olivLaw · US equity research
Optimum Communications, Inc. OPTU
Cable & Other Pay Television Services · SIC 4841 · Vertical: Cable & Other Pay Television Services (SIC 4841)
Optimum Communications, formerly Altice USA, is one of the largest broadband, video and mobile providers in the United States, operating in 21 states. The company faces strong competitive pressure and high debt, which makes its trajectory closely watched by investors and the market.
The AI analysis may be outdated: new filings came after its sources (see the «AI analysis» section).
At the close of 04 Nov 2026, Optimum Communications, Inc. (OPTU) stock was 0.69 USD (+2.22% on the day), with market capitalisation 188.1 m USD, dividend yield 0.00%, beta 1.30, 52-week range 0.60–2.15 USD. Latest reported quarter (Q2 2026): revenue of 2.0 bn USD (−5.8% YoY), net income of -291.8 m USD, diluted EPS -0.67 USD.
Data as of · AI analysis dated · Source: SEC filings and closing prices, computed by olivLaw.
Price history
Loading chart…
Technical reading
- RSI (14)
- 41.6
- weak (30–45)
- Bollinger (20, 2)
- 0.52 – 1.05
- in the lower half of the band · %B 0.32 · band width 67.2%
- SMA 50 / 200
- 0.92 / 1.17
- downtrend (price < SMA50 < SMA200)
- MACD (12, 26, 9)
- -0.08 / -0.07
- MACD below signal
Indicators describe past prices; on their own they do not predict direction. On our history the RSI ≤ 40 filter added no return (see the signals methodology).
Performance
| Company | S&P 500 | vs S&P 500 | Vertical median | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | −30.2% | −1.1% | −29.1 pp | — |
| 3 months | −12.0% | −0.5% | −11.5 pp | — |
| 6 months | −50.0% | +4.4% | −54.4 pp | — |
| Year to date | −58.2% | +12.3% | −70.5 pp | — |
| 1 year | −67.6% | +13.5% | −81.1 pp | −11.5% |
| 3 years | −76.2% | +76.4% | −152.6 pp | −1.7% |
| 5 years | −96.2% | +63.7% | −159.9 pp | — |
Price returns, dividends excluded.
Quarterly results
Latest quarter: Q2 2026 · 30 Jun 2026
Quarterly margins
Quarterly statements · USD
| Fiscal year | Q3 '24 | Q4 '24 | Q1 '25 | Q2 '25 | Q3 '25 | Q4 '25 | Q1 '26 | Q2 '26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 2.2 bn | 2.2 bn | 2.2 bn | 2.1 bn | 2.1 bn | 2.2 bn | 2.1 bn | 2.0 bn |
| Cost of revenue | 711.3 m | 721.9 m | 670.5 m | 662.7 m | 639.0 m | 664.9 m | 631.1 m | 587.7 m |
| Operating income | 444.6 m | 340.8 m | 343.5 m | 311.1 m | -1.2 bn | 397.6 m | -2.4 bn | 166.0 m |
| Depreciation & amortisation | 386.3 m | 471.7 m | 418.5 m | 409.7 m | 415.3 m | 453.5 m | 406.5 m | 407.1 m |
| Pre-tax income | -50.7 m | -92.4 m | -87.2 m | -135.6 m | -1.6 bn | -83.7 m | -2.9 bn | -320.8 m |
| Income tax | -9.9 m | -46.1 m | -16.0 m | -47.6 m | -1.4 m | -31.9 m | -45.1 m | -38.7 m |
| Net income | -43.0 m | -54.1 m | -75.7 m | -96.3 m | -1.6 bn | -71.2 m | -2.9 bn | -291.8 m |
| Diluted EPS | -0.09 | -0.12 ≈ | -0.16 | -0.21 | -3.47 | -0.15 ≈ | -6.10 | -0.67 |
| Operating cash flow | 436.0 m ≈ | 439.9 m | 187.5 m | 412.0 m ≈ | 147.4 m ≈ | 481.6 m | 170.3 m | 228.1 m ≈ |
| Capex | 359.2 m ≈ | 390.0 m | 356.1 m | 383.5 m ≈ | 325.5 m ≈ | 282.1 m | 307.7 m | 320.0 m ≈ |
≈ derived quarter (cumulative difference / share-days average)
E/P over time
E/P = trailing-12-month diluted EPS / price at quarter end. E/P is the inverse of P/E and stays defined when earnings are negative.
