Today, Cogeco Cable Inc. (TSX:CCA) ("Cogeco Cable" or the "Corporation")
announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2013, ended
November 30, 2012, in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards ("IFRS").
For the first quarter of fiscal 2013:
-- Revenue increased by 4% to reach $327.9 million;
-- Operating income before depreciation and amortization increased by 11.6%
to $147.1 million when compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2012;
-- Operating margin(1) increased to 44.9% from 41.8% in the quarter when
compared to the same period of the prior year;
-- Profit for the period from continuing operations amounted to $42.2
million in the first quarter when compared to $39.6 million for the same
period of the previous fiscal year. Profit progression for the quarter
is mostly attributable to the increase in operating income before
depreciation and amortization, partly offset by the acquisition costs
related to the Atlantic Broadband ("ABB") acquisition and the increase
in income taxes;
-- Profit for the period amounted to $42.2 million in the first quarter
when compared to $43 million for the same period of the previous fiscal
year. This variation is mostly attributable to the increase in income
taxes, acquisition costs related to the ABB acquisition and last year's
profit from the disposition of the Portuguese subsidiary, Cabovisao -
Televisao por Cabo, S.A. ("Cabovisao"), reported as discontinued
operations and disposed of on February 29, 2012, partly offset by the
improvement in operating income before depreciation and amortization;
-- Free cash flow(1) reached $17 million for the quarter compared to $19.8
million in the comparable quarter of the prior year. Free cash flow
decreased in the first quarter over the prior year due to the increase
in current income tax expense, the acquisition costs related to ABB
acquisition as well as the increase in acquisition of property, plant
and equipment, partly offset by the improvement of operating income
before depreciation and amortization;
-- A quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share was paid to the holders of
subordinate and multiple voting shares, an increase of $0.01 per share,
or 4%, when compared to a dividend of $0.25 per share paid in the first
quarter of fiscal 2012;
-- Fiscal 2013 first-quarter primary service units ("PSU")(2) grew by
15,080 in Canada in the Cable services segment. At November 30, 2012,
the total consolidated PSU amounted to 2,478,887 of which 494,674 comes
from the conclusion of the acquisition of ABB on November 30th;
-- On December 21, 2012, Cogeco Cable announced an agreement to acquire all
of the issued and outstanding shares of PEER 1 Network Enterprises Inc.
("PEER 1") by way of takeover bid (the "offer") valued at approximately
$635 million. The offer is supported by a committed financing from the
National Bank of Canada in the amount of $650 million. PEER 1 is one of
the world's leading internet infrastructure providers, specializing in
managed hosting, dedicated servers, cloud services and co-location. This
acquisition combined with Cogeco Cable's existing data centre facilities
will increase the scale and scope by adding the capability to serve
approximately 10,000 additional businesses worldwide through 19 data
centres and 21 points-of-presence across North America and Europe. PEER
1's primary network centre and head office are located in Vancouver. The
offer will be subject to usual closing conditions and the Corporation
expects the transaction to be completed in the second quarter of fiscal
2013;
-- On November 30, 2012, the Corporation completed the acquisition of ABB,
an independent cable system operator formed in 2003, serving about
495,000 PSU's and providing Analogue and Digital Television, as well as
HSI and Telephony services. The transaction, valued at US$1.36 billion,
was financed through a combination of cash on hand, a draw-down on the
existing Term Revolving Facility of approximately US$588 million and
US$660 million of borrowings under a new committed non-recourse debt
financing at ABB. Ranked the 12th-largest cable television system
operator in the United States, ABB operates cable systems in Western
Pennsylvania, Southern Florida, Maryland, Delaware and South Carolina.
(1) The indicated terms do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS
and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by
other companies. For more details, please consult the "Non-IFRS
financial measures" section of the Management's discussion and
analysis.
(2) Represents the sum of Television, High Speed Internet ("HSI") and
Telephony service customers.
"Today, the residential telecommunications market is maturing and more
competitive than ever. I am very pleased with our overall positive results,
clearly demonstrating that the combination of our customer service efforts, our
marketing strategies, along with our strong cost control initiatives have
produced the expected positive effects on our financial results," declared Louis
Audet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cogeco Cable.
"Cogeco Data Services' ("CDS") results are very encouraging and confirm the
growth potential of the investments that we have made in this promising sector."
