Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) vs Franklin Universal Trust (FT)

A side-by-side comparison of Charter Communications, Inc. and Franklin Universal Trust across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: CHTR is classified in Communication Services; FT is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnCHTR vs FT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 17y
CHTR +298.5%FT +312.7%FT compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $10020132016201920222025$399$413
CHTR FT

CHTR vs FT: by the numbers

  • CHTR is the larger company ($18.86B vs $201M market cap).
  • FT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (2.98 vs 3.42 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • FT converts more revenue to profit (179.50% vs 9.05% net margin).
  • FT grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.92% vs 1.71% CAGR).
  • FT pays a dividend (6.39% yield), while CHTR has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCHTRFT
P/E ratio3.422.98
Forward P/E3.23N/A
P/S ratio0.295.37
P/B ratio0.940.88
PEG ratio1.47N/A
EV / EBITDA5.38N/A
FCF yield27.32%N/A

Profitability

MetricCHTRFT
Gross margin46.32%86.88%
Operating margin23.67%119.92%
Net margin9.05%179.50%
ROE29.05%29.45%
ROIC7.23%8.38%

Dividends

MetricCHTRFT
Dividend yieldN/A6.39%
Payout ratioN/A67.11%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCHTRFT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.71%3.92%
EPS CAGR (5Y)18.42%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)-10.01%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)-28.03%6.46%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CHTR or FT?
FT has the lower trailing P/E: CHTR trades at 3.42 and FT at 2.98. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CHTR or FT?
Over the past five years, FT grew revenue faster — CHTR at a 1.71% CAGR versus FT at 3.92%.
Does CHTR or FT pay a bigger dividend?
FT pays a dividend (6.39% yield), while CHTR has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is CHTR or FT more profitable?
FT runs the higher net margin — CHTR at 9.05% versus FT at 179.50%.
How have CHTR and FT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CHTR delivered -5.20% and FT delivered 8.00% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.