Rogers Accelerates De-Leveraging Plans With Private Sale of Cogeco Shares

Rhea-AI Summary

Rogers Communications (Rogers) has announced the sale of all its shares of Cogeco to Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in a private transaction for $829 million. The sale is part of the company's efforts to reduce its debt leverage ratio, with the expectation of achieving a ratio of 4.7x by year-end, ahead of the previously expected 4.8x. This sale is a significant step in Rogers' deleveraging plans, following the divestiture of $1 billion in non-core assets. President and CEO Tony Staffieri emphasized the company's commitment to strengthening its investment grade balance sheet and reducing debt leverage further.

Positive

• The sale of Cogeco shares for $829 million will significantly reduce Rogers' debt leverage ratio.
• The company expects to achieve a debt leverage ratio of 4.7x by year-end, ahead of the previously expected 4.8x.
• Rogers is six months ahead on its deleveraging priorities, demonstrating strong commitment to reducing debt leverage.

Negative

• None.

Sale reduces debt leverage ratio by a further 0.1x
Expects to achieve debt leverage ratio of 4.7x at year end

TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications announced today the sale of all of its shares of Cogeco to Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in a private transaction for $829 million.

“This sale further demonstrates our commitment to strengthen our investment grade balance sheet and aggressively reduce our debt leverage ratio,” said Tony Staffieri, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rogers. “We’re tracking six months ahead on our deleveraging priorities and we’re committed to reducing our debt leverage ratio even further.”

Accelerates Deleveraging Plans
With the sale of these Cogeco shares, the Company expects to achieve a debt leverage ratio of 4.7x by year end, compared to the expected 4.8x at year end announced on the release of its third quarter results. The Company’s debt leverage ratio was 4.9x at the end of Q3. Today’s sale proceeds are in addition to the previously announced divestiture of $1 billion in non-core assets, predominantly real estate, that is expected to be completed in 2024.^[1]

About Rogers Communications Inc.
Rogers is Canada’s leading wireless, cable and media company that provides connectivity and entertainment to Canadian consumers and businesses across the country. RCI’s shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

For more information:

Rogers Communications media contact
Sarah Schmidt
647.643.6397
media@rci.rogers.com 

Rogers Communications investment community contact
Paul Carpino
647.435.6470
paul.carpino@rci.rogers.com

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_{^[1] The debt leverage ratio presented in this press release is a non-GAAP ratio calculated to include the trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA of a combined Rogers and Shaw Communications. For more information about our debt leverage ratio and associated financial measures, see "Financial Condition" and "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in our Third Quarter 2023 Management Discussion and Analysis dated November 8, 2023 (Q3 2023 MD&A), which is available at www.sedarplus.ca and sec.gov. This release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws; see “About Forward-Looking Information” in our 2022 Annual MD&A and Q3 2023 MD&A.}

FAQ

What is the recent announcement from Rogers Communications?

Rogers Communications has announced the sale of all its shares of Cogeco to Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in a private transaction for $829 million.

What is the expected debt leverage ratio for Rogers by year-end?

Rogers expects to achieve a debt leverage ratio of 4.7x by year-end, ahead of the previously expected 4.8x.

What is the significance of the sale of Cogeco shares for Rogers?

The sale of Cogeco shares will significantly reduce Rogers' debt leverage ratio, demonstrating the company's commitment to reducing debt.