Louis Audet added: "As for our entry into the American market, it is with great
enthusiasm that we concluded the acquisition of ABB on November 30, 2012. ABB
and our residential / small and medium business sector of Cogeco Cable have much
in common, including the expertise of both our management teams; we foresee good
prospects for the future. ABB's first quarterly financial results will be
reported next quarter."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
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Quarters ended November 30,
(in thousands of dollars, except PSU
growth, percentages and per
share data) 2012 2011 Change
$ $ %
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Operations
Revenue 327,911 315,424 4.0
Operating income before depreciation and
amortization(1) 147,126 131,823 11.6
Operating margin(1) 44.9% 41.8% -
Operating income 75,160 66,999 12.2
Profit for the period from continuing
operations 42,160 39,567 6.6
Profit for the period from discontinued
operations - 3,399 -
Profit for the period 42,160 42,966 (1.9)
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Cash Flow
Cash flow from operating activities (280) 13,807 -
Cash flow from operations(1) 99,845 97,043 2.9
Acquisitions of property, plant and
equipment, intangible and other assets 82,833 77,283 7.2
Free cash flow(1) 17,012 19,760 (13.9)
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Financial Condition(2)
Property, plant and equipment 1,544,806 1,322,093 16.8
Total assets 4,331,597 2,908,079 49.0
Indebtedness(3) 2,333,766 1,069,112 -
Shareholders' equity 1,215,831 1,188,431 2.3
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Primary service units ("PSU") growth(4) 15,080 46,179 (67.3)
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Per Share Data(5)
Earnings per share
From continuing and discontinued
operations
Basic 0.87 0.88 (1.1)
Diluted 0.86 0.88 (2.3)
From continuing operations
Basic 0.87 0.81 7.4
Diluted 0.86 0.81 6.2
From discontinued operations
Basic - 0.07 -
Diluted - 0.07 -
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(1) The indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and therefore, may
not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For
more details, please consult the "Non-IFRS financial measures" section
of the Management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A").
(2) At November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012.
(3) Indebtedness is defined as the total of bank indebtedness, principal on
long-term debt, balance due on a business acquisition and obligations
under derivative financial instruments.
(4) Represents the sum of Television, High Speed Internet ("HSI") and
Telephony service customers.
(5) Per multiple and subordinate voting share.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") may
constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws.
Forward-looking information may relate to Cogeco Cable's future outlook and
anticipated events, business, operations, financial performance, financial
condition or results and, in some cases, can be identified by terminology such
as "may"; "will"; "should"; "expect"; "plan"; "anticipate"; "believe"; "intend";
"estimate"; "predict"; "potential"; "continue"; "foresee", "ensure" or other
similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In
particular, statements regarding the Corporation's future operating results and
economic performance and its objectives and strategies are forward-looking
statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions
including expected growth, results of operations, performance and business
prospects and opportunities, which Cogeco Cable believes are reasonable as of
the current date. While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable
based on information currently available to the Corporation, they may prove to
be incorrect. The Corporation cautions the reader that the economic downturn
experienced over the past few years makes forward-looking information and the
underlying assumptions subject to greater uncertainty and that, consequently,
they may not materialize, or the results may significantly differ from the
Corporation's expectations. It is impossible for Cogeco Cable to predict with
certainty the impact that the current economic uncertainties may have on future
results. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors,
including risks and uncertainties (described in the "Uncertainties and main risk
factors" section of the Corporation's 2012 annual MD&A) that could cause actual
results to differ materially from what Cogeco Cable currently expects. These
factors include technological changes, changes in market and competition,
governmental or regulatory developments, general economic conditions, the
development of new products and services, the enhancement of existing products
and services, and the introduction of competing products having technological or
other advantages, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control. Therefore,
f uture events and results may vary significantly from what management currently
foresee. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking
information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date.
While management may elect to, the Corporation is under no obligation (and
expressly disclaims any such obligation), and does not undertake to update or
alter this information before the next quarter.
All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. This
report should be read in conjunction with the Corporation's condensed interim
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, prepared in accordance
with the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and the MD&A
included in the Corporation's 2012 Annual Report.
