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Altice USA Inc

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 13, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2024 · Filed Feb 13, 2025

OPTU$0.75+32.1%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-15.

0001628280-24-004863

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-13.

0001628280-25-005486

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 279 previous paragraphs and 283 current paragraphs.

219 unchanged; 49 reworded; 12 added; 11 removed; 0 previous and 3 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (12)

Current report

•Changes to trade policy, to the extent applicable to equipment we or our customers use, could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Current report

•Issues related to the use of AI in our business could give rise to legal or regulatory action, damage our reputation or otherwise materially harm our business.

Current report

•If we are unable to retain and hire new key employees, our ability to manage our business could be adversely affected.

Current report

However, we may not be able to refinance existing obligations or raise any required additional capital on terms acceptable to us or at all. Borrowing costs related to future capital raising activities may be significantly higher than our current borrowing costs and we may not be able to raise additional capital on favorable terms, or at all, if financial markets experience volatility. In addition, we have become aware that certain of our creditors (collectively, the “Co-Op”) have entered into a cooperation agreement, which we believe restricts such creditors from participating in financing transactions with us, except as approved by the Co-Op. Members of the Co-Op represent a significant percentage of the holders of our outstanding indebtedness, and the existence of the Co-Op may result in a significant limitation on our ability to access the syndicated loan market or the market for high yield bonds, along with our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness, extend the maturities of our indebtedness or consummate strategic transactions to manage our liabilities, on favorable terms, or at all.

Current report

Changes to trade policy, to the extent applicable to equipment we or our customers use, could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Current report

We cannot predict future trade policy in the United States or other countries, nor the terms of any trade agreements, treaties or tariffs and their impact on our business. However, changes in United States and foreign trade policy, including the imposition of new or increased tariffs on foreign goods imported into the United States and used in our business, could subject us to additional risks. Among other effects, the imposition of tariffs may increase our operating costs, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current report

We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, including by means of hacking, phishing, denial of service attacks and dissemination of computer viruses, ransomware and other malicious software. We are also targeted by unauthorized parties, including nation states, that seek to gain access to our systems or facilities and to our proprietary business information. Cyber attacks targeting companies like ours have become more frequent and damaging over time (including through the use of AI and machine learning). To the extent these cyber attacks are successful, our IT systems, networks, and infrastructure could face damage, disruptions, or shutdowns, and the personal information of our customers and employees could be misappropriated.

Current report

Issues related to the use of AI in our business could give rise to legal or regulatory action, damage our reputation or otherwise materially harm our business.

Current report

We currently incorporate AI technology in certain parts of our business operations. AI presents risks and challenges, and its use could have unintended consequences. AI algorithms and training methodologies may be flawed. Additionally, AI technologies are complex and rapidly evolving. While we aim to develop and use AI responsibly and attempt to identify and mitigate ethical and legal issues presented by its use, we may be unsuccessful in identifying or resolving issues before they arise. The United States has taken initial steps to regulate AI, which could ultimately increase the risks associated with utilizing AI in our business, including with respect to data protection, privacy, intellectual property infringement and cybersecurity, or decrease its usefulness. These challenges could adversely affect our reputation or otherwise materially harm our business.

Current report

If we are unable to retain and hire new key employees, our ability to manage our business could be adversely affected.

Current report

The success of our business is also dependent on our ability to recruit qualified and skilled professionals, including those who are citizens of other countries. Immigration laws in the U.S. are subject to legislative and regulatory changes, as well as variations in the standards of application and enforcement. It is difficult to predict the events that could affect immigration laws or their enforcement, and the resulting restrictive impact on our ability to obtain or renew work visas for our professionals. If immigration laws are changed or if new and more restrictive government regulations are enacted or enforcement is increased, our access to qualified and skilled professionals may be limited.

Current report

In addition, to the extent large holders of our common stock pledge some or all of the shares they own as collateral for loans, the forced sale of the common stock subject to a pledge into the market in a short period could negatively impact the market price of our common stock.
Removed paragraphs (11)

Previous report

•Labor shortages and supply chain disruptions could prevent us from meeting customer demand and negatively affect our financial results.

Previous report

•Our mobile wireless service is subject to startup risk, competition, and risks associated with the price and availability of wholesale access to RAN.

Previous report

We are building a FTTH network, and we continue to upgrade our existing HFC network. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2017, we entered into a multi-year strategic agreement pursuant to which we currently utilize Sprint's (and, following the merger between T-Mobile and Sprint, T-Mobile's) network to provide mobile voice and data services to our customers throughout the nation. We may not be able to execute these initiatives within the anticipated timelines, or at all, and we may incur greater than anticipated costs and capital expenditures, fail to realize anticipated benefits, experience business disruptions or encounter other challenges to executing these initiatives which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous report

Labor shortages and supply chain disruptions could prevent us from meeting customer demand and negatively affect our financial results.

Previous report

We and some of our third-party suppliers, service providers and licensors have experienced a shortage of qualified labor at our and their facilities in certain geographies, particularly within the United States. A prolonged shortage of qualified labor could decrease our and our third-party vendors’ ability to meet our customers' demands and efficiently operate our and their facilities. Prolonged labor shortages could also lead to decreased productivity and increased labor costs from higher overtime, the need to hire temporary help to meet demand and higher wages rates in order to attract and retain employees. Any of these developments could materially increase our costs and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Previous report

We have experienced supply chain disruptions related to third-party vendors who have been negatively impacted by availability of qualified labor, restrictions on employees’ ability to work, facility closures, disruptions to ports and other shipping infrastructure, border closures, other travel or health-related restrictions, geopolitical issues and increased raw material costs. These and similar disruptions have and may in the future impact our supply chain for technology, construction materials, products, including our consumer premises equipment, and supplies, such as fiber optic cables, and could negatively impact our financial results and our ability to execute our growth strategy and provide products and services to our customers, should they persist.

Previous report

Our mobile wireless service is subject to startup risk, competition, and risks associated with the price and availability of wholesale access to RAN.

Previous report

In 2019, we launched a mobile wireless voice and data service. We are offering this service using wholesale RAN agreements we have entered into with Sprint (now T-Mobile) and other RAN providers, as well as with our existing WiFi hotspot infrastructure in subscriber homes and at outdoor WiFi hotspots. We believe that our approach to the mobile wireless service offering, including the construction and operation of our own "mobile core" and the ability to bundle and promote the product to our existing customer base, gives us advantages over resellers and incumbent network-based operators alike. We nevertheless face competition from well-established incumbents like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. These incumbents have scale advantages over Altice USA and own their spectrum and RAN, affording them significant control over the quality and reach of their own wireless networks, the service quality, speed of improvement and investment, cost, and the handling of subscriber congestion, which our service cannot replicate because it relies in part on incumbent networks that we do not fully control.

