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Cable ONE, Inc (CABO)
NYSE:CABO

Cable ONE (CABO) AI Stock Analysis

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CABO

Cable ONE

(NYSE:CABO)

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Neutral 47 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:47Neutral
Price Target:
$90.00
▼(-0.99% Downside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/27/26
CABO scores low primarily due to the sharp 2025 profitability collapse and elevated leverage risk, compounded by a bearish technical setup (price below all key moving averages and negative MACD). The high dividend yield and ongoing positive free cash flow provide partial support, while the earnings call guidance and commentary remain mixed given ongoing revenue/subscriber declines and higher pro forma leverage from the planned MBI transaction.
Positive Factors
Free Cash Flow
Sustained positive free cash flow ($516.5M adj. EBITDA less CapEx in 2025) underpins the company's ability to fund network upgrades, pay down debt, support dividends and pursue M&A. Even with a step-down, ongoing cash generation provides durable optionality for strategic investments and liquidity management.
In‑home Product Adoption
Rapid adoption of the eero in‑home product (>30% YoY, sell‑in >80%) strengthens customer value proposition and reduces churn risk through better home Wi‑Fi performance. Higher attach rates support ARPU upside and durable differentiation vs basic connectivity-only rivals.
Scale & Geographic Diversification
Acquiring the remaining stake in MBI expands scale, diversifies footprint across new states and increases passings, enabling potential procurement and operating synergies. The structural gain in scale supports long‑term margin improvement and cross‑sell opportunities in rural/mid‑market segments.
Negative Factors
Profitability Decline
A swing to a sizable net loss in 2025 amid ongoing revenue declines signals weakening core economics. Persistent subscriber losses and shrinking top line threaten margin sustainability and the company's ability to restore prior earnings power without sustained subscriber or ARPU recovery.
Elevated Leverage
Pro forma leverage rising to ~4x after the MBI deal materially increases interest, covenant and refinancing risk, reducing financial flexibility. Higher debt constrains capital allocation, raises sensitivity to cash flow swings, and magnifies execution risk during integration cycles.
Structural Competition
Widespread fixed wireless and FTTH overbuilds (≈60% of passings facing gig‑capable wired competition) impose durable pricing and retention pressure. Structural competitive intensity limits customer acquisition, compresses margins and forces ongoing capex and marketing spend to defend share.

Cable ONE (CABO) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Cable ONE Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCable One, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides data, video, and voice services in the United States. The company offers residential data services, a service to enhance Wi-Fi signal throughout the home. It also provides residential video services, such as local networks; local community programming that includes governmental and public access; and other channels, as well as digital video services, including national and regional cable networks, music channels, and an interactive and electronic programming guide with parental controls. In addition, the company offers premium channels that offer movies, original programming, live sporting events, and concerts and other features; and advanced video services, such as whole-home DVRs and high-definition set-top boxes, as well as TV Everywhere product, which enables its video customers to stream various channels and shows to mobile devices and computers. Further, it provides residential voice services comprising local and long-distance calling, voicemail, call waiting, three-way calling, caller ID, anonymous call rejection, and other features, as well as international calling by the minute services. Additionally, the company offers data, voice, and video products to business customers, including small to mid-markets, enterprises, and wholesale and carrier customers. As of December 31, 2021, it served approximately 1.2 million residential and business customers in 24 states through its Sparklight, Fidelity, and Clearwave brands. Cable One, Inc. was incorporated in 1980 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
How the Company Makes MoneyCable ONE generates revenue primarily through subscription services, which include residential and business broadband internet access, cable television packages, and voice services. The company's internet services are a significant revenue driver, as demand for high-speed connectivity has surged. Cable ONE also earns income from advertising through its cable television offerings and may engage in partnerships with local content providers to enhance its service offerings. Additionally, the company benefits from customer retention strategies, including bundled service packages that encourage long-term subscriptions, thus contributing to its overall earnings.