CORPORATE OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
Cogeco Cable Inc.'s ("Cogeco Cable" or the "Corporation") objectives are to
provide outstanding service to its customers, improve profitability and create
shareholder value. To achieve these objectives, the Corporation has developed
strategies that focus on expanding its service offering, enhancing its existing
services and bundles, The Corporation measures its performance, with regard to
these objectives by monitoring operating income before depreciation and
amortization(1), operating margin(1), PSU(2) growth and free cash flow(1).
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
OPERATING INCOME BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION AND OPERATING MARGIN
First-quarter operating income before depreciation and amortization increased by
11.6% when compared to the same period of fiscal 2012 to reach $147.1 million
and operating margin increased to 44.9% from 41.8%. As a result of the
acquisition of Atlantic Broadband ("ABB"), management revised upwards its
November 1, 2012 projections for fiscal 2013. Operating income before
depreciation and amortization is now expected to reach $735 million from $614
million and operating margin should increase to 46.2% from 45.5%. For further
details, please consult the fiscal 2013 revised projections in the "Fiscal 2013
financial guidelines" section.
FREE CASH FLOW
For the three-month period ended November 30, 2012, Cogeco Cable reports free
cash flow of $17 million, compared to $19.8 million for the first three months
of the previous fiscal year, representing a decrease of $2.7 million. This
variance is mostly attributable to the increase in current income tax expense,
the acquisition costs related to Atlantic Broadband ("ABB") acquisition as well
as the increase in acquisition of property, plant and equipment, partly offset
by the improvement of operating income before depreciation and amortization.
Giving effect to the acquisition of ABB, the revised guidelines of operating
income before depreciation and amortization and the reduction in acquisition of
property, plant and equipment in Canada, management also revised its free cash
flow projections from $105 million to $170 million. For further details, please
consult the fiscal 2013 revised projections in the "Fiscal 2013 financial
guidelines" section.
PSU GROWTH AND PENETRATION OF SERVICE OFFERINGS
During the three-month period ended November 30, 2012, PSU reach 2,478,887 of
which 494,674 comes from the recently completed acquisition of ABB. In the Cable
Services segment in Canada, PSU increased at a lower pace to 15,080, mainly as a
result of a more competitive environment and tightening of customer credit
controls, thus containing collection and bad debt expenses. Cogeco Cable
maintains targeted marketing initiatives to increase the penetration level of
its services and still benefits from the continuing interest for high definition
("HD") television service. Consequently, and combined with the acquisition of
ABB, Cogeco Cable revised downwards its guidelines from 50,000 PSU, as issued on
November 1, 2012, to 35,000 PSU. PSU growth is expected to stem primarily from
HSI and Telephony services, the continued strong interest in Digital Television
services, enhanced service offerings, and through promotional activities. For
further details, please consult the fiscal 2013 revised projections in the
"Fiscal 2013 financial guidelines" section.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
On December 21, 2012, Cogeco Cable announced an agreement to acquire all of the
issued and outstanding shares of PEER 1 Network Enterprises Inc. ("PEER 1") by
way of takeover bid (the "offer") valued at approximately $635 million. The
offer is supported by a committed financing from the National Bank of Canada in
the amount of $650 million. PEER 1 is one of the world's leading internet
infrastructure providers, specializing in managed hosting, dedicated servers,
cloud services and co-location. This acquisition combined with Cogeco Cable's
existing data centre facilities will increase the scale and scope by adding the
capability to serve approximately 10,000 additional businesses worldwide through
19 data centres and 21 points-of-presence across North America and Europe. PEER
1's primary network centre and head office are located in Vancouver. The offer
will be subject to usual closing conditions and the Corporation expects the
transaction to be completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
On November 30, 2012, the Corporation completed the acquisition of ABB, an
independent cable system operator formed in 2003, serving about 495,000 PSU's
and providing Analogue and Digital Television, as well as HSI and Telephony
services. The acquisition is an attractive entry point into the US market,
providing a significant increase in PSU base with further growth potential, a
high quality network infrastructure and the ability for the Corporation's
management to leverage its core knowledge and operational experience. The
transaction, valued at US$1.36 billion, was financed through a combination of
cash on hand, a draw-down on the existing Term Revolving Facility of
approximately US$588 million and US$660 million of borrowings under a new
committed non-recourse debt financing at ABB. Ranked the 12th-largest cable
television system operator in the United States ("USA"), ABB operates cable
systems in Western Pennsylvania, Southern Florida, Maryland, Delaware and South
Carolina.
