Optimum Q4 Earnings Miss Estimates, Revenues Decline Y/Y

Core Insights - Optimum Communications, Inc. (OPTU) reported mixed fourth-quarter 2025 results, with revenue exceeding expectations but net income falling short due to weak demand in the Residential segment [1][2] Financial Performance - The company reported a net loss of $71.2 million or 15 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $54.1 million or 12 cents per share in the prior-year quarter [2] - For the full year 2025, Optimum recorded a net loss of $1.86 billion or $4 per share, a significant increase from a net loss of $102.9 million or 22 cents per share in 2024 [3] Revenue Analysis - Total revenues for the fourth quarter were $2.18 billion, down 2.3% year over year, but above the consensus estimate of $2.14 billion [4] - In 2025, total revenue was $8.6 billion, reflecting a 4.1% decline year over year [4] - Residential revenues, which include Broadband, Video, and Telephony, were $1.61 billion, down from $1.68 billion in the previous year, primarily due to the loss of higher ARPU video customers [6] Customer Metrics - The company achieved 3.09 billion FTTH (Fiber to the Home) passings, with 43,000 added during the quarter, and FTTH broadband net additions exceeded 12,500 [5] - Total fiber broadband customers reached 715,900 by the end of the quarter [5] - Mobile line net additions were 38,000 during the quarter [7] Operational Efficiency - Operating income for the quarter was $397.6 million, up from $340.6 million in the year-ago quarter, while adjusted EBITDA increased to $902.1 million from $837.5 million [7] - Cash generated from operating activities in the fourth quarter was $481.56 million, compared to $439.92 million a year ago, but total cash generated for 2025 was $1.22 billion, down 22.4% year over year [8] Debt and Liquidity - As of December 31, 2025, the company's net debt stood at $25.29 billion [8]