Cogent’s Q1 2025 revenue dips, EBITDA grows amid dividend hike

Published 08/05/2025, 12:06
Cogent’s Q1 2025 revenue dips, EBITDA grows amid dividend hike

WASHINGTON - Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCOI), a multinational Tier 1 Internet Service Provider, reported a mixed financial performance for the first quarter of 2025. The company experienced a service revenue decline of 2.1% to $247.0 million compared to the previous quarter and a 7.2% decrease year-over-year. This dip was partially attributed to the negative impact of foreign exchange rates. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears overvalued at current levels, with the shares down nearly 35% over the past six months.

Despite the revenue fall, Cogent saw a significant increase in its EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization), which rose by 4.6% sequentially to $43.8 million and an impressive 137.2% from the same period last year. The EBITDA margin also improved from 16.6% in the previous quarter to 17.7%.

The leasing of IPv4 addresses and wavelength services contributed positively to the company’s financials. IPv4 leasing revenue surged by 14.8% sequentially and a notable 42.0% from the first quarter of 2024, totaling $14.4 million. Wavelength services also saw a rise, with revenue increasing by 2.2% sequentially and a remarkable 114.0% year-over-year, reaching $7.1 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter was strong at $36.4 million, a substantial increase from $14.5 million in the previous quarter and $19.2 million in the first quarter of 2024. The company’s disciplined capital management was evident as it repurchased 94,856 shares of its common stock for $5.0 million in April 2025 under its buyback program. InvestingPro analysis indicates the company operates with a significant debt burden, though its current ratio of 1.9 suggests adequate liquidity to meet short-term obligations. Get deeper insights into Cogent’s financial health with the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively to subscribers.

Cogent also announced a modest increase in its regular quarterly dividend, raising it by $0.005 to $1.01 per share for the second quarter of 2025. This marks the company’s fifty-first consecutive quarterly dividend increase. InvestingPro data shows the company has maintained dividend payments for 14 consecutive years, with a current yield of 7.55%. Subscribers can access 10+ additional ProTips and comprehensive analysis in the Pro Research Report.

The company highlighted its expanding product offerings, including optical wavelength services now available in 883 data centers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, thanks to the construction of a wavelength network using predominantly owned fiber.

The information reported is based on a press release statement, and it reflects the company’s financial status and strategic decisions such as the dividend increase and stock buyback program, without any promotional commentary.

In other recent news, Cogent Communications reported fourth-quarter revenue of $252.3 million, falling short of the analyst consensus estimate of $258.04 million. This marked a 1.9% decrease from the previous quarter and a 7.3% decline year-over-year. Despite the revenue shortfall, the company reported a loss of $0.91 per share, which was better than the anticipated loss of $1.22 per share. Revenue from its wavelength business showed strong growth, increasing by 31.8% to $7.0 million, while its IPv4 leasing revenue rose 11.8% to $12.6 million.

In another development, KeyBanc Capital Markets maintained an Overweight rating for Cogent Communications with a $91 price target, highlighting potential growth in its wavelength and IPv4 segments. Meanwhile, BofA Securities adjusted its price target for the company from $65 to $55, maintaining an Underperform rating due to a cautious outlook on the company’s wavelength business. S&P Global Ratings revised Cogent’s outlook to negative, citing weaker credit metrics and leverage expected to remain above 5.25x.

Additionally, Cogent extended its headquarters lease in Washington, D.C., until 2030, ensuring continued operations at its current location. The company also increased its quarterly dividend to $1.005 per share, marking the fiftieth consecutive increase. These recent developments reflect ongoing challenges and opportunities for Cogent Communications in the telecommunications sector.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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