Jul 24, 2026 · 6 min
Earnings reveal cable subscriber losses and rising credit delinquencies
Charter Lower; AmEx Expenses Surges; Verizon Erases Gains
Quarterly reports from major telecom and credit providers offer a direct window into shifting consumer behavior and growing economic strain.
- 1Charter Communications continues to lose subscribers as traditional cable demand weakens.
- 2American Express faces higher operating expenses and rising cardholder delinquency rates.
- 3Verizon gains positive sales momentum in broadband and mobility through its turnaround strategy.
The brief
Telecom and financial giants are facing distinct headwinds as the latest corporate earnings reveal a sharp divergence between consumer spending power and sector-specific struggles.
Charter Communications is grappling with declining quarterly revenue and accelerating subscriber losses, highlighting a broader structural shift away from traditional cable packages.
American Express reports robust cardholder spending, yet the financial giant is simultaneously confronting rising operating expenses and a noticeable uptick in delinquency rates.
Meanwhile, Verizon is showing signs of stabilization, leveraging its strategic turnaround plan to drive positive sales momentum across both its mobility and broadband divisions.
What was said on this episode
7 statements · 4 positive · 3 negative
Charter’s quarterly revenue has declined for four consecutive quarters amid continuing subscriber losses.
“Charter logged its fourth a consecutive decline in quarterly revenue as its subscriber losses continue.”
Listen at 1:14
Fixed wireless and fiber services are reducing Charter’s home Internet subscriber base.
“It continues to see this competition from fixed wireless and fiber connection services. They're eating into Charter's home Internet subscriber base.”
Listen at 1:21
Higher card-member spending is primarily driving American Express sales growth.
“The increase in sales primarily driven by higher card member spending.”
Listen at 2:34
American Express card-member spending increased 9%, its highest growth rate in three years.
“people continuing to spend big on these cards that increased 9%. That's the highest growth rate in three years.”
Listen at 2:38
Credit-card delinquencies are above pre-COVID levels again.
“Delinquencies are above pre Covid levels again.”
Listen at 2:55
American Express’s Platinum card is currently its fastest-growing product.
“It's Platinum card, which I think has the highest annual fee, is actually the fastest growing product now.”
Listen at 3:00
Verizon’s turnaround plan appears to be beginning to produce results.
“according to this latest earnings report, it looks like it's starting to bear fruit.”
Listen at 3:43
Statements are attributed to the speaker as said on the episode and reflect their view at the time, not PodLume's. They are not advice.
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