Fiscal years
| Fiscal year | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 9.6 bn | 9.8 bn | 9.9 bn | 10.1 bn | 9.6 bn | 9.2 bn | 9.0 bn | 8.6 bn |
| Revenue YoY | +2.8% | +2.0% | +1.4% | +2.0% | −4.4% | −4.3% | −3.1% | −4.1% |
| Net income | 18.8 m | 138.9 m | 436.2 m | 990.3 m | 194.6 m | 53.2 m | -102.9 m | -1.9 bn |
| Net income YoY | −98.7% | +637.7% | +213.9% | +127.0% | −80.4% | −72.7% | −293.5% | unavailable |
| Diluted EPS | 0.03 | 0.21 | 0.75 | 2.14 | 0.43 | 0.12 | -0.22 | -4.00 |
| Diluted EPS YoY | −98.6% | +600.0% | +257.1% | +185.3% | −79.9% | −72.1% | −283.3% | unavailable |
| net % | 0.2% | 1.4% | 4.4% | 9.8% | 2.0% | 0.6% | -1.1% | -21.8% |
| Free cash flow | 1.4 bn | 1.2 bn | 1.9 bn | 1.6 bn | 452.6 m | 121.6 m | 149.4 m | -118.8 m |
Reported results vs expectations
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Balance sheet & financial health
Fiscal year 2025 · 31 Dec 2025
- Cash
- 1.0 bn USD
- Financial debt
- 26.2 bn USD
- Net debt
- 25.2 bn USD
- Equity
- -2.3 bn USD
- Total assets
- 30.7 bn USD
- Debt / equity
- unavailable
- Current ratio
- 0.80x
- ROE
- unavailable
- ROA
- -6.0%
- FCF margin
- -1.4%
Financial statements (source on every figure)
Revenue and net income (USD)
Margins
Income statement · USD
| Line | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Source (latest year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 9.9 bn | 10.1 bn | 9.6 bn | 9.2 bn | 9.0 bn | 8.6 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Cost of revenue | 3.3 bn | 3.4 bn | 3.2 bn | 3.0 bn | 2.9 bn | 2.6 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Gross profit | 6.6 bn ≈ | 6.7 bn ≈ | 6.4 bn ≈ | 6.2 bn ≈ | 6.1 bn ≈ | 6.0 bn ≈ | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026derived |
| Research & development | — | — | 22.3 m | 33.4 m | — | — | SEC (XBRL)· 15 Feb 2024verified |
| Operating income | 2.1 bn | 2.5 bn | 1.8 bn | 1.7 bn | 1.7 bn | -112.6 m | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Depreciation & amortisation | 2.1 bn | 1.8 bn | 1.8 bn | 1.6 bn | 1.6 bn | 1.7 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| EBITDA | 4.2 bn ≈ | 4.3 bn ≈ | 3.6 bn ≈ | 3.3 bn ≈ | 3.3 bn ≈ | 1.6 bn ≈ | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026derived |
| Interest expense | 1.4 bn | 1.3 bn | — | — | — | — | SEC (XBRL)· 16 Feb 2022verified |
| Pre-tax income | 583.2 m | 1.3 bn | 516.7 m | 118.6 m | -82.3 m | -1.9 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Income tax | 139.7 m | 295.0 m | 295.8 m | 39.5 m | -4.1 m | -96.9 m | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Net income | 436.2 m | 990.3 m | 194.6 m | 53.2 m | -102.9 m | -1.9 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Diluted EPS | 0.75 | 2.14 | 0.43 | 0.12 | -0.22 | -4.00 | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Weighted average diluted shares | 583.7 m | 462.3 m | 453.3 m | 455.0 m | 459.9 m | 467.8 m | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Dividend per share | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
≈ computed by olivLaw from the reported lines of the same year: Revenue − Cost of revenue; Operating income + Depreciation & amortisation.