(1) The indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by
IFRS and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented
by other companies. For more details, please consult the "Non-IFRS
financial measures" section.
(2) Represents the sum of Television, High Speed Internet ("HSI") and
Telephony service customers.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL RESULTS
OPERATING RESULTS
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Quarters ended November 30, 2012 2011 Change
(in thousands of dollars, except
percentages) $ $ %
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Revenue 327,911 315,424 4.0
Operating expenses 174,204 176,459 (1.3)
Management fees - COGECO Inc. 6,581 7,142 (7.9)
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Operating income before depreciation and
amortization 147,126 131,823 11.6
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Operating margin 44.9% 41.8%
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REVENUE
Fiscal 2013 first-quarter revenue increased by $12.5 million, or 4%, to reach
$327.9 million, when compared to the same period last year, primarily by rate
increases implemented in June and July 2012 and PSU growth. For further details
on the Corporation's revenue, please refer to the "Cable services" and
"Enterprise services" sections.
OPERATING EXPENSES AND MANAGEMENT FEES
For the first quarter of fiscal 2013, operating expenses decreased by $2.3
million, to reach $174.2 million, a decrease of 1.3% compared to the prior year.
The decrease in operating expenses is mainly attributable to deployment and
support costs incurred in fiscal 2012 related to the migration of Television
service customers from analogue to digital, partly offset by PSU growth. For
further details on the Corporation's operating expenses, please refer to the
"Cable services" and "Enterprise services" sections.
Management fees paid to COGECO Inc. amounted to $6.6 million, 7.9% lower when
compared to $7.1 million in fiscal 2012. Management fees have decreased due to
the sale of the Portuguese subsidiary, Cabovisao - Televisao por Cabo, S.A.
("Cabovisao"), on February 29, 2012. For further details on the Corporation's
management fees, please refer to the "Related party transactions" section.
OPERATING INCOME BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION AND OPERATING MARGIN
Fiscal 2013 first-quarter operating income before depreciation and amortization
increased by $15.3 million, or 11.6%, to reach $147.1 million as a result of
revenue growth and lower operating expenses. Cogeco Cable's first-quarter
operating margin increased to 44.9% from 41.8% in the comparable period of the
prior year. For further details on the Corporation's operating income before
depreciation and amortization and operating margin, please refer to the "Cable
services" and "Enterprise services" sections.
FIXED CHARGES
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Quarters ended November 30 2012 2011 Change
(in thousands of dollars, except
percentages) $ $ %
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Depreciation and amortization 64,666 64,824 (0.2)
Financial expense 15,600 16,829 (7.3)
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For the first quarter of fiscal 2013, depreciation and amortization expense was
essentially the same at $64.7 million when compared to $64.8 million for the
same period of the prior year resulting, mainly from higher acquisition of
property, plant and equipment offset by additional depreciation expense recorded
in fiscal 2012 related to the reduction of useful lives for certain home
terminal devices.
Fiscal 2013 first-quarter financial expense decreased by $1.2 million, or 7.3%,
at $15.6 million, when compared to $16.8 million in the prior year. Financial
expense decrease is primarily attributable to the foreign exchange loss of $1.5
million recorded in fiscal 2012.
INCOME TAXES
Fiscal 2013 first-quarter income tax expense amounted to $17.4 million, compared
to $10.6 million in the prior year. The increase is mostly attributable to the
improvement in operating income before depreciation and amortization and by a
reduction in income taxes, in fiscal 2012, from the implementation of certain
tax measures of the 2011 federal budget limiting the tax deferrals for
corporations with a significant interest in a partnership.
PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
For the three-month period ended November 30, 2012, profit for the period from
continuing operations amounted to $42.2 million, or $0.87 per share compared to
$39.6 million, or $0.81 per share for the comparable period of fiscal 2012. The
variance for the quarter is mostly attributable to the increase in operating
income before depreciation and amortization, partly offset by the acquisition
costs related to ABB acquisition and the increase in income taxes explained
above.
PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD
For the period ended November 30, 2012, profit for the period amounted to $42.2
million, or $0.87 per share, compared to $43 million, or $0.88 per share, in
fiscal 2012. This variation is mostly attributable to the acquisition costs
related to ABB acquisition, the increase in income taxes explained above and the
profit from the Portuguese subsidiary reported as discontinued operations in
fiscal 2012, partly offset by the improvement in operating income before
depreciation and amortization.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
In the normal course of business, Cogeco Cable has incurred financial
obligations, primarily in the form of long-term debt, operating and finance
leases and guarantees. Cogeco Cable's obligations, as discussed in the 2012
Annual Report, have not materially changed since August 31, 2012, except as
mentioned below.
In connection with the acquisition of ABB on November 30, 2012, the Corporation
concluded, through two of its US subsidiaries, First Lien Credit Facilities
totalling US$710 million with a syndicate of banks and other institutional
lenders in three tranche and draw down by an amount of US$660 million of which
US$641.5 million was used to repay ABB's secured debt and $US18.5 million to pay
for some of the transaction costs. The first tranche, a Term Loan A Facility
amounting to US$240 million, which will mature on November 30, 2017, the second
tranche, a Term Loan B Facility amounting to US$420 million, which will mature
on November 30, 2019 and the third tranche, a Revolving Credit Facility of US$50
million unused at November 30, 2012, including a swingline of US$15 million,
which will mature on November 30, 2017. Interest rates on the First Lien Credit
Facilities are based on LIBOR plus the applicable margin, with a LIBOR floor of
1.00% for the Term Loan B Facility. Starting on December 31, 2013, the Term Loan
A Facility is subject to quarterly amortization of 1.25% in the first year, 2.5%
in the second year and 3.0% in the third and fourth years. Starting on December
31, 2012, the Term Loan B Facility is subject to quarterly amortization of 0.25%
until its maturity date. In addition to the fixed amortization schedule and
commencing in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, loans under the Term Loan
Facilities shall be prepaid according to a Prepayment Percentage of excess cash
flow generated during the prior fiscal year. The First Lien Credit Facilities
are non-recourse to the Corporation and its Canadian subsidiaries and are
indirectly secured by a first priority fixed and floating charge on
substantially all present and future real and personal property and undertaking
of every nature and kind of the Corporation's US subsidiaries. The provisions
under these facilities provide for restrictions on the operations and activities
of the Corporation's US subsidiaries. Generally, the most significant
restrictions relate to permitted indebtedness and investments, distributions and
maintenance of certain financial ratios.
DIVIDEND DECLARATION
At its January 14, 2013 meeting, the Board of Directors of Cogeco Cable declared
a quarterly eligible dividend of $0.26 per share for multiple voting and
subordinate voting shares, payable on February 11, 2013, to shareholders of
record on January 28, 2013. The declaration, amount and date of any future
dividend will continue to be considered and approved by the Board of Directors
of the Corporation based upon the Corporation's financial condition, results of
operations, capital requirements and such other factors as the Board of
Directors, at its sole discretion, deems relevant. There is therefore no
assurance that dividends will be declared, and if declared, the amount and
frequency may vary.
SEGMENTED OPERATING RESULTS
The Corporation reports its operating results in two operating segments: Cable
services and Enterprise services. The reporting structure reflects how the
Corporation manages the business activities to make decisions about resources to
be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance.
CABLE SERVICES
CUSTOMER STATISTICS
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CANADA
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% of
Net additions penetration
(losses) (1)
Quarters ended November
Consolidated USA CANADA November 30, 30,
November
30, 2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
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PSU 2,478,887 494,674 1,984,213 15,080 46,179
Television
service
customers 1,105,443 244,404 861,039 (2,076) 4,452 52.1 54.2
HSI
service
customers 817,019 171,640 645,379 10,845 17,285 39.0 38.0
Telephony
service
customers 556,425 78,630 477,795 6,311 24,442 28.9 27.2
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(1) As a percentage of homes passed.
Canada
Fiscal 2013 first-quarter PSU net additions were lower than in the comparable
period of the prior year mainly as a result of service category maturity,
competitive offers and tightening of our customer credit controls and processes.
The net customer losses for Television service customers stood at 2,076 compared
to 4,452 net additions for the same period of the prior year. Television service
customer net losses are mainly due to the promotional offers of competitors for
the video service combined with the tightening of our customer credit controls.
