Group 1 - Charter Communications Inc (NASDAQ:CHTR) is considered a beaten-down stock with potential investment opportunities, as reiterated by UBS analyst John Hodulik with a target price of $233 [1] - The company is defending its proposed $34.5 billion merger with Cox Communications, arguing it will not create an excessive market power and will not result in an "internet gatekeeper" [2] - The merger is expected to make Cox Communications the largest broadband provider, with approximately 36 million broadband subscribers and 70 million homes and businesses passed [2] Group 2 - CFRA analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the merger's ability to address negative trends in the industry, citing ongoing struggles with higher subscriber losses in broadband, leading to a downgrade of the stock to a strong sell with a target price of $165 [3] - Charter Communications is a major player in the US broadband connectivity and cable market, providing high-speed internet, mobile, TV, and voice services across 41 states [4]