Balance sheet · USD
| Line | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Source (latest year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | 278.4 m | 195.7 m | 305.5 m | 302.1 m | 256.5 m | 1.0 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Receivables | 442.6 m | 407.0 m | 366.0 m | 357.6 m | 332.3 m | 335.8 m | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Current assets | 976.6 m | 789.6 m | 2.6 bn | 834.8 m | 731.0 m | 1.6 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Property, plant & equipment, net | 5.8 bn | 6.3 bn | 7.5 bn | 8.1 bn | 8.4 bn | 8.4 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Goodwill | 8.2 bn | 8.2 bn | 8.2 bn | 8.0 bn | 8.0 bn | 8.0 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Intangibles (excl. goodwill) | 2.8 bn | 2.2 bn | 1.7 bn | 1.3 bn | 960.8 m | 702.5 m | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Total assets | 33.4 bn | 33.2 bn | 33.7 bn | 31.9 bn | 31.7 bn | 30.7 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Accounts payable | 795.6 m | 1.0 bn | 1.2 bn | 937.0 m | 971.5 m | 816.9 m | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Short-term debt | 1.2 bn | 917.3 m | 2.1 bn | 359.4 m | 185.5 m | 60.8 m | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Long-term debt | 25.5 bn | 25.6 bn | 24.5 bn | 24.7 bn | 24.9 bn | 26.1 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Current liabilities | 3.1 bn | 2.7 bn | 4.0 bn | 2.3 bn | 2.3 bn | 2.1 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Total liabilities | 34.6 bn | 34.1 bn | 34.2 bn | 32.4 bn | 32.2 bn | 33.0 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Equity | -1.2 bn | -870.9 m | -503.9 m | -434.4 m | -456.8 m | -2.3 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
Cash flow · USD
| Line | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Source (latest year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating cash flow | 3.0 bn | 2.9 bn | 2.4 bn | 1.8 bn | 1.6 bn | 1.2 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Capex | 1.1 bn | 1.2 bn | 1.9 bn | 1.7 bn | 1.4 bn | 1.3 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Free cash flow | 1.9 bn ≈ | 1.6 bn ≈ | 452.6 m ≈ | 121.6 m ≈ | 149.4 m ≈ | -118.8 m ≈ | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026derived |
| Investing cash flow | -1.2 bn | -1.6 bn | -1.9 bn | -1.7 bn | -1.5 bn | -1.3 bn | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Financing cash flow | -2.2 bn | -1.4 bn | -335.9 m | -122.6 m | -172.0 m | 949.4 m | SEC (XBRL)· 13 Feb 2026verified |
| Dividends paid | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | SEC (XBRL)· 12 Feb 2021verified |
| Share repurchases | 4.8 bn | 804.9 m | 0 | 0 | — | — | SEC (XBRL)· 15 Feb 2024verified |
≈ computed by olivLaw from the reported lines of the same year: Operating cash flow − Capex.
Computed indicators
Growth
Profitability
Returns
Balance sheet
Liquidity
Cash
Efficiency
Market and valuation
1 indicators that do not apply to the sector.
Valuation
olivLaw classification
- indicators available: 4 of at least 6
- score weight coverage: 27.1% of at least 60%
- valuation methods computed: 0 of at least 1
A scoring methodology on indicators and valuation, not investment advice.
Closing price
04 Nov 2026Source: olivLaw, closing series
Market cap: 188.1 m USD
Key indicators
Coverage and freshness
Score by group
27% · Insufficient data
Estimated value range
unavailable — no valuation method could be computed
Valuation assumptions are editorial choices, not measured; beta is not measured.