Fiscal 2013 first-quarter HSI service customers grew by 10,845 compared to
17,285 in the first quarter of the prior year, and the number of net additions
to the Telephony service stood at 6,311 customers compared to 24,442 customers
for the same period of the prior year. HSI and Telephony net additions continue
to stem from the enhancement of the product offering, the impact of the bundled
offer (Cogeco Complete Connection) of Television, HSI and Telephony services,
and promotional activities.
OPERATING RESULTS
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Quarters ended November 30, 2012 2011 Change
(in thousands of dollars, except
percentages) $ $ %
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Revenue 304,815 293,679 3.8
Operating expenses 156,210 159,883 (2.3)
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Operating income before depreciation and
amortization 148,605 133,796 11.1
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Operating margin 48.8% 45.6%
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Revenue
Fiscal 2013 first-quarter revenue increased by $11.1 million, or 3.8%, to reach
$304.8 million, when compared to the same period last year, primarily due to the
PSU growth and rate increases implemented in June and July 2012.
Operating expenses
For the period ended November 30, 2012, operating expenses decreased by $3.7
million, or 2.3%, at $156.2 million. This decrease is mainly attributable to the
deployment and support costs incurred in fiscal 2012 related to the migration of
Television service customers from analogue to digital, partly offset by PSU
growth.
Operating income before depreciation and amortization and operating margin
As a result of revenue growth exceeding the operating expenses, fiscal 2013
first-quarter operating income before depreciation and amortization amounted to
$148.6 million, or 11.1% higher than in the same period of the prior year.
Operating margin increased to 48.8% from 45.6% when compared to fiscal 2012
first-quarter.
ENTERPRISE SERVICES
OPERATING RESULTS
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Quarters ended November 30, 2012 2011 Change
(in thousands of dollars, except
percentages) $ $ %
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Revenue 23,500 21,745 8.1
Operating expenses 13,682 13,180 3.8
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Operating income before depreciation and
amortization 9,818 8,565 14.6
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Operating margin 41.8% 39.4%
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Revenue
Fiscal 2013 first-quarter revenue increased by $1.8 million, or 8.1%, to reach
$23.5 million, when compared to the same period last year, primarily due the
organic growth from data centre, managed IT and connectivity services.
Operating expenses
For the first quarter of fiscal 2013, operating expenses increased by $0.5
million, or 3.8%, to $13.7 million. The increase in operating expenses is mainly
attributable to servicing new customers.
Operating income before depreciation and amortization and operating margin
As a result of revenue growth exceeding the increase in operating expenses,
fiscal 2013 first-quarter operating income before depreciation and amortization
amounted to $9.8 million, or 14.6%, higher than the same period of the prior
year. Operating margin increased to 41.8% from 39.4% when compared to fiscal
2012 first-quarter.
FISCAL 2013 FINANCIAL GUIDELINES
Giving effect to the recent acquisition of ABB on November 30, 2012, the
Corporation revised its financial guidelines for the 2013 fiscal year issued on
November 1, 2012 to include a nine-month period of ABB's financial projections.
Projections for the Enterprise services were maintained as initially projected.
In the Cable services segment in Canada, guidelines remained essentially the
same, except for revenue and acquisitions of property, plant and equipment which
should be lower than originally expected due to lower PSU growth as a result of
current uncertain economic environment, the service category maturity and
competitive offers. Nonetheless, management expects revenue to reach $1.590
billion, representing a growth of $240 million, or 17.8%, when compared to those
issued on November 1, 2012. PSU progression should reduce from 50,000 to 35,000,
including ABB nine-month operations. Operating income before depreciation and
amortization should increase by $121 million to reach $735 million reflecting
the ABB acquisition and the cost reduction initiatives implemented in Canada
during the current fiscal year and, consequently operating margin should
increase from 45.5% to 46.2%. Depreciation and amortization of property, plant
and equipment and intangible assets should increase from $290 million to $330
million and acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangible and other
assets should increase by $20 million to take into consideration the ABB
nine-month operations, partly offset by the reduction in the Cable services
segment in Canada. Financial expense should amount to $96 million, an increase
of $32 million, as a result of the cost of financing of ABB acquisition. Fiscal
2013 free cash flow is expected to amount to $170 million, an increase of $65
million, or 61.9%, when compared to the free cash flow projection issued on
November 1, 2012, stemming primarily from the nine-month operations of ABB
combined with the reduction in acquisitions of property, plant and equipment,
intangible and other assets explained above. Profit for the year is expected to
amount to $225 million, $35 million higher than the November 1, 2012
projections, mainly as a result of the ABB's expected financial results for the
nine-month operations.
