New York, February 1, 2026, 07:13 (ET) — Market closed
- Charter’s stock jumped 7.6%, closing at $206.12 following its quarterly earnings report
- Internet customer losses shrank to 119,000 as the company pushed bundles more aggressively
- CEO indicated the rural build-out is nearing completion; an analyst cautioned the turnaround will require more time
Charter Communications shares remain in the spotlight as U.S. markets reopen Monday. The cable operator’s stock climbed 7.6% Friday, closing at $206.12, after hitting a peak near $214.84 earlier in the day.
This shift hits cable stocks where it counts: broadband remains the main profit driver, yet it’s facing pressure from fixed wireless access—home internet via cellular—and growing fiber networks. Charter has responded with discounts and bundles, but investors remain skeptical if that will hold up.
Charter on Friday reported a smaller-than-expected decline in broadband subscribers, citing its bundling strategy that offers mobile and home internet at a discount as a key defense against losses in its core base. Vikash Harlalka of New Street Research noted, “We think it will be a while before we see a major improvement in Charter’s broadband subscriber trends.” (Reuters)
Charter Communications, based in Stamford, Connecticut, reported a drop of 119,000 internet customers in the quarter ending Dec. 31. On the upside, mobile lines increased by 428,000. Revenue declined 2.3% to $13.6 billion, while net income attributable to shareholders came in at $1.3 billion, the company said. (Charter Communications)
On Friday, Charter submitted its annual report, a Form 10-K covering the year ended Dec. 31, 2025. The filing provides a closer look at the company’s spending, debt levels, and risk factors. (SEC)
On the earnings call, CEO Chris Winfrey said the company is close to wrapping up its rural expansion, expecting “over 1,700,000” new subsidized rural “passings” in 2026—meaning homes and businesses that will have access to its network. He added that about half of the network should be upgraded to symmetrical, multi-gig speeds by the end of 2026, with the remainder set to follow in 2027. (The Motley Fool)
The video subscriber numbers boosted the stock, though management urged caution. Winfrey called video subscriber trends a “razor’s edge,” emphasizing video’s role in supporting broadband sales and retention—not as a primary driver of growth. (Light Reading)
Charter’s surge follows a steep drop. The stock took a hit over the last year amid ongoing broadband losses and mounting competition, despite gains in mobile subscribers and a slowdown in video declines. (The Wall Street Journal)
The quarter wasn’t without its issues, and the downside risks are clear. Cable pricing pressure might intensify, fixed wireless deals could continue luring away price-sensitive customers, and if broadband losses pick up again, Friday’s bounce could easily unravel.
As the week kicks off, eyes are on Charter to see if it can sustain its post-earnings rally at Monday’s open. Analysts will be quick to revise subscriber and cash-flow forecasts after poring over the 10-K and earnings call details.
