Charter Communications, Inc.

CHTR

Charter Communications provides cable television, high-speed internet, and telephone services.
It is the second-largest cable operator in the United States, known for its expansive broadband network under the Spectrum brand.

$231.54 -7.60 (-3.18%)

Updated: February 19, 2026, 16:00 EST

Analyzed by Rockflow Bobby Quantitative Model āœ“ Updated Daily

Investment Opinion: Should I buy CHTR Today?

Of course. Here is a comprehensive analysis of CHTR based on the provided information.

Overall Analysis

CHTR presents a compelling but high-risk investment case. The stock is showing strong technical momentum after a severe decline, and its valuation metrics suggest significant undervaluation. However, this opportunity is tempered by substantial fundamental risks, primarily its highly leveraged balance sheet.

Technical Analysis: CHTR is in a powerful rebound phase, surging 26% in one month. Despite this recovery, it remains 45% below its 52-week high, suggesting there is considerable room for further appreciation if the positive momentum continues. The technical picture indicates the stock is recovering from deeply oversold conditions.

Fundamental Analysis: The company's core profitability is resilient, with stable revenue and improving net margins. The major concern is financial health; CHTR carries a very high debt load (Debt-to-Equity of 6.05), which creates risk if interest rates rise or earnings falter. While cash flow is currently sufficient to service this debt, it limits financial flexibility.

Valuation: CHTR appears deeply undervalued based on earnings. Its exceptionally low P/E ratio of around 5.0 and a PEG ratio of approximately 0.22 suggest the market is pricing its earnings at a significant discount to its growth potential. This is the core of the investment thesis.

Buy Recommendation

Based on this analysis, a cautious BUY recommendation is warranted for risk-tolerant investors. The combination of strong momentum, a deep valuation discount, and resilient underlying profitability creates a persuasive recovery story. However, this investment is suitable only for those who can stomach high volatility and are comfortable with the significant risk presented by the company's substantial debt burden. Investors should monitor the company's ability to manage its leverage closely.

*Note: This is not investment advice, for reference only.*

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CHTR 12-Month Price Forecast

RockFlow Model Forecast: Three Scenarios for 2026

Based on a comprehensive analysis, here is a 12-month outlook for Charter Communications (CHTR):

Over the next 12 months, the key catalyst for CHTR will be its ability to demonstrate that its strong cash flows can sustainably manage its high debt load, potentially leading to a significant valuation re-rating given its deeply discounted earnings metrics. The stock's technical recovery from oversold levels suggests positive momentum could continue as investor sentiment improves. The primary risk remains its substantial financial leverage (Debt-to-Equity of 6.05), which makes the company vulnerable to higher interest rates or any deterioration in its core broadband business. While a specific analyst target is not available, the current low P/E of approximately 5.0 suggests substantial upside potential if the company can navigate its debt challenges, with a plausible target range between $280-$320 representing a 17-34% increase from the current price.

Wall Street Consensus

Most Wall Street analysts are optimistic about Charter Communications, Inc.'s 12-month outlook, with consensus target around $231.54, indicating expected upside potential.

Average Target
$231.54
20 analysts
Implied Upside
+0%
vs. current price
Analyst Count
20
covering this stock
Price Range
$185 - $301
Analyst target range
Buy Buy
5 (25%)
Hold Hold
10 (50%)
Sell Sell
5 (25%)

Bulls vs Bears: CHTR Investment Factors

Overall, CHTR has investment potential but also faces challenges. Here are key factors to weigh before investing.

Bullish Bullish
  • Strong Revenue Growth: Revenue grew 12.3% over three years, reaching $55.1 billion.
  • Impressive Recent Rally: Stock gained 26% in one month, showing strong momentum.
  • Workforce Investment Benefits: Tuition-free education and internships boost employee retention and skills.
  • Potential Valuation Opportunity: Sharp price decline may make the stock a bargain.
Bearish Bearish
  • Severe Stock Decline: Stock dropped 53.2% in six months, hitting 52-week lows.
  • High Short Interest: Charter is the most shorted stock in the S&P 500.
  • Sector Underperformance: Stock has significantly underperformed the broader communications sector.
  • Ongoing Investor Skepticism: Despite recent rally, many investors remain cautious about the company.
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CHTR Technical Analysis

CHTR demonstrates dramatic volatility with strong recent performance following a challenging year marked by significant declines.

The stock has delivered exceptional short-term results, surging 26% over one month and outperforming the market by nearly 12 percentage points over three months. This sharp rebound indicates strong positive momentum despite the stock's higher-than-market volatility.

Currently trading at $239.53, CHTR remains near the lower end of its 52-week range ($180.38-$437.06), approximately 45% below its yearly high. Given the severe maximum drawdown of -57% and the substantial gap to recent highs, the stock appears to be recovering from deeply oversold conditions rather than being overbought.