Previous report

Our mobile wireless strategy depends on the availability of wholesale RAN access from one or more network-based providers with whom we are likely to compete. Our mobile service is vulnerable to constraints on the availability of wholesale access or increases in price from the incumbents. We are also dependent on our ability to extend our agreement with Sprint (now T-Mobile) or another wholesale RAN access provider after the initial term of our agreement with Sprint (now T-Mobile) expires.

Previous report

Consolidation among wholesale RAN access providers could impair our ability to sustain our mobile service. In 2018, Sprint and T-Mobile announced an intent to merge. The merger was approved by the U.S. Justice Department in July 2019, the FCC in November 2019 (which conditioned its approval on fulfillment of certain commitments, including certain conditions intended to benefit us) and a federal court in the Southern District of New York in February 2020. While the reduction of competition among mobile wireless network-based providers likely will negatively impact the price and availability of wholesale RAN access to us generally, certain of the conditions imposed upon the merger parties by the U.S. Justice Department and the FCC have the potential to ameliorate those effects and to enhance the coverage, quality and cost structure for our mobile services while those conditions are in effect. We rely on the merger parties and the U.S. Justice Department's and FCC's oversight of those conditions for enforcement. If we fail to obtain timely or fully the benefit of the conditions, or if enforcement is inadequate, the price, reach, quality and competitiveness of our mobile offering likely will be adversely affected.

Previous report

In addition, if Next Alt’s lenders foreclose on the shares of Class A and Class B common stock it has pledged in connection with certain transactions, such lenders may have the right to acquire and sell such shares, which could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to drop significantly.
Reworded paragraphs (49)

Previous wording

•We may engage in acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions and the integration of such acquisitions, the sales of assets and other strategic transactions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

•We have engaged and may in the future engage in acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions and the integration of such acquisitions, the sales of assets and other strategic transactions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We may be adversely affected if other parties are able to get government subsidies to overbuild our plant, or if subsidies we receive to construct facilities or support low-income subscribers run out.

Current wording

•We may be adversely affected if other parties are able to get government subsidies to overbuild our plant, or if subsidies we receive to construct facilities or support low-income subscribers are modified or run out.

Previous wording

In some instances, our competitors have fewer regulatory burdens, easier access to financing, greater resources, greater operating capabilities and efficiencies of scale, stronger brand-name recognition, longstanding relationships with regulatory authorities and customers, more customers, more flexibility to offer promotional packages at prices lower than ours and greater access to programming or other services. This competition creates pressure on our pricing and has adversely affected, and may continue to affect, our ability to add and retain customers, which in turn adversely affects our business, financial condition and results of operations. The effects of competition may also adversely affect our liquidity and ability to service our debt. For example, we face intense competition from Verizon, which has constructed FTTH network infrastructure that passes a significant number of households in our New York metropolitan service area. We estimate that Verizon is currently able to sell fiber-based services, including broadband, video and telephony, to over two-thirds of the households in our New York metropolitan service area and may expand these and other service offerings to more customers in the future. We also face increasing competition from AT&T and new fiber-based service providers in various markets in our south-central United States service area, who we estimate are currently able to sell fiber products to over one-quarter of these households. While the extent of our competitors’ build-out and sales activity in service areas is difficult to assess because it is based on visual inspections and other limited estimating techniques and therefore serves only as an approximation, the fiber build out by competitors in our service areas is significant.

Current wording

In some instances, our competitors have fewer regulatory burdens, easier access to financing, greater resources, greater operating capabilities and efficiencies of scale, stronger brand-name recognition, longstanding relationships with regulatory authorities and customers, more customers, more flexibility to offer promotional packages at prices lower than ours and greater access to programming or other services. This competition creates pressure on our pricing and has adversely affected, and may continue to affect, our ability to add and retain customers, which in turn adversely affects our business, financial condition and results of operations. The effects of competition may also adversely affect our liquidity and ability to service our debt. For example, we face intense competition from Verizon, which has constructed FTTH network infrastructure that passes a significant number of households in our New York metropolitan service area. We estimate that Verizon, together with other fiber-based service providers, are able to sell fiber-based services to approximately two-thirds of the households in our footprint in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut combined and may expand these and other service offerings to more customers in the future. We also face increasing competition from AT&T and other fiber-based service providers in various markets in our south-central United States service area, who we estimate are currently able to sell fiber products to more than one-third of these households. While the extent of our competitors’ build-out and sales activity in service areas is difficult to assess because it is based on visual inspections and other limited estimating techniques and therefore serves only as an approximation, the fiber build out by competitors in our service areas is significant.

Previous wording

Another source of competition for our video services is the delivery of video content over the Internet directly to customers, some of which is offered without charging a fee for access to the content. This competition comes from a number of different sources, including companies that deliver movies, television shows and other video programming, including extensive on demand, live content, serials, exclusive and original content, over broadband Internet connections to televisions, computers, tablets and mobile devices, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV+, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream and others. It is possible that additional competitors will enter the market and begin providing video content over the Internet directly to customers. Increasingly, content owners, such as Max (formerly known as HBO), CBS, Disney and ESPN, are selling their programming directly to consumers over the Internet without requiring a video subscription. The availability of these services has and will continue to adversely affect customer demand for our video services, including premium and on-demand services. Further, due to consumer electronics innovations, consumers can watch such Internet-delivered content on television sets and mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Internet access services are also offered by providers of wireless services, including traditional cellular phone carriers and others focused solely on wireless data services.

Current wording

Another source of competition for our video services is the delivery of video content over the Internet directly to customers, some of which is offered without charging a fee for access to the content. This competition comes from a number of different sources, including companies that deliver movies, television shows and other video programming, including extensive on demand, live content, serials, exclusive and original content, over broadband Internet connections to televisions, computers, tablets and mobile devices, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV+, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream and others. It is possible that additional competitors will enter the market and begin providing video content over the Internet directly to customers. Increasingly, content owners, such as Max, CBS, Disney and ESPN, are selling their programming directly to consumers over the Internet without requiring a video subscription. The availability of these services has and will continue to adversely affect customer demand for our video services, including premium and on-demand services. Further, due to consumer electronics innovations, consumers can watch such Internet-delivered content on television sets and mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Internet access services are also offered by providers of wireless services, including traditional cellular phone carriers and others focused solely on wireless data services.

Previous wording

Our broadband service faces competition from wired and wireless providers. Most broadband communications companies, which already have wired networks, an existing customer base and other operational functions in place (such as billing and service personnel), offer DSL, cable or FTTH/FTTP services. We believe these services compete with our broadband service and are often offered at prices comparable to or lower than our Internet services and, despite sometimes being offered at speeds lower than the speeds we offer, are capable of serving as substitutes for some consumers. In addition, to the extent that these providers’ networks are more ubiquitously deployed, such as traditional telephone networks, they may be in a better position to offer Internet services to businesses passed by their networks on a more economic or timely basis than we can, even if the services they offer are arguably inferior. They may also increasingly have the ability to combine video services, mobile services and telephone and Internet services offered to their customers, either directly or through co-marketing agreements with other service providers. Additionally, federal legislation has substantially increased the amount of subsidies to entities deploying broadband to areas deemed to be "unserved" or "underserved" in the past year, which could result in increased competition for our broadband services.