Fiscal 2013 revised financial guidelines are as follows:
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Revised Original
projections projections
January 14, 2013 November 1, 2012
Fiscal 2013 Fiscal 2013
(in millions of dollars, except net
customer additions and operating
margin) $ $
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Financial guidelines
Revenue 1,590 1,350
Operating income before depreciation
and amortization 735 614
Operating margin 46.2% 45.5%
Depreciation and amortization 330 290
Financial expense 96 64
Current income tax expense 92 95
Profit for the year 225 190
Acquisitions of property, plant and
equipment, intangible and other
assets 370 350
Free cash flow(1) 170 105
Net customer addition guidelines
PSU growth 35,000 50,000
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(1) Free cash flow is calculated as operating income before depreciation
and amortization less integration, restructuring and acquisition costs,
financial expense, current income tax expense and acquisitions of
property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets.
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES
This section describes non-IFRS financial measures used by Cogeco Cable
throughout this MD&A. It also provides reconciliations between these non-IFRS
measures and the most comparable IFRS financial measures. These financial
measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and therefore, may
not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These
measures include "cash flow from operations", "free cash flow", "operating
income before depreciation and amortization" and "operating margin".
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS AND FREE CASH FLOW
Cash flow from operations is used by Cogeco Cable's management and investors to
evaluate cash flows generated by operating activities, excluding the impact of
changes in non-cash operating activities, amortization of deferred transaction
costs and discounts on long-term debt, income taxes paid, current income tax
expense, financial expense paid and financial expense. This allows the
Corporation to isolate the cash flows from operating activities from the impact
of cash management decisions. Cash flow from operations is subsequently used in
calculating the non-IFRS measure, "free cash flow". Free cash flow is used, by
Cogeco Cable's management and investors, to measure its ability to repay debt,
distribute capital to its shareholders and finance its growth.
The most comparable IFRS measure is cash flow from operating activities. Cash
flow from operations is calculated as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters ended November 30,
2012 2011
(in thousands of dollars) $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow from operating activities (280) 13,807
Changes in non-cash operating activities 81,113 62,668
Amortization of deferred transaction costs
and discounts on long-term debt 740 675
Income taxes paid 42,533 36,182
Current income tax expense (25,091) (19,490)
Financial expense paid 16,430 20,030
Financial expense (15,600) (16,829)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow from operations 99,845 97,043
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free cash flow is calculated as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters ended November 30,
2012 2011
(in thousands of dollars) $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow from operations 99,845 97,043
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (78,192) (73,339)
Acquisition of intangible and other assets (4,641) (3,944)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free cash flow 17,012 19,760
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION AND OPERATING MARGIN
Operating income before depreciation and amortization is used by Cogeco Cable's
management and investors to assess the Corporation's ability to seize growth
opportunities in a cost effective manner, to finance its ongoing operations and
to service its debt. Operating income before depreciation and amortization is a
proxy for cash flows from operations excluding the impact of the capital
structure chosen, and is one of the key metrics used by the financial community
to value the business and its financial strength. Operating margin is a measure
of the proportion of the Corporation's revenue which is available, before income
taxes, to pay for its fixed costs, such as interest on Indebtedness. Operating
margin is calculated by dividing operating income before depreciation and
amortization by revenue.