šŸ“Š Beta
1.05
1.05x market volatility
šŸ“‰ Max Drawdown
-57.2%
Largest decline past year
šŸ“ˆ 52-Week Range
$180-$437
Price range past year
šŸ’¹ Annual Return
-36.2%
Cumulative gain past year
Period CHTR Return S&P 500
1m +25.7% +1.0%
3m +13.1% +1.9%
6m -12.0% +6.5%
1y -36.2% +12.1%
ytd +10.6% +0.2%

CHTR Fundamental Analysis

Revenue & Profitability CHTR demonstrated stable quarterly revenue around $13.6 billion but saw gross margin compression from 46.2% to 40.3% in Q4. While operating margins held steady near 24.7%, net margins improved sequentially to 9.8% driven by lower tax expenses, indicating resilient profitability despite cost pressures.

Financial Health The company maintains significant leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.05 and total debt capitalization exceeding 85%. Interest coverage remains thin at 2.64x, though operating cash flow covers 27.7% of revenue, providing adequate servicing capacity for its high-debt capital structure.

Operational Efficiency CHTR shows moderate efficiency with an ROE of 8.3% and asset turnover of 0.09, reflecting capital-intensive operations. The 12.9-day cash conversion cycle demonstrates effective working capital management, but low fixed asset turnover (0.29) indicates substantial infrastructure investments relative to revenue generation.

Quarterly Revenue
$13.6B
2025-12
Revenue YoY Growth
N/A
YoY Comparison
Gross Margin
N/A%
Latest Quarter
Free Cash Flow
$4.5B
Last 12 Months

Revenue & Net Income Trends (2 Years)

Revenue Breakdown

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Valuation Analysis: Is CHTR Overvalued?

Based on the provided metrics, CHTR appears significantly undervalued. Its trailing and forward P/E ratios of 5.2 and 5.0 are exceptionally low by absolute standards, suggesting the market prices its earnings at a deep discount. This assessment is strongly supported by a PEG ratio of approximately 0.22, which indicates the stock's price is not keeping pace with its expected earnings growth, a classic sign of undervaluation.

While a direct peer comparison is not possible due to the absence of industry averages, we can draw conclusions from the metrics in isolation. The low P/E and PEG ratios are compelling indicators of value. However, the elevated EV/EBITDA multiple of 22.7, contrasted with the low P/B ratio of 1.46, suggests a capital structure with significant debt, which may explain the market's cautious valuation despite strong earnings.

PE
5.2x
Latest Quarter
vs. Historical
Near Low
5-Year PE Range 5Ɨ-37Ɨ
vs. Industry Avg
N/A
Industry PE ~N/AƗ
EV/EBITDA
22.7x
Enterprise Value Multiple

Investment Risk Disclosure

Volatility risk is elevated, as evidenced by a beta above 1.0 indicating the stock is slightly more volatile than the broader market. The substantial one-year maximum drawdown of -57.21% highlights significant downside volatility and substantial capital depreciation experienced by investors over this period.

Other risks include the absence of reported short interest, implying no significant speculative pressure against the stock from short sellers. However, this lack of data point warrants verification, and investors should consider other unquantified fundamental risks such as the company's high debt load and competitive pressures in the telecommunications sector.

FAQs

Is CHTR a good stock to buy?

Neutral. While CHTR presents a compelling valuation case with exceptionally low P/E and PEG ratios suggesting deep undervaluation, this is counterbalanced by significant risks. These include a high debt load with thin interest coverage and negative analyst sentiment, creating uncertainty. This stock is suitable only for speculative, risk-tolerant investors who can stomach high volatility and are betting on a sustained turnaround.

Is CHTR stock overvalued or undervalued?

Based on the metrics provided, CHTR stock appears to be significantly undervalued. Its trailing P/E of 5.2 and forward P/E of 5.0 are exceptionally low, and the PEG ratio of 0.22 is a strong bullish signal, indicating its price is not keeping up with its earnings growth expectations. This valuation likely reflects the market's heavy discount due to the sizable debt burden and concerns over long-term secular pressures on its cable business, which are masking its current profitability.

What are the main risks of holding CHTR?

Based on the provided information, here are the key risks of holding CHTR stock, ordered by importance:

1. Financial Risk: The company's exceptionally high debt load, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.05 and thin interest coverage of 2.64x, creates significant vulnerability to rising interest rates or declines in operating cash flow. 2. Market Risk: The stock exhibits extreme volatility and downside risk, as evidenced by a beta above 1.0 and a severe one-year maximum drawdown of -57.21%, indicating potential for substantial capital depreciation. 3. Business/Competitive Risk: Competitive pressures in the telecommunications sector are squeezing profitability, as indicated by a significant compression in gross margin from 46.2% to 40.3%. 4. Operational/Industry Risk: The company's capital-intensive business model results in low asset turnover (0.09), reflecting the substantial, ongoing infrastructure investments required to compete, which can pressure returns.

What is the price forecast for CHTR in 2026?

Based on a forward-looking analysis extending through 2026, Charter Communications (CHTR) has a plausible base case target price of $320-$380 and a bull case of $400-$470. Key growth drivers will be stabilizing broadband subscriber trends, synergistic monetization of its wireless (Mobile) service, and aggressive debt reduction improving its financial profile. The main assumptions are moderate revenue growth alongside successful execution of its capital allocation strategy to lower leverage. This forecast carries significant uncertainty, heavily dependent on interest rates, competitive pressures, and the company's ability to navigate its substantial debt load.