Cable ONE Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 26, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call presented a mixed but constructive picture: financial and subscriber metrics deteriorated (revenue down ~6% Q4, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow down YoY, and continued subscriber losses), reflecting competitive headwinds from fixed wireless and fiber overbuilds. Offsetting these negatives, management highlighted operational progress (sequentially improving connects, improved disconnect trends), solid network capacity, strong adoption of in-home products (eero >30% YoY growth; sell-in >80%), a live mobile pilot with planned rollout, business services momentum, disciplined debt paydown ($403M) and ample liquidity (undrawn $1.25B revolver). Management emphasized the foundational investments completed (billing/platform modernization, go-to-market playbooks) and a clear execution focus, while acknowledging ongoing execution risk and near-term margin pressure from investments and competition.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Improving Subscriber Trends and Retention Efforts
Net subscriber trends improved in Q4 (residential data customers declined ~10,700 in Q4 but disconnects improved significantly vs Q3); gross connect activity improved sequentially through the first 3 quarters of 2025 and meaningfully year-over-year in Q4. Management reports January 2026 continued improvement vs prior periods.
Eero In-Home Adoption and Product Upsell
Over one-third of residential broadband customers were benefiting from the advanced in-home capabilities via the eero partnership (growth of >30% YoY); sell-in adoption for eero exceeded 80% in the quarter — supporting satisfaction and reduced churn.
Network Capacity and Usage Trends
Average monthly data usage reached ~835 GB per customer in Q4, with >30% of customers exceeding 1 TB/month. Peak hour downstream/upstream utilization remained at or below 20%, indicating substantial available network capacity to support growth.
Mobile Pilot and Convergence Progress
Launched a mobile pilot in 6 markets (live with a small number of customers); operational readiness validated (billing, provisioning, customer care). Management expects broader footprint launch targeted for late Q1 2026 as a complementary product to improve retention and lifetime value.
Business Services Momentum
Business/wholesale/carrier segments strengthened with increased average monthly installs in the final 3 months of 2025 vs prior year. Launched broker/agent sales channel to expand reach and announced seasoned hire (SVP of Business Services) to accelerate product launches and wallet share expansion.
Prudent Balance Sheet Actions and Liquidity
Paid down $403.4M of debt during 2025 (including $72.4M of repurchases at discounts) and fully repaid $313M revolver balance; year-end cash and equivalents $152.8M and undrawn revolver capacity $1.25B. Approximately 85% of debt is fixed or synthetically fixed.
Free Cash Flow and Capital Discipline
Generated $516.5M of adjusted EBITDA less CapEx (free cash flow) in 2025, with full-year CapEx of $285.3M (down 0.4% YoY) and planned 2026 CapEx expected to be consistent with 2025 levels. Q4 adjusted EBITDA less CapEx was $119.9M.
Strategic M&A and Partnership Activity
Put option exercised to acquire remaining 55% of MBI (2025 revenue $308.9M; ~206k customers; ~674k passings). Estimated purchase price ~$480M with planned integration and expected cost/tax efficiencies. Also rolling equity into combined Point Broadband / Clearwave Fiber platform to remain a meaningful shareholder.
Negative Updates
Revenue Declines
Total Q4 2025 revenues were $363.7M vs $387.2M in Q4 2024, a decline of 6.1% YoY. Full-year 2025 revenues were ~$1.50B vs $1.58B in 2024, reflecting declines including a $35M decrease attributable to residential video.
Subscriber and Residential Data Pressure
Residential data subscribers declined 5.8% for the full year and declined ~10,700 in Q4. Residential data revenues decreased $24.2M or 2.6% YoY for full year 2025 despite a modest ARPU increase of 0.6%.
Adjusted EBITDA and Margin Contraction
Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $193.9M decreased 8.1% YoY and adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 120 basis points to 53.3%. Full-year adjusted EBITDA decreased to $801.7M from $854.0M (margin down to 53.4% from 54.1%).
Decline in Free Cash Flow Relative to Prior Year
Free cash flow (adjusted EBITDA less CapEx) declined to $516.5M in 2025 from $567.6M in 2024, a reduction of ~$51.1M YoY.
Competitive Pressure — Fixed Wireless and Fiber Overbuilds
Management noted fixed wireless is essentially ubiquitous across the footprint (multiple providers, T‑Mobile largest overlap) and nearly 60% of passings now face gig-capable wired broadband competition (of that 60%, just over 50% is FTTH). This ongoing competitive intensity pressures acquisition, retention and pricing.
SG&A and Efficiency Investments Weighing on Margins
Full-year SG&A increased to $381.1M (25.4% of revenues) from $366.0M (23.2% of revenues) in 2024, driven by investments in growth enablement platforms that are expected to generate future savings but currently pressuring margins.
Negative Net Subscriber Base and No 2026 Subscriber Guidance
Despite sequential improvements, net subscriber figures remained negative at year-end. Management did not provide explicit subscriber guidance for 2026, reflecting uncertainty in near-term subscriber trajectory.
Pro Forma Leverage Increase with MBI Acquisition
Estimated MBI net indebtedness at close $845M–$895M and an estimated purchase price ~$480M would produce a pro forma combined leverage a little above 4x (up from current net leverage ratio ~3.9x LQA), increasing leverage risk in near term.
Company Guidance
The company reiterated several specific near-term expectations: 2026 capital expenditures are expected to remain substantially consistent with 2025 levels (2025 CapEx $285.3 million, including $32.8 million for new market expansion and $10.3 million for integration), and cash income taxes for 2026 are expected to be roughly $40–$50 million with anticipated cash tax savings of about $120 million through 2027 from 2025 legislation. Cable One expects to close the MBI acquisition October 1 (estimated purchase price ≈ $480 million; MBI 2025 revenue $308.9 million, ~206,000 customers, ~674,000 passings; expected MBI net indebtedness $845–$895 million) producing a pro forma combined leverage a little above 4x (current net leverage ~3.9x). Other operational guidance/targets: broader mobile launch company‑wide in late Q1 (pilot in 6 markets), aim to complete multi‑gig DOCSIS upgrades this year (>50% of plant already multi‑gig capable; ~10% FTTH), and preserve strong free‑cash‑flow generation (2025 adj. EBITDA $801.7M, adj. EBITDA less CapEx $516.5M).