Valuation methods
- DCF (discounted cash flow)unavailable · the reported interest expense is far older than the latest period (the filer changed its XBRL tag): a stale figure is not used
- Peers: EV/EBITDAunavailable · the base of the ratio is not positive
- Peers: P/Eunavailable · the base of the ratio is not positive
- Dividend discount (DDM)unavailable · the base of the ratio is not positive
no valuation method could be computed
Classification (SIC) comparables group by industry code, not by economic activity; the direct group is an editorial selection by activity. Members' multiples are on their own trailing twelve months, at their own latest close.
Assumptions (illustrative, editorial)
- Risk-free rate
- 4.3%
- Equity risk premium
- 5.0%
- Beta (default)
- 1.00
- Cost of equity
- 9.3%
- Terminal growth
- 2.5%
Factor scorecard
Insufficient data
Minimum-evidence gate: indicators available: 4 of at least 6; score weight coverage: 27.1% of at least 60%; valuation methods computed: 0 of at least 1
| Factor | Value | Score | Weight used |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROIC · Quality | unavailable | unavailable | — |
| Net margin · Quality | -58.1% | 8 (vs peers) | 23% |
| FCF conversion · Quality | unavailable | unavailable | — |
| Revenue CAGR 3Y · Growth | -3.8% | 0 (on a fixed band) | 31% |
| EPS CAGR 3Y · Growth | unavailable | unavailable | — |
| Net debt / EBITDA · Balance sheet | unavailable | unavailable | — |
| Interest coverage · Balance sheet | unavailable | unavailable | — |
| Current ratio · Balance sheet | 0.3x | 0 (on a fixed band) | 15% |
| P/E (TTM) · Valuation | unavailable | unavailable | — |
| EV/EBITDA · Valuation | unavailable | unavailable | — |
| FCF yield · Valuation | -110.6% | 0 (on a fixed band) | 31% |
| Shareholder yield (distributions) · Returns | unavailable | unavailable | — |
| Payout ratio (FCF) · Returns | unavailable | unavailable | — |
Factors without a value were dropped; the remaining weights were renormalised.
Score groups
- Balance sheet· partial0/100 · 1/3 factors with a value
- Growth· partial0/100 · 1/2 factors with a value
- Quality· partial8/100 · 1/3 factors with a value
- Returns· partialunavailable · 0/2 factors with a value
- Valuation· partial0/100 · 1/3 factors with a value
A «partial» group is computed from under half of its weight or from one factor: it is not a full assessment of the group.
Memo
Optimum Communications, Inc. (OPTU). Latest full fiscal year: 2025; data up to 2026-06-30.
Figures computed from the financial statements: revenue 8.6 bn USD in 2025; YoY growth -4.1%; net margin -58.1%.
Valuation cannot be computed from the available data.
Insufficient data for a verdict (indicators available: 4 of at least 6; score weight coverage: 27.1% of at least 60%; valuation methods computed: 0 of at least 1).
Text generated deterministically from the figures shown; no language model. Not investment advice.
What supports the thesis
No signal among the computed factors. That is not an absence of risk: factors without data were not assessed, and business risks (margins, inventory, demand) are in the source-based analysis.
What contradicts it
- Net margin: -58.1%
- Revenue CAGR 3Y: -3.8%
- Current ratio: 0.3x
- FCF yield: -110.6%
Not assessed (insufficient data or a ratio without meaning): ROIC, FCF conversion, EPS CAGR 3Y, Net debt / EBITDA, Interest coverage, P/E (TTM), EV/EBITDA, Shareholder yield (distributions), Payout ratio (FCF).