Current wording

Our broadband service faces competition from wired and wireless providers. Most broadband communications companies, which already have wired networks, an existing customer base and other operational functions in place (such as billing and service personnel), offer DSL, cable or FTTH/FTTP services. We believe these services compete with our broadband service and are often offered at prices comparable to or lower than our Internet services and, despite sometimes being offered at speeds lower than the speeds we offer, are capable of serving as substitutes for some consumers. In addition, to the extent that these providers’ networks are more ubiquitously deployed, such as traditional telephone networks, they may be in a better position to offer Internet services to businesses passed by their networks on a more economic or timely basis than we can, even if the services they offer are arguably inferior. They may also increasingly have the ability to combine video services, mobile services and telephone and Internet services offered to their customers, either directly or through co-marketing agreements with other service providers. Additionally, federal legislation has substantially increased the amount of subsidies to entities deploying broadband to areas deemed to be "unserved" or "underserved" in recent years, which could result in increased competition for our broadband services.

Previous wording

Our advertising business faces competition from traditional and non-traditional media outlets, such as television and radio stations, traditional print media and the Internet, including Facebook, Google and others.

Current wording

Our advertising business faces competition from traditional and non-traditional media outlets, such as television and radio stations, traditional print media and the Internet, including Meta, Google and others.

Previous wording

The broadband communications industry has undergone significant technological development over time and these changes continue to affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such changes have had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on consumer expectations and behavior. Our video business faces technological change risks as a result of the continuing development of new and changing methods for delivery of programming content such as Internet-based delivery of movies, shows and other content which can be viewed on televisions, wireless devices and other developing mobile devices. Consumers' video consumption patterns are also evolving, for example, with more content being downloaded for time-shifted consumption. A proliferation of delivery systems for video content can adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers and the demand for our services and it can also decrease advertising demand on our delivery systems. Our broadband business faces technological challenges from rapidly evolving wireless Internet solutions. Our telephony service offerings face technological developments in the proliferation of telephony delivery systems including those based on Internet and wireless delivery. If we do not develop or acquire and successfully implement new technologies, we will limit our ability to compete effectively for customers, content and advertising.

Current wording

The broadband communications industry has undergone significant technological development over time and these changes continue to affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such changes have had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on consumer expectations and behavior. Our video business faces technological change risks as a result of the continuing development of new and changing methods for delivery of programming content such as Internet-based delivery of movies, shows and other content which can be viewed on televisions, wireless devices and other developing mobile devices. Consumers' video consumption patterns are also evolving, for example, with more content being downloaded for time-shifted consumption. A proliferation of delivery systems for video content can adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers and demand for our services and it can also decrease advertising demand on our delivery systems. Our broadband business faces technological challenges from rapidly evolving wireless Internet solutions. Our telephony service offerings face technological developments in the proliferation of telephony delivery systems including those based on Internet and wireless delivery. If we do not develop or acquire and successfully implement new technologies, we will limit our ability to compete effectively for customers, content and advertising.

Previous wording

Many of our video customers take delivery of their services through our set-top box, although customers are increasingly able to enjoy these services through other devices, for example, Apple TV, which eliminates or reduces the need to use our devices. We may be required to make material capital and other investments to anticipate and to keep up with technological change. These challenges could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Many of our video customers take delivery of their services through our set-top box, although customers are increasingly able to enjoy these services through other devices, for example, Apple TV, which eliminates or reduces the need to use our devices. We may be required to make material capital and other investments to keep up with technological change. These challenges could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

In the fourth quarter of 2017, we entered into a multi-year strategic agreement with Sprint pursuant to which we currently utilize Sprint's network to provide mobile voice and data services to our customers throughout the nation. In 2021, following the merger between T-Mobile and Sprint, we migrated our customers to the T-Mobile network. We believe this additional product offering will enable us to deliver greater value and more benefits to our customers by offering mobile voice and data services, in addition to our broadband, video and telephony services. Some of our competitors already offer, or have announced plans to offer, their own offerings that bundle two or more of their broadband, video, telephony and mobile voice and data services. If our customers do not view our service offerings as competitive with those offered by our competitors, we could experience increased customer churn. We cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from the introduction of our mobile voice and data services, or that they will be introduced to, or adopted by, customers to the extent or in the timeframe we anticipate. In addition, we may be required to make material capital and other investments to develop this business and to anticipate and keep up with technological change. These challenges could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

In 2019, we launched our mobile wireless voice and data service. We believe this product offering will enable us to deliver greater value and more benefits to customers by offering mobile voice and data services, in addition to our broadband, video and telephony services. Some of our competitors already offer, or have announced plans to offer, their own offerings that bundle two or more of their broadband, video, telephony and mobile voice and data services. If our customers do not view our service offerings as competitive with those offered by our competitors, we could experience increased customer churn. We cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from offering mobile voice and data services to new or existing customers, in the timeframe we anticipate. In addition, we may be required to make material capital and other investments to develop and maintain this business and to keep up with technological change. These challenges could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Programming costs are one of our largest categories of expenses. In recent years, the cost of programming in the cable and satellite video industries has increased significantly and is expected to continue to increase, particularly with respect to costs for sports programming and broadcast networks. We may not be able to pass programming cost increases on to our customers due to the increasingly competitive environment. If we are unable to pass these increased programming costs on to our customers, our results of operations would be adversely affected. Moreover, programming costs are related directly to the number of customers to whom the programming is provided. Our smaller customer base relative to our competitors may limit our ability to negotiate lower per-customer programming costs, which could result in reduced operating margins relative to our competitors with a larger customer base.

Current wording

Programming costs are one of our largest categories of expenses. In recent years, the cost of programming in the multichannel video distribution industry has increased significantly and is expected to continue to increase, particularly with respect to costs for sports programming and broadcast networks. We may not be able to pass programming cost increases on to our customers due to the increasingly competitive environment. If we are unable to pass these increased programming costs on to our customers, our results of operations would be adversely affected. Moreover, programming costs are related directly to the number of customers to whom the programming is provided. Our smaller customer base relative to our competitors may limit our ability to negotiate lower per-customer programming costs, which could result in reduced operating margins relative to our competitors with a larger customer base.

