse ears to Wall Street Wednesday, in what is seen as part of a high-profile tryout to determine which of the Burbank entertainment giant's executives has the mettle and finesse to succeed Chief Executive Bob Iger. Speaking before investors at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference, the 54-year-old theme parks chief touted the power and promise of his division, which includes resorts, cruise lines and video games. He leaned into the company's rigorous management techniques and its ambitions. One of D'Amaro's strengths is his enthusiasm for the fabled company, seen as a prerequisite for succeeding Iger. He's spent most of his adult life - nearly 27 years - at Disney. "It feels like it went by in a moment," D'Amaro said. "I'm so proud to work for the Walt Disney Co." D'Amaro's assignment could have been a tricky one. This week in New York has long been reserved for television executives, and it was Iger who, with the help of Mickey Mouse, led a parade of stars to woo advertisers during Walt Disney Co.'s annual upfront programming presentation a day earlier. Early next year, Disney's board is expected to name a new CEO to take the reins in late 2026, when Iger is scheduled to retire. D'Amaro is among the leading contenders. The co-chairs of Disney Entertainment, Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, also are in the running. So is ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. Disney's board has said it plans to consider external candidates as well. But observers believe that D'Amaro's stock has been rising. Disney declined to comment on succession speculation. For Disney's board, the stakes couldn't be higher. The last time it orchestrated a CEO handoff - to another parks leader, Bob Chapek - the arrangement imploded, prompting Iger's rapid return. D'Amaro on Wednesday recalled that November 2022 event, saying that when Iger returned to the Burbank headquarters, D'Amaro brought him a bulky binder that included detailed updates for each component of the enormous parks and experiences division. Iger dropped by D'Amaro's office the following day with the 250-page binder in hand. "He pulled out one page," D'Amaro said, noting that Iger had identified that "we have plenty of room to grow this business. We've got land in all of our locations around the world. ... We've got the stories [and] we've got the fans." The example was designed to pay tribute to Iger's prowess and leadership, but it also underscored that D'Amaro's parks and experiences division remains key to Disney's success. Disney has pledged to spend $60 billion during the next decade to expand and revitalize resorts and theme parks. It expects to double its fleet of cruise lines. The company also has invested $1.5 billion in "Fortnite" developer Epic Games to tap into the growing revenue potential of video gamers. D'Amaro's conference appearance came a week after Disney delivered impressive quarterly earnings, propelling the stock to climb more than 20%, regaining market ground lost since last fall. Shares inched up 1.4% Wednesday to $112.94. Operating income at the domestic theme parks and experiences division, which includes cruise lines, rose 13% to $1.8 billion. Disney also announced a major expansion in the Middle East, where it is planning to build its seventh theme park. "We looked around the world ... and ended up in Abu Dhabi," D'Amaro said. That region has emerged as an entertainment hub within the United Arab Emirates, where the new park will join SeaWorld and Ferrari World. "If you look at a four-hour flight radius into Abu Dhabi, a third of the world's population is there," D'Amaro said. "We think that there are half a billion consumers that have the right Disney affinity and income to visit one of these theme parks." Disney is collaborating with Miral Group, an arm of the Abu Dhabi government, which will pay for the multibillion-dollar construction, in a departure from Disney's long-held practice of owning its parks. Disney won't loosen its grip on the creative elements, D'Amaro said, adding Miral will "ultimately operate the project with a significant amount of oversight from us." This wasn't the first time D'Amaro has presented at an investor conference. Two years ago, D'Amaro took the stage at the JP Morgan technology and media conference. Other executives have also made the rounds. In March, Walden spoke at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference. That same month D'Amaro and Bergman appeared onstage together to present "The Future of World-Building at Disney" at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Hollywood insiders believe Disney needs an Iger-like successor, someone who has a deft touch with talent and is deeply familiar with the television and movie side of the business. Walden and Bergman also manage a prestigious portfolio, which includes the critically important Disney+ and Hulu streaming services. D'Amaro, a Massachusetts native, has earned celebrity status among Disney's faithful. He occasionally mingles with park-goers, a treat for Disney superfans who post TikTok videos in public display of affection. In those clips, D'Amaro is typically beaming, elevating him to a jolly brand ambassador for the "happiest place on earth." "I've been very fortunate," D'Amaro said of his 27 years at Disney, saying the tenure has allowed him "to connect with and meet a lot of our executives and understand the different businesses, which makes it a bit easier to navigate and keep connected with the rest of the company." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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