Insider Selling at Altice USA: What the Numbers Say
Olsen Michael’s recent 250,000‑share sale – the largest transaction in the filing – came at an average price of $1.60, a fraction of the 52‑week high of $3.04 and just above the current low of $1.52. The sale reduces his stake to roughly 1.5 million shares, or 0.2 % of the outstanding shares, a modest but notable dip for a senior legal officer. The timing is striking: the company’s share price has been slipping for months, and the sell was executed as Altice’s stock closed at $1.59, down 7 % in the week and 13 % in the month. Social‑media sentiment remains mildly positive (+2) but with a buzz of 10.79 %, indicating that the trade is not sparking widespread alarm—yet.
Implications for Investors and the Company’s Outlook
Altice’s valuation multiples are already negative (P/E of –0.4), signalling ongoing profitability pressure. Insider selling, especially by a General Counsel and CCRO, can be interpreted in several ways. On the surface, it may simply reflect a personal liquidity need or a portfolio rebalancing by Michael, who has sold a total of just under 25,000 shares in June 2025 and 24,927 shares in February 2026. However, the fact that the sale occurred during a period of steep price decline raises questions about management’s confidence in the company’s near‑term prospects. Investors may view this as a bearish signal, potentially accelerating sell pressure. Conversely, the modest size of the transaction relative to Altice’s market cap ($762 M) and the absence of other large insider sales in the same window may temper fears, especially given the relatively quiet market environment and lack of recent corporate announcements.
Olsen Michael: A Profile of Transaction Patterns
Historically, Michael’s insider activity has been limited and conservative. His most recent sale in June 2025 was for 24,927 shares at $2.12, after which his holdings fell from 1,771,204 to 1,746,277 shares. The February 2026 sale brought his post‑transaction holdings down to 1,496,277 shares. Compared to other insiders—such as Goei Dexter, who sold multiple large blocks in December 2025 totaling over 3 million shares—Michael’s moves are comparatively small and spaced apart. This pattern suggests a cautious approach to liquidity, likely aimed at managing personal financial needs rather than signalling a strategic divestiture of the company’s future.
What Investors Should Watch
- Price Volatility: Altice’s share price continues to tumble, and further insider sales could exacerbate downward momentum. Watch for any subsequent moves by Michael or other senior executives.
- Fundamental Weakness: Negative earnings and book value, combined with a lack of new business initiatives, could erode investor confidence. Pay attention to any management commentary on revenue growth or cost‑control plans.
- Market Sentiment: Social‑media buzz remains low; a sudden spike in negative chatter could trigger a sell‑off. Monitor platforms like X/Twitter for any sudden shifts.
In sum, Olsen Michael’s latest sale is a small footnote in a broader context of declining fundamentals and limited insider activity. While it may not dramatically alter the company’s valuation, it serves as a reminder of the challenges Altice USA faces in re‑energising its business and restoring investor trust.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 | Olsen Michael (General Counsel and CCRO) | Sell | 250,000.00 | 1.60 | Class A common stock |