Previous wording

The expiration dates of our various programming contracts are staggered, which results in the expiration of a portion of our programming contracts throughout each year. We attempt to control our programming costs and, therefore, the cost of our video services to our customers, by negotiating favorable terms for the renewal of our affiliation agreements with programmers. On certain occasions in the past, such negotiations have led to disputes with programmers that have resulted in temporary periods during which we did not carry or decided to stop carrying a particular broadcast network or programming service or services. For example, in 2017, we were unable to reach an agreement with Starz on acceptable economic terms, and effective January 1, 2018, all Starz services were removed from our lineups, and we launched alternative networks offered by other programmers under new long-term contracts. On February 13, 2018, we and Starz reached a new carriage agreement and we restored the Starz services previously offered by Optimum and Suddenlink. Negotiating impasses are common. To the extent we are unable to reach agreement with certain programmers on terms we believe are reasonable, we may be forced to, or determine for strategic or business reasons to, remove certain programming channels from our line-up and may decide to replace such programming channels with other programming channels, which may not be available on acceptable terms or be as attractive to customers. Such disputes, or the removal or replacement of programming, may inconvenience some of our customers and can lead to customer dissatisfaction and, in certain cases, the loss of customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. There can be no assurance that our existing programming contracts will be renewed on favorable or comparable terms, or at all, or that the rights we negotiate will be adequate for us to execute our business strategy.

Current wording

The expiration dates of our various programming contracts are staggered, which results in the expiration of a portion of our programming contracts throughout each year. We attempt to control our programming costs and, therefore, the cost of our video services to our customers, by negotiating favorable terms for the renewal of our affiliation agreements with programmers. On certain occasions in the past, such negotiations have led to disputes with programmers that have resulted in periods during which we did not carry, or decided to stop carrying, a particular broadcast network or programming service or services. For example, in January 2025, we were unable to reach an agreement with Nexstar Media Group, Inc. ("Nexstar") upon equitable terms, and effective January 10, 2025, Nexstar owned and operated broadcast stations and services were removed from our lineups. On January 17, 2025, we and Nexstar agreed to renewal terms and the applicable broadcast stations and services were promptly restored to our lineups. Additionally, in January 2025, MSG Networks' services were removed from our lineups. Negotiating impasses are common. To the extent we are unable to reach agreement with certain programmers on terms we believe are reasonable, we may be forced to, or determine for strategic or business reasons to, cease negotiations with such programmers and remove the associated programming channels from our line-up and may decide to replace such programming channels with other programming channels, which may not be available on acceptable terms or be as attractive to customers. Such disputes, or the removal or replacement of programming, may inconvenience some of our customers and can lead to customer dissatisfaction, negative publicity, regulatory inquiries, and the potential loss of customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. There can be no assurance that our existing programming contracts will be renewed on favorable or comparable terms, or at all, or that the rights we negotiate will be adequate for us to execute our business strategy.

Previous wording

There can be no assurance that we can successfully achieve any or all of the above initiatives in the manner or time period that we expect. Furthermore, achieving these objectives will require investments which may result in short-term costs without generating any current revenues and therefore may be dilutive to our earnings. We cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect our strategy will achieve. The failure to realize those benefits could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we are unable to continue improving our operational performance and customer experience we may face a decrease in new customers and an increase in customer churn, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement our plan to build a FTTH network within the anticipated timeline or at all or within the cost parameters we currently expect. Similarly, we may not be successful in growing our mobile voice and data services on our anticipated timeline or realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from the introduction thereof, and we may face technological, financial, legal, regulatory or other challenges in pursuing these or other initiatives.

Current wording

There can be no assurance that we can successfully achieve any or all of the above initiatives in the manner or time period that we expect. Furthermore, achieving these objectives will require investments which may result in short-term costs without generating any current revenues and therefore may be dilutive to our earnings. We cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect our strategy will achieve. The failure to realize those benefits could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we are unable to continue improving our operational performance and customer experience we may face a decrease in new customers and an increase in customer churn, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement our plan to expand and upgrade our network within the anticipated timeline or at all or within the cost parameters we currently expect. Similarly, we may not be successful in growing our mobile voice and data services on our anticipated timeline or realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from offering such services, and we may face technological, financial, legal, regulatory or other challenges in pursuing these or other initiatives.

Previous wording

From time to time the capital markets experience volatility and disruption. Volatility in the capital markets may be impacted by a number of factors. Some of the main factors which have recently contributed to capital markets volatility include, but are not limited to, inflationary pressures, the outlook for interest rates, the military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East. There can be no assurance that market conditions will not continue to be volatile or worsen in the future.

Current wording

From time to time the capital markets experience volatility and disruption. Volatility in the capital markets may be impacted by a number of factors. Some of the main factors which have recently contributed to capital markets volatility include, but are not limited to, inflationary pressures, the outlook for interest rates, and the military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East. There can be no assurance that market conditions will not continue to be volatile or worsen in the future.

Previous wording

Historical market disruptions have typically been accompanied by a broader economic downturn, which has historically led to lower demand for our products, such as video services, as well as lower levels of television advertising, and increased incidence of customers' inability to pay for the services we provide. A recurrence of these conditions may further adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Financial market disruptions may be accompanied by a broader economic downturn, which historically has led to lower demand for our products, such as video services, as well as lower levels of television advertising, and increased incidence of customers' inability to pay for the services we provide. A recurrence of these conditions may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our subsidiaries have incurred substantial amounts of indebtedness in connection with acquisitions and to finance the Cequel Acquisition, the Cablevision Acquisition, our operations, upgrades to our cable plant and acquisitions of other cable systems, sources of programming and other businesses. We have also incurred substantial indebtedness in order to offer new or upgraded services to our current and potential customers. At December 31, 2023, the carrying value of our total aggregate indebtedness, including finance leases, notes payable and supply chain financing was approximately $25.1 billion. Because we are highly leveraged, our payments on our indebtedness are significant in relation to our revenues and cash flow, which exposes us to significant risk in the event of downturns in our businesses (whether through competitive pressures or otherwise), our industry or the economy generally, since our cash flows would decrease, but our required payments under our indebtedness would not. Any decrease in our revenues or an increase in operating costs (and corresponding reduction in our cash flows) would therefore adversely affect our ability to make interest or principal payments on our indebtedness as they come due.

Current wording

Our subsidiaries have incurred substantial amounts of indebtedness in connection with acquisitions and to finance the Cequel Acquisition, the Cablevision Acquisition, our operations, upgrades to our cable plant and acquisitions of other cable systems, sources of programming and other businesses. We have also incurred substantial indebtedness in order to offer new or upgraded services to our current and potential customers. At December 31, 2024, the carrying value of our total aggregate indebtedness, including finance leases and supply chain financing was approximately $25.1 billion. Because we are highly leveraged, our payments on our indebtedness are significant in relation to our revenues and cash flow, which exposes us to significant risk in the event of downturns in our businesses (whether through competitive pressures or otherwise), our industry or the economy generally, since our cash flows would decrease but our required payments under our indebtedness would not. Decreases in our revenues or increases in operating costs (and corresponding reduction in our cash flows) would therefore adversely affect our ability to make interest or principal payments on our indebtedness as they come due.