Versus the vertical median
Cable & Other Pay Television Services (SIC 4841) · same industry (4-digit SIC) · compared with 12 companies
Multiples and returns vs the median
Price rebased to 100 (monthly, 5 years)
Companies in the vertical
| Market cap | P/E | ROE | Net margin | Revenue YoY | 1A / 3A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBDWarner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | 77.7 bn | — | -9.2% | -8.8% | −5.1% | unavailable / unavailable |
| CHTRCharter Communications, Inc. | 32.6 bn | 3.1 | 29.7% | 9.1% | −0.6% | −40% / −70% |
| ROKURoku, Inc. | 24.1 bn | 48.2 | 18.2% | 9.3% | +15.2% | +68% / +56% |
| ADEAAdeia Inc. | 1.9 bn | 16.6 | 25.9% | 25.0% | +17.9% | +37% / +84% |
| OPTUOptimum Communications, Inc. | 188.1 m | — | — | -58.1% | −4.1% | −68% / −76% |
| PAAIThe Arena Group Holdings, Inc. | 43.8 m | 4.8 | — | 9.3% | +698.2% | −78% / −60% |
| CABOCable One, Inc. | 29.8 m | — | -126.2% | -72.8% | −4.9% | −96% / −99% |
| AMCXAMC Global Media Inc. | — | — | -2.1% | -0.9% | −4.5% | −5% / −44% |
| LILALiberty Latin America Ltd. | — | — | -32.1% | -3.9% | −0.1% | +47% / +88% |
| LBTYALiberty Global Ltd. | — | — | -22.3% | -44.4% | +12.4% | −16% / +16% |
| GLIBALiberty Capital Corp | — | — | -21.0% | -32.5% | +3.0% | −31% / unavailable |
| RCIRogers Communications Inc. | — | — | 49.0% | 31.8% | +5.4% | −12% / −20% |
| CCZComcast Corporation | — | 20.1 | 11.9% | 9.2% | −0.0% | +1% / +17% |
1- and 3-year price returns: for OPTU from daily closes (the same as the performance table), for the other companies from month-end closes.
olivLaw engine forecast
The world engine ran after the company's latest material disclosure. Probabilities are of TOUCHING a level within the horizon (not closing there) and sit next to the random walk (p_rw), the no-information benchmark.
The engine has no published run for this company yet.
Valuation scenarios (editable assumptions)
Illustrative scenarios
Illustrative: not forecasts and without probabilities. Each case is one coherent set of assumptions, computed on today's figures.
Estimated price (USD)
| Estimated price | Bear | Base | Bull |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 years | insufficient data Total return unavailable · Per year unavailable | insufficient data Total return unavailable · Per year unavailable | insufficient data Total return unavailable · Per year unavailable |
| 3 years | insufficient data Total return unavailable · Per year unavailable | insufficient data Total return unavailable · Per year unavailable | insufficient data Total return unavailable · Per year unavailable |
| 5 years | insufficient data Total return unavailable · Per year unavailable | insufficient data Total return unavailable · Per year unavailable | insufficient data Total return unavailable · Per year unavailable |
AI analysis
AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.
Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 06 Aug 2026; since then the company filed 8-K (21 Sept 2026 · results).
In brief
Optimum Communications, formerly Altice USA, is one of the largest broadband, video and mobile providers in the United States, operating in 21 states. The company faces strong competitive pressure and high debt, which makes its trajectory closely watched by investors and the market.
SWOT
Strengths
- The company owns a hybrid fiber and coaxial network, earns a high Adjusted EBITDA margin relative to revenue, and holds a strong position in the New York metropolitan area 1.
- The portfolio includes differentiated assets such as the News 12 channels, Lightpath's enterprise fiber network and a full infrastructure MVNO agreement giving control over the core network 1.
- Diversification toward business and enterprise services gives a revenue base less exposed to the decline of pay TV, and this segment grew as a share of revenue in 2026 12.
Weaknesses
- The customer base is shrinking year on year, and the loss of video and telephony subscribers has weighed on revenue and on the capacity to service debt 1.
- The company carries a high level of debt, reported significant net losses in 2025, and faces contractual restrictions that limit financial flexibility 1.
- Reliance on third parties for equipment, licenses and network services, along with programming costs, reduces control over margins 1.
Opportunities
- Expanding the FTTH network and selling fiber services to enterprise clients and hyperscalers could support revenue growth if it translates into new subscriptions 1.
- Developing mobile services and converged bundles could reduce churn in areas with intense competition 1.
