WOW!'s Chief Executive Officer Named to "Cablefax 100" List For Seventh Consecutive Year as Company Continues Trajectory of Growth and Innovation

WOW! Internet, Cable, & Phone has once again solidified its position as a leader in the telecommunications sector, with CEO Teresa Elder earning her seventh consecutive spot on the prestigious Cablefax 100 list in 2025. This recognition underscores not only Elder’s leadership prowess but also the company’s sustained growth and innovation under her guidance since taking the helm in December 2017. With a tenure spanning over seven years and a strategic focus on customer-centric technologies, WOW! has emerged as a resilient player in an increasingly competitive market.

A Leader’s Legacy: Teresa Elder’s Tenure and Strategic Vision

Elder’s appointment as CEO in 2017 marked a pivotal shift for WOW!, as she prioritized modernizing infrastructure and enhancing customer experience. Her track record includes a 1.9% equity stake in the company, valued at $6.52 million, aligning her financial interests with long-term shareholder value. While recent stock sales—such as 20,000 shares in September 2024 and 2,045 shares in January 2025—might raise eyebrows, her continued ownership of over 6.5 million dollars in company shares signals unwavering commitment.

Her leadership has driven measurable results. Under Elder, WOW! has expanded its fiber-optic network coverage by 40% since 2019, rolled out 5G-ready broadband solutions, and implemented AI-driven customer service tools to reduce outage response times by 30%. These initiatives have bolstered subscriber retention, with the company adding 120,000 net new customers in 2024 alone—a 15% year-over-year increase.

Growth Metrics: Outperforming the Industry

WOW!’s financial performance reflects this strategic agility. Over the past five years, the company’s revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%, outpacing the industry average of 4.2% during the same period. Meanwhile, its stock price has surged by 75% since 2017, outperforming sector peers like Charter Communications (CHTR) and Altice USA (ATUS), which saw gains of 42% and 28%, respectively, during the same timeframe.

This growth isn’t just about scale. WOW! has also prioritized profitability, with operating margins improving from 12% in 2018 to 18% in 2024. A key driver has been operational efficiency: automation in network maintenance reduced annual costs by $15 million, while customer churn dropped to 1.2%—well below the industry average of 1.8%.

Innovation: The Catalyst for Future Dominance

Elder’s vision extends beyond incremental gains. In 2024, WOW! launched FiberFirst, a $500 million initiative to expand gigabit-speed fiber to 1 million additional households by 2026. This move positions the company to capitalize on the growing demand for high-speed internet, a market projected to reach $1.2 trillion globally by 2030. Additionally, partnerships with tech giants like Cisco and NVIDIA are enabling edge computing capabilities, positioning WOW! as a provider of enterprise-grade solutions—a sector with 22% annual growth potential.

The company’s innovation isn’t limited to technology. Its Customer Care 360 platform, which integrates chatbots and real-time diagnostics, has improved satisfaction scores by 25%, a critical advantage in an industry where customer experience drives retention.

Risks and Considerations

Despite its strengths, WOW! faces headwinds. Intensifying competition from telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon, coupled with regulatory scrutiny over data privacy and net neutrality, could pressure margins. Additionally, economic downturns might suppress discretionary spending on premium services. However, Elder’s track record of navigating such challenges—such as stabilizing operations during the 2020 pandemic—suggests the company is equipped to adapt.

Conclusion: A Compelling Investment Thesis

WOW!’s seven-year journey under Teresa Elder’s leadership has been marked by disciplined execution, innovation, and customer-centricity. With a stock price up 75% since 2017 and a forward P/E ratio of 14—below the sector average of 18—the company offers both growth and value. Key data points reinforce this thesis:

• Revenue Growth: 6.8% CAGR vs. industry’s 4.2%.
• Market Positioning: 40% fiber expansion since 2019, targeting 1 million new fiber households.
• Financial Health: 18% operating margins and $650 million in free cash flow (2024).

Elder’s inclusion in the Cablefax 100 for a seventh year is no accident. It reflects a leader who has transformed WOW! into a tech-savvy, customer-focused disruptor. For investors, this trajectory—bolstered by a robust balance sheet and a CEO deeply invested in the company’s future—suggests significant upside potential in an industry poised for transformation.

In a sector where legacy players often lag, WOW! is proving that agility and innovation can drive sustained success. As Elder’s tenure enters its eighth year, the question isn’t whether the company will remain a top contender—it’s how far it can leap ahead.