New York, January 31, 2026, 09:21 (EST) — Market closed
- Liberty Broadband shares jumped roughly 8% on Friday, mirroring a strong surge in Charter Communications.
- Charter’s report showcased gains in mobile and ongoing buybacks, despite continued declines in broadband subscribers.
- Liberty Broadband’s next major date is its earnings call on Feb. 11.
Liberty Broadband (LBRDA.O) shares climbed 7.7% on Friday, closing at $48.02. Its non-voting Class C stock (LBRDK.O) wasn’t far behind, up 7.8% to $48.11. Charter, the cable giant at the core of Liberty Broadband’s valuation, surged 7.6% to $206.12.
U.S. markets closed for the weekend, leaving investors to face Monday with a familiar scenario: Liberty Broadband acts as a stand-in for Charter’s equity narrative, while Charter has just shifted the outlook on cash returns and spending.
This is crucial because the driver isn’t subtle. Charter is doubling down on protecting its core broadband customers from fixed-wireless and fiber competitors, while pushing more aggressively into wireless and bundles. That battle has returned to the forefront of the cable sector discussion.
Charter reported losing 119,000 internet subscribers in Q4 but gained 428,000 mobile lines. Revenue dropped 2.3% to $13.6 billion, while adjusted EBITDA—a profit metric excluding interest, taxes, and depreciation—declined 1.2% to $5.7 billion. CEO Chris Winfrey said the company’s 2026 goal is to “deliver sustainable, long-term customer, EBITDA and cash flow growth.” (Charter Communications)
The same report highlighted buybacks and a more stable spending outlook. Charter revealed it repurchased around $5.4 billion of stock and units in 2025 and projected capital expenditures near $11.4 billion for 2026 — figures traders usually tie directly to leverage and free cash flow.
The sector outlook is still strained. Comcast reported a loss of 181,000 broadband subscribers last quarter and opted against hiking broadband prices this year, citing pressure from fiber and fixed-wireless competitors, according to a Reuters report. (Reuters)
Charter grabbed notice with its wireless strategy, updating its mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) agreement with Verizon Communications. This kind of deal lets a firm offer wireless services over another carrier’s infrastructure. According to New Street Research analyst Vikash Harlalka, the contract extension likely didn’t bring a “material change” to MVNO costs, even though it stretches out for several years. (Fierce Wireless)
The stock remains shadowed by Liberty Broadband’s corporate backdrop. Charter’s takeover of Liberty Broadband is slated to close on June 30, 2027, pending the usual conditions and approvals. (Liberty Broadband Corporation)
The risk is clear. Should broadband losses worsen and pricing deteriorate, cable stocks could slide back into a cycle of churn and heavy promotions. A prolonged approval process or changes in Charter’s buyback strategy might also widen the gap between Liberty Broadband and Charter’s shares.
Liberty Broadband is set to report its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings with a conference call scheduled for Feb. 11 at 11:15 a.m. ET. (Liberty Broadband Corporation)
