Earnings

The white hot cable industry received more flame Fri, as Cable One announced a 16% increase in 3Q rev to $142.3mln and $27.9mln in op income, versus $4.9mln last year. Much of the growth came from improved Gulf Coast ops post-Katrina, and from the data segment. Total subs in the Gulf Coast area grew 23% to 148K, led by a 63% surge in data customers to 34K. The Washington Post subsidiary’s overall sub base inched up 5% in the Q to 1.18mln, and was also paced by data (+26% to 276K). 2.5K basic subs were added in the Q, while digital subs fell by 3K. Digital phone service is slated for half of homes passed by year’s end. Impact from Katrina continues to plague the MSO, as it estimates related lost income of $10mln so far this year.