- Addressable advertising and audience data could raise media revenue if advertising demand improves 1.
Threats
- Competition from fiber and cable operators, along with market consolidation, could push prices down and reduce market share 1.
- The shift to OTT platforms and direct-to-consumer content could further reduce demand for cable television 1.
- If access to financing worsens or borrowing costs rise, refinancing the debt could become more expensive 1.
Risks
- High indebtednesshigh
The company is heavily indebted and must refinance or repay significant obligations in the short and medium term; if capital markets tighten, the cost of financing could rise 1.
- Going concern uncertaintyhigh
The quarterly report refers to substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern, which could affect access to financing and supplier relationships 2.
- Competitive pressurehigh
Competition from fiber and cable operators could reduce the subscriber base and push prices lower 1.
- Programming costsmedium
Rising contractual rates for programming and retransmission could compress margins, especially if customers do not accept price increases 1.
- Regulation and franchisesmedium
Franchise agreements may not be renewed or may carry new conditions, and regulatory changes affecting infrastructure and services could raise costs 1.
Investment thesis
What would need to be true (bull case)
- If the FTTH expansion and business services translate into growth, the company's high margin could support a recovery in revenue over time 12.
- A position in the New York metropolitan area, with a large customer base and differentiated assets such as Lightpath and News 12, could offer relative protection against competitors 1.
- Diversification toward mobile, business and advertising could reduce dependence on the declining pay TV business 1.
What would break the thesis
- Continued decline in video and telephony subscribers, combined with high debt, could limit the company's ability to invest and maintain margins 1.
- The going concern uncertainty and access to financing could force costly restructurings or asset sales 2.
- Strong competition from fiber and cable operators could keep pressure on pricing and customer retention 1.
What to watch
- Trend in broadband and video customer numbersQ3 2026
- Status of debt refinancing and any measures addressing the going concern uncertainty2026
- Pace of FTTH network expansion and enterprise fiber sales2027
- Development of advertising and news revenuenext 10-K
Products, market & competition
AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.
Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 06 Aug 2026; since then the company filed 8-K (21 Sept 2026 · results).
The business
Optimum Communications, Inc. is a holding company that provides broadband, video, telephony, mobile and advertising services under the Optimum brand to residential and business customers in 21 states, mainly in the New York metropolitan area and several markets in the south-central United States 1. The company was renamed from Altice USA in November 2025 and is controlled by Patrick Drahi through Next Alt. S.à.r.l. 1. In fiscal 2025 revenue was 8.59 billion USD and the Adjusted EBITDA margin was 38.8% 1. For the first half of 2026 the company reported about 4.2 million customers 2.
Beyond connectivity, Optimum includes the News 12 local news channels, advertising through Optimum Media and the media agency Juice Media, which diversifies revenue somewhat, although advertising and news make up a relatively small share of the total 1.
Segments
Residential
Residential broadband, video, telephony and mobile services made up most of the revenue in 2025, with broadband the largest component at about 41% of the total 1. The decline in video and telephony subscribers signals competitive pressure 1.
Business and enterprise
The business segment, including SMB customers and enterprise clients served through Lightpath, contributed 17% of revenue in 2025 and 18% in the first half of 2026 12. Lightpath serves clients in health care, financial services and hyperscalers, over a fiber network of about 12,000 unique route miles 1.
Market context
The company operates in the US cable and pay television market, a mature market where growth increasingly comes from high-speed broadband, fiber and converged bundles. Pressure comes from fiber and fixed-line operators, wireless mobile providers and streaming platforms, which compete for the same customers 1. The company's performance depends largely on economic conditions and access to financing, which affect both demand and costs 1.
The market is regulated at federal and local levels, with franchise agreements covering more than 1,400 communities, so pricing, network requirements and renewal terms also depend on public authorities 1.
Trends
- Fiber FTTH expansionmixed
The FTTH build, offering symmetrical speeds of up to 8 Gbps, lets the company offer more competitive broadband and win customers where fiber competition is intense 1. The pace of investment could weigh on margins if revenue does not grow in parallel 1.