Cable ONE Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financial performance weakened materially: the income statement deteriorated sharply with a swing to a large net loss and negative operating earnings amid multi-year revenue contraction. Leverage remains elevated (roughly ~2.0–2.2x debt-to-equity) despite debt paydown, raising risk if profitability stays pressured. The main offset is that operating cash flow and free cash flow remained solidly positive in 2025, though both stepped down versus 2024 and debt coverage weakened.
Income Statement
34
Negative
Profitability deteriorated sharply in the most recent year (2025), with the company swinging from modest profit in 2024 to a large net loss and negative operating earnings, despite only a modest revenue decline. Revenue has been shrinking for several years (down again in 2023–2025 after growth in 2020–2022), signaling pressure on the top line. The key strength is that the business historically produced strong margins and earnings power in 2020–2023, but the latest year’s collapse meaningfully weakens the income statement profile.
Balance Sheet
45
Neutral
Leverage is high, with debt running at roughly ~2.0–2.2x equity across the period, which limits flexibility if earnings remain pressured. Positively, debt declined in 2025 versus 2024 and equity remains substantial, but returns on equity turned negative in 2025 after being modest-to-healthy in prior years. Overall, the balance sheet is serviceable but carries elevated risk due to the heavy debt load paired with the recent loss.
Cash Flow
62
Positive
Cash generation remains a relative bright spot: operating cash flow and free cash flow stayed solidly positive in 2025 even while the company reported a net loss, indicating the business still produces cash. However, free cash flow fell materially versus 2024 (a steep negative growth rate), and cash flow covered only a moderate portion of debt in 2025 compared with much stronger coverage in 2022–2024. Strength is ongoing positive free cash flow; weakness is the sharp step-down in cash flow momentum and reduced debt coverage.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.50B1.58B1.68B1.71B1.61B
Gross Profit0.001.16B1.24B1.24B1.15B
EBITDA-6.46M723.93M924.43M849.87M789.60M
Net Income-356.46M14.48M224.62M213.06M291.82M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.59B6.53B6.76B6.89B6.95B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments152.77M153.63M190.29M215.15M388.80M
Total Debt3.19B3.60B3.66B3.82B3.85B
Total Liabilities4.15B4.73B4.95B5.15B5.16B
Stockholders Equity1.43B1.80B1.81B1.74B1.79B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow278.07M377.77M292.72M327.30M319.81M
Operating Cash Flow563.33M664.13M663.17M738.04M704.34M
Investing Cash Flow-154.18M-564.45M-341.90M-448.27M-2.47B
Financing Cash Flow-410.01M-136.34M-346.13M-463.43M1.58B