The most comparable IFRS financial measure is operating income. Operating income
before depreciation and amortization and operating margin are calculated as
follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters ended November 30,
2012 2011
(in thousands of dollars, except
percentages) $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 75,160 66,999
Depreciation and amortization 64,666 64,824
Integration, restructuring and acquisitions
costs 7,300 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income before depreciation and
amortization 147,126 131,823
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 327,911 315,424
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating margin 44.9% 41.8%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTARY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarters ended November 30, August 31,
(in thousands of dollars, except
percentages and per share data) 2012 2011 2012 2011
$ $ $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 327,911 315,424 324,768 305,811
Operating income before
depreciation and amortization 147,126 131,823 160,825 151,579
Operating margin 44.9% 41.8% 49.5% 49.6%
Operating income 75,160 66,999 94,709 97,941
Income taxes 17,400 10,603 32,987 20,713
Profit for the period from
continuing operations 42,160 39,567 45,705 62,745
Profit (loss) for the period
from discontinued operations - 3,399 - 6,219
Profit (loss) for the period 42,160 42,966 45,705 68,964
Cash flow from operating
activities (280) 13,807 203,343 211,847
Cash flow from operations 99,845 97,043 126,946 144,699
Acquisitions of property, plant
and equipment, intangible and
other assets 82,833 77,283 124,392 120,663
Free cash flow 17,012 19,760 2,554 24,036
Earnings (loss) per share(1)
From continuing and
discontinued operations
Basic 0.87 0.88 0.94 1.42
Diluted 0.86 0.88 0.93 1.42
From continuing operations
Basic 0.87 0.81 0.94 1.29
Diluted 0.86 0.81 0.93 1.29
From discontinued operations
Basic - 0.07 - 0.13
Diluted - 0.07 - 0.13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
February February
Quarters ended May 31, 29, 28,
(in thousands of dollars, except
percentages and per share data) 2012 2011 2012 2011
$ $ $ $
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 319,771 298,211 317,735 293,457
Operating income before
depreciation and amortization 152,661 138,147 143,743 130,399
Operating margin 47.7% 46.3% 45.2% 44.4%
Operating income 90,981 86,995 59,491 80,426
Income taxes 21,449 18,747 13,617 15,007
Profit for the period from
continuing operations 53,159 52,352 31,086 41,319
Profit (loss) for the period
from discontinued operations - (233,573) 52,047 (9,223)
Profit (loss) for the period 53,159 (181,221) 83,133 32,096
Cash flow from operating
activities 112,275 142,009 120,961 88,420
Cash flow from operations 113,075 125,923 104,622 114,682
Acquisitions of property, plant
and equipment, intangible and
other assets 87,459 62,782 86,234 61,079
Free cash flow 25,616 63,141 18,388 53,603
Earnings (loss) per share(1)
From continuing and
discontinued operations
Basic 1.09 (3.73) 1.71 0.66
Diluted 1.09 (3.73) 1.70 0.66
From continuing operations
Basic 1.09 1.08 0.64 0.85
Diluted 1.09 1.08 0.63 0.85
From discontinued operations
Basic - (4.80) 1.07 (0.19)
Diluted - (4.80) 1.06 (0.19)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Per multiple and subordinate voting share.
ABOUT COGECO CABLE
Cogeco Cable (www.cogeco.ca) is a telecommunications corporation and is the
second largest hybrid fibre coaxial cable operator in Ontario and Quebec.
Through its two-way broadband cable networks, Cogeco Cable provides its
residential customers with Analogue and Digital Television, High Speed Internet
("HSI") and Telephony services. Cogeco Cable is also present in the United
States through its subsidiary, Atlantic Broadband, whose head office is located
in Quincy, Massachusetts. Atlantic Broadband is ranked the 12th largest cable
television system operator in the United States and, serves the following areas:
Western Pennsylvania, Southern Florida, Maryland, Delaware and South Carolina.
Cogeco Cable provides as well to its commercial customers, through its
subsidiary Cogeco Data Services, data networking, e- business applications,
video conferencing, hosting services, Ethernet, private line, VoIP, HSI access,
data storage, data security, co-location services, managed IT services, cloud
services and other advanced communication solutions. Cogeco Cable's subordinate
voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:CCA).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information relating to the Corporation, including its Annual
Information Form, and for a detailed analysis of Cogeco Cable's results for the
first quarter of 2013, please refer to the Management Discussion and Analysis
and condensed consolidated financial statements of Cogeco Cable, available on
the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
Analyst Conference Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern
Call: Standard Time) Media representatives may attend as
listeners only.
Please use the following dial-in number to have access
to the conference call by dialling five minutes before
the start of the conference:
Canada/USA Access Number: 1 800-820-0231
International Access Number: + 1 416-640-5926
Confirmation Code: 4571052
By Internet at www.cogeco.ca/investors
A rebroadcast of the conference call will be available
until January 22, 2013, by dialling:
Canada and US access number: 1 888-203-1112
International access number: + 1 647-436-0148
Confirmation code: 4571052
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Source:
Cogeco Cable Inc.
Pierre Gagne
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
514-764-4700
Information:
Media
Rene Guimond
Vice-President, Public Affairs and Communications
514-764-4700
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