- Decline of traditional pay TVheadwind
Video and telephony subscribers are falling year on year as customers migrate to OTT services, streaming platforms and direct-to-consumer offers from content owners that do not require a traditional video subscription 1. This trend weighs on retention and demand for video services 1.
- Programming costsheadwind
Programming and retransmission costs are rising, and the company expects contractual rates to keep increasing, which compresses margins on video services 1. Negotiations with content providers may also lead to the loss of popular channels 1.
- Growth in business and mobile servicestailwind
Business services, particularly fiber for hyperscalers and enterprise clients, and the mobile service launched under the MVNO agreement with T-Mobile, are growth areas but also require heavy investment 12. Success depends on the company's ability to attract customers in these segments 1.
Competitive position
Competition comes from Verizon, which has expanded its FTTH network and acquired Frontier, from AT&T and from other fiber providers, which can sell fiber services to a significant share of households in the footprint 1. Cable operators Charter and Comcast are also expanding networks in the region, adding pricing pressure 1.
In parallel, satellite broadband, wireless carriers, OTT platforms and satellite TV providers such as DirecTV and DISH compete with the company's services for consumers 1. Larger competitors often have greater financial resources and lighter regulatory burdens 1.
- VerizonVZ
Operator that has expanded its FTTH network in the New York area and acquired Frontier, consolidating the fiber market in several of the company's service areas.
- AT&TT
Fiber provider competing in several markets in the south-central United States, where it can sell fiber products to a significant share of households.
- Charter CommunicationsCHTR
Cable operator building new network in parts of the footprint and competing directly on broadband and video.
- ComcastCMCSA
Large cable operator expanding its network in some areas and part of the NY Interconnect joint venture for local advertising.
Links, dependencies and risks
Who the company is tied to, from its own SEC filings (customers, suppliers, production, partners, competitors, countries, regulation), from the 5 %+ holders' statements (13D/13G) and from what other companies say about it. Click a node for its evidence; on a listed company the graph moves to it.
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News & filings
In the press
- Optimum, Patrick Drahi Sued by Creditors Who Allege ‘Fraudulent’ Deal-MakingBloomberg Markets · 28 Sept 2026 · EN
- Optimum number of items to inspect before buying oneLessWrong · 08 Jul 2026 · EN
- Optimum Pushes Apollo, Ares Debt Feud to Brink With Asset ShiftBloomberg Markets · 02 Jun 2026 · EN
- Drahi’s Optimum in Talks for New Money That Hits Lenders It SuedBloomberg Markets · 21 May 2026 · EN
The latest news item in our archive is from 28 Sept 2026; the newest SEC filing is from 03 Nov 2026. The press archive comes from the RSS feeds we follow and does not necessarily cover the latest event — the filings alongside do.
SEC filings
- Current report03 Nov 2026Departure or appointment of officers · Financial statements and exhibits
- Current report21 Sept 2026Results of operations · Non-reliance on financial statements · Financial statements and exhibits
- Current report14 Aug 2026Delisting notice · Regulation FD disclosure · Financial statements and exhibits
- Quarterly report06 Aug 2026
- Current report06 Aug 2026Results of operations · Financial statements and exhibits
- Current report06 Jul 2026Material agreement · Creation of a direct financial obligation · Financial statements and exhibits
- Current report12 Jun 2026Shareholder vote
- Current report01 Jun 2026Material agreement · Item 3.02 · Regulation FD disclosure · Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
- Quarterly report07 May 2026
- Current report07 May 2026Results of operations · Financial statements and exhibits
Sources
- [1] Form 10-K, fiscal year ended 2025-12-31 · SEC / Optimum Communications, Inc. · 13 Feb 2026
- [2] Form 10-Q, quarter ended 2026-06-30 · SEC / Optimum Communications, Inc. · 06 Aug 2026
Figures computed by olivLaw from SEC filings and closing prices; the qualitative analysis is AI-generated from cited sources. Not investment advice.