Valued at a market cap of almost $143 billion, Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) is a media and technology company that delivers broadband, wireless, and video through their Xfinity Comcast Business. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based company creates, distributes, and streams leading entertainment, sports, and news and provides memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. 

Shares of this media company have significantly underperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. Comcast has declined 24.5% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 22.6%. Moreover, over the past six months, the stock is down 13.8%, compared to SPX’s 10.5% rise.

Narrowing the focus, Comcast’s underperformance becomes more evident when compared to the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF Fund’s (XLC) 30.1% gain over the past 52 weeks and 20.6% return on a six-month basis.

On Oct. 31, Comcast’s shares surged 3.4% after its Q3 earnings release as the company delivered better-than-expected Q3 adjusted earnings of $1.12 per share and revenues of $32.1 billion. Moreover, the top line grew 6.5% from the year-ago quarter, while the adjusted EPS increased 3.3% year-over-year. The successful airing of the Paris Olympics, which generated a record-high $1.9 billion of incremental revenue in Comcast’s media segment, primarily contributed to the top-line growth. 

Most recently, the company dropped its Q4 earnings results on Jan. 30 and delivered adjusted earnings of $0.96 per share, which topped the Wall Street estimates by a notable margin of 9%. Moreover, its revenue of $31.9 billion also marginally exceeded the forecasted figure. 

For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect Comcast’s EPS to grow 6.8% year over year to $4.25. The company’s earnings surprise history is promising. It surpassed the Wall Street estimates in each of the last four quarters. 

Among the 29 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a “Moderate Buy,” which is based on 17 “Strong Buy,” 11 “Hold,” and one “Strong Sell” rating.

This configuration is more bullish than three months ago, with 15 analysts suggesting a “Strong Buy” rating. 

On Jan. 2, Loop Capital Markets maintained a “Buy” rating on Comcast but lowered its price target to $53, noting challenges faced by the company with broadband subscriber growth. This price target indicates a 41.9% potential upside from the current levels. 

The mean price target of $47.92 represents a 28.3% upside from Comcast’s current price levels, while the Street-high price target of $57 suggests an upside potential of 52.6%.