Cable ONE Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price90.90
Price Trends
50DMA
101.96
Negative
100DMA
119.98
Negative
200DMA
134.16
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.30
Positive
RSI
42.14
Neutral
STOCH
18.01
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CABO, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 90.9 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 99.26, below the 50-day MA of 101.96, and below the 200-day MA of 134.16, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.30 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 42.14 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 18.01 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for CABO.

Cable ONE Risk Analysis

Cable ONE disclosed 38 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Cable ONE reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Cable ONE Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
62
Neutral
$1.18B5.81%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
56
Neutral
$602.34M-87.67-6.63%102.05%-110.74%
52
Neutral
$736.73M-18.63-4.41%0.97%11.59%-106.83%
47
Neutral
$530.38M-1.12-27.38%10.11%-4.94%-335.70%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CABO
Cable ONE
90.90
-169.28
-65.06%
SHEN
Shenandoah Telecommunications Co
13.96
3.26
30.47%
SIFY
Sify Technologies
16.05
11.40
245.16%
GOGO
Gogo
4.35
-2.98
-40.65%

Cable ONE Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Cable One to fully acquire Mega Broadband Investments
Positive
Jan 5, 2026

On January 3, 2026, Cable One entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the roughly 55% of Mega Broadband Investments Holdings (MBI) it does not already own, after GTCR affiliates exercised a put option on January 2, 2026. MBI, which operates as Vyve Broadband and generated about $310 million in revenue in the 12 months to September 30, 2025, serves mainly rural communities in 16 states across the Southeast, Northwest and Mid-South, with around 210,000 data customers and 675,000 passings, and will give Cable One a larger, more geographically diversified footprint and potential scale efficiencies. The option price for the remaining stake is expected to be between $475 million and $495 million, with MBI expected to carry $845 million to $895 million of term-loan debt maturing in November 2027 when it becomes a wholly owned subsidiary, and Cable One plans to fund the purchase through a mix of cash and additional borrowings, targeting closing around October 1, 2026 subject to regulatory and other customary approvals. Separately, on December 20, 2025, Cable One agreed to roll its interest in joint venture Clearwave Fiber into Point Broadband Holdings in connection with Clearwave Fiber’s planned merger into a Point Broadband affiliate, a second-quarter 2026 deal that, following a pre-closing sale of Clearwave’s Southern Illinois assets, will leave Cable One as a minority common equity holder in the enlarged Point Broadband platform and further reshapes its portfolio of rural-focused broadband investments.

The most recent analyst rating on (CABO) stock is a Hold with a $114.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cable ONE stock, see the CABO Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Cable One Announces New CEO and Leadership Transition
Positive
Dec 31, 2025

On December 31, 2025, Cable One announced a major leadership transition, appointing veteran cable and broadband executive James A. Holanda as its next chief executive officer and board member, with his start date expected no later than March 31, 2026, following the retirement of long-serving leader Julia M. Laulis. To manage the handover, Chief Financial Officer Todd M. Koetje has been named interim CEO from January 1, 2026 until Holanda’s arrival, while director Mary E. Meduski has been elevated to independent chair of the board, maintaining her role in board governance. Holanda, who brings more than 35 years of industry experience from Astound Broadband, Choice Cable TV of Puerto Rico, Patriot Media, Charter Communications and Comcast, will receive a compensation package that includes a $1.4 million base salary, a target bonus equal to 150% of salary, a $10 million equity award mix of time- and performance-based RSUs, relocation assistance and a potential one-time payment to replace any forfeited 2025 bonus from his prior employer, subject to clawback if he departs within two years. The board characterized his selection as the outcome of a comprehensive search for a leader capable of driving growth and enhancing shareholder value, underscoring Cable One’s intent to strengthen its strategic and competitive position in a dynamic broadband market while preserving continuity in financial leadership and corporate governance during the transition period.

The most recent analyst rating on (CABO) stock is a Hold with a $114.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cable ONE stock, see the CABO Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 27, 2026