Previous wording

Credit rating agencies continually revise their ratings for companies they follow. The condition of the financial and credit markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. In addition, developments in our business and operations or the amount of indebtedness could lead to a ratings downgrade on our or our subsidiaries' indebtedness. The debt ratings for our subsidiaries' debt securities and credit facilities are currently below the "investment grade" category, which results in higher borrowing costs and more restrictive covenants in our indentures and credit facilities, as well as a reduced pool of potential investors of that debt as some investors will not purchase debt securities or become lenders under credit facilities that are not rated in an investment grade rating category. In addition, there can be no assurance that any rating assigned will remain for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency, if in that rating agency's judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. Our credit rating (including the credit rating assigned to our subsidiaries’ debt securities and credit facilities) has in the past been and may continue to be impacted by a number of factors, including the effects of the U.S. economy experiencing an uneven recovery following a protracted slowdown, factors affecting the broadband communications and video service industry, our operating performance and our financing activities. Any such fluctuation in the rating of us or our subsidiaries may impact our ability to access debt markets in the future or increase our cost of future debt which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, which in return may adversely affect the market price of shares of our Class A common stock.

Current wording

Credit rating agencies continually revise their ratings for companies they follow. The condition of the financial and credit markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. In addition, developments in our business and operations or the amount of indebtedness incurred could lead to a ratings downgrade on our or our subsidiaries' indebtedness. The debt ratings for our subsidiaries' debt securities and credit facilities are currently below the "investment grade" category, which could result in higher borrowing costs and more restrictive covenants in our indentures and credit facilities, as well as a reduced pool of potential investors of that debt as some investors will not purchase debt securities or become lenders under credit facilities that are not rated in an investment grade rating category. In addition, there can be no assurance that any rating assigned will remain for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency, if in that rating agency's judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. Our credit rating (including the credit rating assigned to our subsidiaries’ debt securities and credit facilities) has in the past been and may continue to be impacted by a number of factors, including the state of the U.S. economy, factors affecting the broadband communications and video service industry, our operating performance and our financing activities. In 2024, S&P downgraded our credit rating to “CCC+” and Moody’s Investors Service downgraded our credit rating to “Caa2.” A deterioration of our financial position or a further downgrade of our or our subsidiaries' ratings for any reason may impact our ability to access debt markets in the future or increase our cost of future debt which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, which in return may adversely affect the market price of shares of our Class A common stock.

Previous wording

Also, our subsidiaries' creditors, including trade creditors, in the event of a liquidation or reorganization of any subsidiary, would be entitled to a claim on the assets of such subsidiaries, including any assets transferred to those subsidiaries, prior to any of our claims as a stockholder and those creditors are likely to be paid in full before any distribution is made to us. To the extent that we are a creditor of a subsidiary, our claims could be subordinated to any security interest in the assets of that subsidiary and/or any indebtedness of that subsidiary senior to that held by us.

Current wording

Also, our subsidiaries' creditors, including trade creditors, in the event of a liquidation or reorganization of any subsidiary, would be entitled to a claim on the assets of such subsidiaries, including any assets transferred to those subsidiaries, prior to any of our claims as a stockholder and those creditors are likely to be paid in full before any distribution is made to us. To the extent that we are a creditor of a subsidiary, our claims could be subordinated to any security interest in the assets of that subsidiary or any indebtedness of that subsidiary senior to that held by us.

Previous wording

Our business is capital intensive. Operating and maintaining our cable systems requires significant amounts of cash payments to third parties. Capital expenditures were $1,704.8 million, $1,914.3 million and $1,231.7 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and primarily include payments for customer premise equipment, network infrastructure, support and other costs.

Current wording

Our business is capital intensive. Operating and maintaining our cable systems requires significant amounts of cash payments to third parties. Capital expenditures were $1,433.0 million, $1,704.8 million and $1,914.3 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and primarily include payments for customer premise equipment, network infrastructure, support and other costs.

Previous wording

We expect these capital expenditures to continue to be significant as we further enhance our service offerings. We may have substantial future capital commitments in the form of long-term contracts that require substantial payments over a period of time. In the longer term, our ability to fund our operations, make planned capital expenditures, make scheduled payments on our indebtedness and repay our indebtedness depends on our future operating performance and cash flows and our ability to access the capital markets, which, in turn, are subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Competition, market disruptions or deterioration in economic conditions could lead to lower demand for our products, as well as lower levels of advertising, and increased incidence of customers' inability to pay for the services we provide. These events would adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. As such, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash internally to fund anticipated capital expenditures, make ongoing interest payments and repay our indebtedness at maturity. Accordingly, we may have to do one or more of the following:

Current wording

We expect these capital expenditures to continue to be significant as we further enhance our service offerings. We may have substantial future capital commitments in the form of long-term contracts that require substantial payments over a period of time. In the longer term, our ability to fund our operations, make planned capital expenditures, make scheduled payments on our indebtedness and repay our indebtedness depends on our future operating performance and cash flows and our ability to access the capital markets, which, in turn, are subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Competition, market disruptions or deterioration in economic conditions have in the past, and could in the future, lead to lower demand for our products, as well as lower levels of advertising, and increased incidence of customers' inability to pay for the services we provide. These events would adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. As such, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash internally to fund anticipated capital expenditures, make ongoing interest payments and repay our indebtedness at maturity. Accordingly, we may have to do one or more of the following:

Previous wording

However, we may not be able to refinance existing obligations or raise any required additional capital on terms acceptable to us or at all. Borrowing costs related to future capital raising activities may be significantly higher than our current borrowing costs and we may not be able to raise additional capital on favorable terms, or at all, if financial markets experience volatility. If we are unable to pursue our current and future spending programs, we may be forced to cancel or scale back those programs. Our choice of which spending programs to cancel or reduce may be limited. Failure to successfully pursue our capital expenditure and other spending plans could materially and adversely affect our ability to compete effectively. It is possible that in the future we may also engage in extraordinary transactions and such transactions could result in the incurrence of substantial additional indebtedness.

Current wording

If we are unable to pursue our current and future spending programs, we may be forced to cancel or scale back those programs. Our choice of which spending programs to cancel or reduce may be limited. Failure to successfully pursue our capital expenditure and other spending plans could materially and adversely affect our ability to compete effectively. It is possible that in the future we may also engage in extraordinary transactions and such transactions could result in the incurrence of substantial additional indebtedness.

