Description

Cable One’s $500 Million Free Cash Flow Story: Can It Offset Broadband Pressure?

Cable One, Inc. reported financial and operational results for the first quarter of 2026 amid a competitive market environment and early-stage strategic initiatives under new leadership. The company’s total revenues declined to $353 million from $380.6 million year-over-year, mainly driven by decreases in residential video and data services. Residential video revenues fell by approximately $10 million, while residential data revenues decreased by 5.1%, reflecting a 6.1% decline in broadband subscribers. Business data revenues also saw a modest 1.8% decrease. Despite the revenue drop, operating expenses decreased by 6%, largely due to lower programming costs, resulting in adjusted EBITDA of $183.3 million (52% of revenues), down from $202.7 million (53.3% of revenues) in the prior year period. Capital expenditures were $68.4 million, slightly below the prior year quarter by 3.8%.