Key Highlights

  • Optimum Communications (NYSE:OPTU) reported second-quarter 2026 Revenue of USD 2.02 billion, down 5.8%, and a net loss attributable to stockholders of USD 291.8 million, or USD 0.67 per share, on August 6, 2026.
  • Total Debt including finance leases was USD 26.7 billion, with net debt of USD 25.3 billion, or 8.0 times last-two-quarters annualized adjusted EBITDA, and consolidated cash of USD 1.3 billion.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was USD 785.7 million, down 2.2%, for a Margin of 38.8%, while total broadband customers fell by 40 thousand in the quarter to about 4.0 million.
  • Published market data showed OPTU at USD 0.71, up 5.57%, with a 1 year EPS change of 1713.10%; the snapshot date is unknown and both figures are unverified.

Second-Quarter Loss Despite Stable Cash Earnings

Optimum Communications (NYSE:OPTU), formerly known as Altice USA, provides broadband, video and mobile services to homes and businesses and operates the Lightpath fiber business. Its second-quarter 2026 results, released on August 6, showed revenue of USD 2.02 billion, down from USD 2.15 billion a year earlier, and a net loss attributable to stockholders of USD 291.8 million compared with USD 96.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA of USD 785.7 million fell only 2.2%, and the margin improved by 140 basis points to 38.8%. For the first half, the company booked a USD 2.7 billion Impairment of cable Franchise rights and a USD 106.0 million loss on debt extinguishment.

A USD 26.7 Billion Debt Load Frames the Equity

The Balance Sheet is the central issue. Current debt rose to about USD 4.15 billion at June 30, 2026 from about USD 61 million at the end of 2025, and the stockholders' deficiency was about USD 5.51 billion. Leverage at the CSC Holdings Restricted Group was 22.8 times, and undrawn revolver capacity there was only USD 75.2 million. In July, a Subsidiary bought 120 million Class A shares at USD 2.50 each, for USD 300 million, in a tender offer; the company said those shares were not cancelled. The roughly USD 0.71 quote therefore sits far below that tender price, a gap that could not be explained from the filings reviewed.

Why a 1713.10% EPS Change Is Not Earnings Growth

The published 1 year EPS change of 1713.10% conflicts with reported results: diluted loss per share widened to USD 0.67 from USD 0.21 in the second quarter. A growth rate this large usually reflects a near-zero base, a different period or a one-time item, and the basis is unknown, so it should not be read as fast earnings growth. The company's third-quarter report was not located as of November 4, 2026, and no NYSE price notice or debt agreement was confirmed. A quote under USD 1 can move sharply on a few trades, and the 5.57% gain does not suggest a trend.

Where Things Stand

Optimum trades near USD 0.71 in published data because investors are pricing an Equity that sits beneath USD 26.7 billion of debt, a USD 291.8 million quarterly loss and falling broadband customer counts, though no filing gives a direct explanation for the quote. Operating cash earnings are holding up, with adjusted EBITDA of USD 785.7 million, but current debt is rising and leverage at the restricted group is 22.8 times. The 1713.10% EPS figure should be discounted. Next to watch are third-quarter results, any refinancing or creditor agreement, and exchange compliance if the price stays low.