Previous wording

The interest rates applicable to our term loan due April 2027 were previously linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), which has recently been the subject of international reform proposals. Certain LIBOR settings were discontinued at the end of 2021, and the remaining settings were phased out by the end of June 2023. In the United States, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee proposed the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("Term

Current wording

The interest rates applicable to our term loan due April 2027 were previously linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), which has recently been the subject of international reform proposals. Certain LIBOR settings were discontinued at the end of 2021, and the remaining settings were phased out by the end of June 2023. In the United

Previous wording

SOFR") as an alternative to LIBOR for use in contracts that were indexed to U.S. dollar LIBOR and proposed a phased market transition plan to Term SOFR. Term SOFR significantly differs from LIBOR and may not yield the same or similar economic results as LIBOR which could have a material adverse effect on the liquidity of, and the amount payable under, our sources of funding.

Current wording

States, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee proposed the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("Term SOFR") as an alternative to LIBOR for use in contracts that were indexed to U.S. dollar LIBOR and proposed a phased market transition plan to Term SOFR. Term SOFR significantly differs from LIBOR and may not yield the same or similar economic results as LIBOR which could have a material adverse effect on the liquidity of, and the amount payable under, our sources of funding.

Previous wording

Pursuant to the terms of our credit facilities agreement, subsequent to the phase-out of LIBOR on June 30, 2023, the interest rate on our outstanding LIBOR-linked borrowings became linked to synthetic USD LIBOR, calculated as Term SOFR plus the spread adjustment for the corresponding LIBOR setting, until September 30, 2024.

Current wording

Pursuant to the terms of our credit facilities agreement, subsequent to the phase-out of LIBOR on June 30, 2023, the interest rate on our outstanding LIBOR-linked borrowings became linked to synthetic USD LIBOR, calculated as Term SOFR plus the spread adjustment for the corresponding LIBOR setting, until March 31, 2025. Thereafter, the interest rate on outstanding synthetic USD LIBOR-linked borrowings will become linked to the alternate base rate, where the alternative base rate is the greater of (x) the prime rate or (y) the federal funds effective rate plus 50 basis points.

Previous wording

If we are unable to transition our outstanding borrowings that accrue interest at alternative reference rates to Term SOFR, if there are any further significant changes to the setting of alternative interest rate benchmarks, and in the event of the discontinuation of, or changes in the manner of administration of, interest rate benchmarks, the interest rates on our borrowings could be materially different than expected. These developments may cause us to renegotiate some of these agreements and may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

If we are unable to transition our outstanding borrowings that accrue interest at alternative reference rates to Term SOFR, or if there are any further significant changes to the setting of alternative interest rate benchmarks, and in the event of the discontinuation of, or changes in the manner of administration of, interest rate benchmarks, the interest rates on our borrowings could be materially different than expected. These developments may cause us to renegotiate some of these agreements and may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We depend on third-party vendors for certain equipment, hardware, licenses and services in the conduct of our business. If we do not have access to such items on reasonable terms and on a timely basis, our ability to offer our products and services could be impaired, and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Current wording

We depend on third-party vendors for certain equipment, hardware, licenses and services in the conduct of our business. If we do not have access to such items and services on reasonable terms and on a timely basis, our ability to offer our products and services could be impaired, and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We use third-party suppliers, service providers and licensors to supply some of the equipment, hardware, services, software and operational support necessary to provide some of our products and services. Some of these vendors are our sole source of supply or have, either through contract or as a result of intellectual property rights, a position of some exclusivity. Some of these vendors do not have a long operating history or may not be able to continue to supply the products or services we desire. In addition, because of the pace at which technological innovations occur in our industry, we may not be able to obtain access to the latest technology on reasonable terms. The termination or disruption in these relationships as a result of contractual disagreements, operational or financial failures on the part of our vendors, or other adverse events that prevent vendors from providing the equipment or services we need, with the level of quality we require, in a timely manner, and at reasonable prices, could result in significant costs to us and have a negative effect on our ability to provide our products and services. It is also possible that, under some circumstances, we could be forced to switch to different key vendors. Because of the cost and time lag that can be associated with transitioning from one vendor to another, our business could be substantially disrupted if we were required to or chose to do so, especially if the replacement became necessary on short notice. As a result, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

We use third-party suppliers, service providers and licensors to supply some of the equipment, hardware, services, software and operational support necessary to provide some of our products and services. Some of these vendors are our sole source of supply or have, either through contract or as a result of intellectual property rights, a position of some exclusivity. Some of these vendors do not have a long operating history or may not be able to continue to supply the products or services we desire. In addition, because of the pace at which technological innovations occur in our industry, we may not be able to obtain access to the latest technology on reasonable terms. The termination or disruption in these relationships as a result of contractual disagreements, operational or financial failures on the part of our vendors, the imposition of tariffs, or other events that prevent vendors from providing the equipment or services we need, with the level of quality we require, in a timely manner, and at reasonable prices, could result in significant costs to us and have a negative effect on our ability to provide our products and services. It is also possible that, under some circumstances, we could be forced to switch to different key vendors. Because of the cost and time lag that can be associated with transitioning from one vendor to another, our business could be substantially disrupted if we were required to or chose to do so, especially if the replacement became necessary on short notice. As a result, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

The combined effects of extreme weather and climate change may compound this risk. Portions of our geographic service areas have experienced one or more severe weather and storm events over the past several years. In 2020, for example, portions ofour southern footprint were impacted by multiple storms, including hurricanes Delta and Laura, that caused significant damage to our network, infrastructure and facilities in those areas. Severe weather events and other natural disasters, including, storms, floods, tornadoes, rising sea levels, solar events, electromagnetic events, or other natural disasters, could result in severe business disruptions, property damage, prolonged service disruption, significant decreases in revenues and earnings, or significant additional costs, reputational and regulatory consequences.

Current wording

The combined effects of extreme weather and climate change may compound this risk. Portions of our geographic service areas have experienced one or more severe weather and storm events over the past several years. In September 2024, for example, the rain, wind and flooding from Hurricane Helene impacted our Western North Carolina service area, resulting in power outages and service disruptions to customers as well as damage to our cable network in the area. Severe weather events and other natural disasters, including storms, floods, fires, tornadoes, rising sea levels, solar events, electromagnetic events, could result in severe business disruptions, property damage, prolonged service disruption, significant decreases in revenues and earnings, or significant additional costs, reputational and regulatory consequences.

Previous wording

The nature of our business involves the receipt and storage of information about our customers and employees. We have procedures in place to detect and respond to data security incidents. However, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventive measures. In addition, hardware, software or applications we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security.

Current wording

While we commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our network and infrastructure to detect, protect and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events, our security programs and measures do not prevent all intrusions. Further, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventive measures. In addition, hardware, software or applications we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security.

Previous wording

We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions, including by means of hacking, phishing, denial of service attacks and dissemination of computer viruses, ransomware and other malicious software. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities and to our proprietary business information. While we commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our network and infrastructure to detect, protect and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events, our security programs and measures do not prevent all intrusions. Cyber intrusions require a significant amount of time and money to assess and remedy, and our incident response efforts may not be effective in all cases. If our efforts to protect the security of information about our customers and employees are unsuccessful, a significant data security breach may result in costly government enforcement actions, private litigation and negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage with customers, and our financial condition and results of operations could suffer. For example, in November 2019, a phishing attack against employee email accounts resulted in the exposure of certain employees' email credentials and, as a result, the exposure of information in those accounts including personal information of current and former employees as well as some customers. We took measures to secure against these attacks and responded by notifying affected persons, relevant state and federal agencies and law enforcement agencies. While the November 2019 attack has been contained both from an exposure and cost perspective, similar attacks could impose costs, liability and reputational harm that could adversely affect our operations and financial results. While we maintain insurance for cyber incidents, due to policy terms, limits and exclusions, it may not apply in all cases, and may not be adequate to cover all liabilities.

Current wording

Cyber intrusions require a significant amount of resources to address, and our incident response efforts may not be effective in all cases. If our efforts to protect our systems, networks and infrastructure are unsuccessful, or the security of information about our customers and employees is compromised, a significant data security breach may harm our ability to provide services to our customers or result in costly government enforcement actions, private litigation and negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage, and our financial condition and results of operations could suffer. For example, in November 2019, a phishing attack against employee email accounts resulted in the exposure of certain employees' email credentials and, as a result, the exposure of information in those accounts including personal information of current and former employees as well as some customers. We took measures to secure against these attacks and responded by notifying affected persons, relevant state and federal agencies and law enforcement agencies. While the November 2019 attack was contained both from an exposure and cost perspective, similar attacks could impose costs, liability and reputational harm that could adversely affect our operations and financial results. While we maintain insurance for cyber incidents, due to policy terms, limits and exclusions, it may not apply in all cases, and may not be adequate to cover all liabilities.

Previous wording

A portion of our workforce is represented by labor unions under established collective bargaining agreements or negotiating for a first contract. The terms of existing or new collective bargaining agreements can increase our expenses. Labor disruptions could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

A portion of our workforce is represented by labor unions under established collective bargaining agreements. The terms of existing or new collective bargaining agreements can increase our expenses. Labor disruptions could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 450 of our employees were represented by either the Communications Workers of America ("CWA") or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW"). We have existing collective bargaining agreements with the CWA and IBEW that cover these employees in New York, New Jersey and West Virginia and expire at various times between April 2024 through December 2026.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, approximately 400 of our employees were represented by either the Communications Workers of America ("CWA") or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW"). We have existing collective bargaining agreements with the CWA and IBEW that cover these unionized employees in New York, New Jersey and West Virginia, which expire at various times between February 2026 through April 2027.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, we reported approximately $31.9 billion of consolidated total assets, of which approximately $22.5 billion were intangible. Intangible assets primarily included franchises from city and county governments to operate cable systems, goodwill, customer relationships and trade names. While we believe the carrying values of our intangible assets are recoverable, we may not receive any cash in the event of a voluntary or involuntary sale of these intangible assets, particularly if we were not continuing as an operating business. We urge our stockholders to read carefully the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained herein, which provide more detailed information about these intangible assets.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, we reported approximately $31.7 billion of consolidated total assets, of which approximately $22.2 billion were intangible. Intangible assets primarily included franchises from city and county governments to operate cable systems, goodwill, customer relationships and trade names. While we believe the carrying values of our intangible assets are recoverable, we may not receive any cash in the event of a voluntary or involuntary sale of these intangible assets, particularly if we were not continuing as an operating business. We urge our stockholders to read carefully the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained herein, which provide more detailed information about these intangible assets.

Previous wording

We may engage in acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions and the integration of such acquisitions, the sales of assets and other strategic transactions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We have engaged and may in the future engage in acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions and the integration of such acquisitions, the sales of assets and other strategic transactions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

The rising popularity of bandwidth-intensive Internet-based services poses risks for our broadband and wireless services. Examples of such services include peer-to-peer file sharing services, gaming services and the delivery of video via streaming technology and by download. If heavy usage of bandwidth-intensive broadband and wireless services grows beyond our current expectations or capacity, we may need to incur more expenses than currently anticipated to expand the bandwidth capacity of our systems or our customers could have a suboptimal experience when using our broadband or wireless services, which could adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. In order to provide quality services at attractive prices, we need the continued flexibility to develop and refine business models that respond to changing consumer uses and demands and to manage bandwidth usage efficiently. Our ability to undertake such actions could be restricted by regulatory and legislative efforts to impose so-called "net neutrality" requirements on broadband communication providers like us that provide broadband services. For more information, see "Regulation—Broadband."

Current wording

The rising popularity of bandwidth-intensive Internet-based services poses risks for our broadband and wireless services. Examples of such services include gaming services, the delivery of video via streaming technology and by download and peer-to-peer file sharing services. If heavy usage of bandwidth-intensive broadband and wireless services grows beyond our current expectations or capacity, we may need to incur more expenses than currently anticipated to expand the bandwidth capacity of our systems or our customers could have a suboptimal experience when using our broadband or wireless services, which could adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. In order to provide quality services at attractive prices, we need the continued flexibility to develop and refine business models that respond to changing consumer uses and demands and to manage bandwidth usage efficiently. Our ability to undertake such actions could be restricted by regulatory and legislative efforts to impose so-called "net neutrality" requirements on broadband communication providers like us that provide broadband services. For more information, see "Regulation—Broadband."

Previous wording

We rely on our patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as licenses and other agreements with our vendors and other parties, to use our technologies, conduct our operations and sell our products and services. It is possible that our intellectual property rights are challenged or invalidated by third-party proceedings and may ultimately not be strong enough to provide meaningful commercial competitive advantage. Third parties have in the past, and may in the future, assert claims or initiate litigation related to exclusive patent, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights to technologies and related standards that are relevant to us. These assertions have increased over time as a result of our growth and the general increase in the pace of patent claims assertions, particularly in the United States. Because of the existence of a large number of patents in the networking field, the secrecy of some pending patents and the rapid rate of issuance of new patents, we believe it is not always possible to determine with precision in advance whether a particular service, product or any of their components infringes or will infringe on the patent rights of others. Asserted claims and/or initiated litigation can include claims against us or our manufacturers, suppliers or customers, alleging infringement of their proprietary rights with respect to our existing or future products and/or services or components of those products and/or services.

Current wording

We rely on our patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as licenses and other agreements with our vendors and other parties, to use our technologies, conduct our operations and sell our products and services. It is possible that our intellectual property rights are challenged or invalidated by third-party proceedings and may ultimately not be strong enough to provide meaningful commercial competitive advantage. Third parties have in the past, and may in the future, assert claims or initiate litigation related to exclusive patent, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights to technologies and related standards that are relevant to us. These assertions have increased over time as a result of our growth and the general increase in the pace of patent claims assertions, particularly in the United States. Because of the existence of a large number of patents in the networking field, the secrecy of some pending patents and the rapid rate of issuance of new patents, we believe it is not always possible to determine with precision in advance whether a particular service, product or any of their components infringes or will infringe on the patent rights of others. Asserted claims and initiated litigation can include claims against us or our manufacturers, suppliers or customers, alleging infringement of their proprietary rights with respect to our existing or future products or services or components of those products or services.

Previous wording

The law in most cases limits the liability of private network operators for information carried on, stored on or disseminated through their networks. However, these limitations on liability are subject to certain exceptions and the contours of those exceptions are not fully settled. Among other things, the limitation of copyright liability for network operators with respect to materials transmitted over their networks is conditioned upon the network operators’ terminating the accounts of repeat infringers in certain circumstances, and the law is unsettled as to the circumstances in which such termination is required to maintain the operator’s limitation of liability. As such, we could be exposed to legal claims relating to content disseminated on our networks and/or asserting that we are not eligible for statutory limitations on liability for network operators with respect to such content. Claims could involve matters such as defamation, invasion of privacy or copyright infringement. For example, two complaints have been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging that certain of our Internet subscribers infringed the plaintiffs' copyrighted works. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of such litigations. We may incur significant costs in defending these actions, and if we need to take measures to reduce our exposure to these risks or are required to pay damages in relation to, such claims or choose to settle such claims, our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. See "Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies – Legal Matters."

Current wording

The law in most cases limits the liability of private network operators for information carried on, stored on or disseminated through their networks. However, these limitations on liability are subject to certain exceptions and the contours of those exceptions are not fully settled. Among other things, the limitation of copyright liability for network operators with respect to materials transmitted over their networks is conditioned upon the network operators’ terminating the accounts of repeat infringers in certain circumstances, and the law is unsettled as to the circumstances in which such termination is required to maintain the operator’s limitation of liability. As such, we could be exposed to legal claims relating to content disseminated on our networks or asserting that we are not eligible for statutory limitations on liability for network operators with respect to such content. Claims could involve matters such as defamation, invasion of privacy or copyright infringement. For example, we have been in active litigation on two recent cases relating to copyright infringement, one of which is ongoing and one of which has been settled. Each of the complaints were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and alleged that certain of our Internet subscribers infringed the plaintiffs' copyrighted works. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of these types of litigation. We may incur significant costs in defending these or similar actions, and if we need to take measures to reduce our exposure to these risks or are required to pay damages in relation to, such claims or choose to settle such claims, our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. See "Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies – Legal Matters."

Previous wording

Our ability to attract and retain customers depends, in part, upon the external perceptions of Altice USA, which in turn may be affected by the Altice brand and Mr. Drahi's reputation and the quality of Altice products outside the U.S. and corporate and management integrity. The broadband communications and video services industry is by its nature more prone to reputational risks than other industries. This has been compounded in recent years by the free flow of unverified information on the Internet and on social media. Impairment of, including any loss of goodwill or reputational advantages, the Altice brand or Mr. Drahi's reputation in markets in which we do not operate could adversely affect current and future customers', regulators', investors' and others' perception of Altice USA.

Current wording

Our ability to attract and retain customers depends, in part, upon the external perceptions of Altice USA, which in turn may be affected by the Altice brand and Mr. Drahi's reputation and the quality of Altice products outside the U.S. and corporate and management integrity. The broadband communications and video services industry is by its nature more prone to reputational risks than other industries. This has been compounded in recent years by the free flow of unverified information on the Internet and on social media. Impairment of, including any loss of goodwill or reputational advantages, the Altice brand or Mr. Drahi's reputation could adversely affect current and future customers', regulators', investors' and others' perception of Altice USA.

Previous wording

Our performance is subject to global economic conditions and the related impact on consumer spending levels. Continued uncertainty about global economic conditions poses a risk as consumers and businesses may postpone spending in response to tighter credit, unemployment, negative financial news, and/or declines in income or asset values, which could have a material negative effect on demand for our products and services. As our business depends on consumer discretionary spending, our results of operations are sensitive to changes in macroeconomic conditions. Our customers may have less money for discretionary purchases as a result of inflation, job losses, foreclosures, bankruptcies, increased fuel and energy costs, higher interest rates, higher taxes, reduced access to credit, and lower home values. These and other economic factors could adversely affect demand for our products, which in turn could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Our performance is subject to global economic conditions and the related impact on consumer spending levels. Continued uncertainty about global economic conditions poses a risk as consumers and businesses may postpone spending in response to tighter credit, unemployment, negative financial news, and declines in income or asset values, which could have a material negative effect on demand for our products and services. As our business depends on consumer discretionary spending, our results of operations are sensitive to changes in macroeconomic conditions. Our customers may have less money for discretionary purchases as a result of inflation, job losses, foreclosures, bankruptcies, increased fuel and energy costs, higher interest rates, higher taxes, reduced access to credit, and lower home values. These and other economic factors could adversely affect demand for our products, which in turn could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Additionally, there have been statements by federal government officials indicating that some laws and regulations applicable to our industry may be repealed or modified in a way that could be favorable to us and our competitors. There can be no assurance that any such repeal or modification will be beneficial to us or will not be more beneficial to our current and future competitors.

Current wording

Additionally, there have been statements by federal government officials indicating that some laws and regulations applicable to our industry may be repealed or modified in a way that could be favorable to us and our competitors.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, two of our largest franchises, namely the Town of Brookhaven, New York, comprising an aggregate of approximately 98,000 video customers, and the New York City franchise, comprising approximately 320,000 video customers were expired. We are currently lawfully operating in these franchise areas under temporary authority recognized by the State of New York. Lightpath holds a franchise from New York City that expired on December 20, 2008 and the renewal process is pending. We believe New York City is treating the expiration date of this franchise as extended until a formal determination on renewal is made, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in renewing this franchise on anticipated terms or at all. We expect to renew or continue to operate under all or substantially all of our franchises.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, our largest franchise, New York City, comprising approximately 279 thousand video customers was expired. We are currently lawfully operating in this franchise area under temporary authority recognized by the State of New York. In addition, Lightpath holds a franchise from New York City that expired on December 20, 2008 and the renewal process is pending. We believe New York City is treating the expiration date of this franchise as extended until a formal determination on renewal is made, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in renewing this franchise on anticipated terms or at all. We expect to renew or continue to operate under all or substantially all of our franchises.

Showing the first 40 of 49 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.

Rearranged current paragraphs (3)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

In the conduct of our business, we rely on systems, networks and infrastructure to provide our services to our customers. Additionally, the nature of our business involves the receipt and storage of information about our customers and employees.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

There can be no assurance that any such repeal or modification will be beneficial to us or will not be more beneficial to our current and future competitors.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

demands or the general inability to secure appropriate pole or conduit rights, as well as higher pole and conduit access costs.