Rogers Communications Reports First Quarter 2021 Results
Rogers Communications reported Q1 2021 results with total revenue rising 2% to CAD 3.488 billion. Adjusted EBITDA increased 4% to CAD 1.391 billion, while net income grew 3% to CAD 361 million. Wireless service revenue fell 6%, but the adjusted EBITDA service margin improved by 310 basis points. Cable revenue rose 5% and Media revenue grew by 7%. The company attracted 44,000 net Wireless postpaid subscribers and paid CAD 252 million in dividends. Rogers announced a CAD 26 billion acquisition of Shaw Communications, expected to close in 2022, enhancing their 5G network capabilities.
- Total revenue increased by 2% to CAD 3.488 billion.
- Adjusted EBITDA rose 4% to CAD 1.391 billion.
- Net income grew by 3% to CAD 361 million.
- Wireless postpaid subscriber additions of 44,000.
- Cable service revenue increased by 5% and Media revenue by 7%.
- Paid CAD 252 million in dividends to shareholders.
- Acquisition of Shaw Communications valued at CAD 26 billion will enhance 5G capabilities.
- Wireless service revenue decreased by 6% due to lower roaming and overage revenue.
- Cash flow from operating activities down 29% to CAD 679 million.
- Free cash flow decreased by 15% to CAD 394 million.
- Strong execution in Wireless, Cable, and Media deliver solid operational improvements despite continued pandemic lockdown environment
- Expanded Wireless adjusted EBITDA service margin by 310 basis points; strong Wireless postpaid net subscriber additions of 44,000
- Monthly postpaid churn of
0.88% , improved 5 basis points - Service revenue down
6% and adjusted EBITDA down1%
- Monthly postpaid churn of
- Increased Cable service revenue by
5% ; grew adjusted EBITDA by8% - Adjusted EBITDA margin up 110 basis points; capital intensity at
21%
- Adjusted EBITDA margin up 110 basis points; capital intensity at
- Grew Media revenue by
7% , adjusted EBITDA improved by31% , reflecting the return of live professional sports broadcasting - Continued expanding wireless service to more rural and underserved communities and providing 5G services to 173 communities across the country
TORONTO, April 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications Inc. today announced its unaudited financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.
Consolidated Financial Highlights
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||
| (In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts, unaudited) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | ||||||
| Total revenue | 3,488 | 3,416 | 2 | ||||||
| Total service revenue 1 | 3,021 | 3,049 | (1 | ) | |||||
| Adjusted EBITDA 2 | 1,391 | 1,335 | 4 | ||||||
| Net income | 361 | 352 | 3 | ||||||
| Adjusted net income 2 | 394 | 367 | 7 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | 3 | ||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share 2 | 8 | ||||||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | 679 | 959 | (29 | ) | |||||
| Free cash flow 2 | 394 | 462 | (15 | ) | |||||
1 As defined. See "Key Performance Indicators".
2 As defined. See "Non-GAAP Measures and Related Performance Measures". These measures should not be considered substitutes or alternatives for GAAP measures. These are not defined terms under IFRS and do not have standard meanings, so may not be a reliable way to compare us to other companies.
"Our solid first quarter results reflect disciplined execution in each of our business units, and our continued ability to support the needs of our customers despite the challenges of the pandemic," said Joe Natale, President and CEO. "We saw total revenue growth led by improvements in our Cable and Media businesses, and in our Wireless business, saw low churn and strong postpaid subscriber growth. We are confident in our long-term growth strategy and are well positioned as the economy continues to recover. We remain focused on making generational investments in our networks, our customers, and our country, including expanding Canada's largest 5G network and connecting even more rural, remote, and Indigenous communities."
Operating Environment and Strategic Highlights
COVID-19 continues to significantly impact Canadians and economies around the world as a third wave affects Canada and other locations globally. In the first quarter of 2021, as public health restrictions that were implemented in late 2020 were temporarily lifted to certain extents across the country, we maintained our focus on keeping our employees safe and our customers connected. While COVID-19 continues to have a significant worldwide impact, we remain confident we have the right team, a strong balance sheet, and the world-class networks that will allow us to get through the pandemic having maintained our long-term focus on growth and doing the right thing for our customers.
Our six company priorities guide our work and decision-making as we further improve our operational execution and make well-timed investments to grow our core businesses and deliver increased shareholder value. Below are some highlights.
Create best-in-class customer experiences by putting our customers first in everything we do
- Improved postpaid churn by 5 points to
0.88% . - Launched Advantage Mobility™ and Advantage Security™, business-grade solutions offered by Rogers for Business™ to support small- and medium-sized Canadian enterprises with reliable connectivity and network security.
- Continued to accelerate our digital-first plan to make it easier for customers, with virtual assistant conversations up by
89% since last year.
Invest in our networks and technology to deliver leading performance, reliability, and coverage
- Announced an agreement, the largest of its kind in Canada, with Federal, Ontario, and local Eastern Ontario governments to bring more choice and increase 5G wireless coverage in Eastern Ontario, investing over
$300 million to upgrade or build more than 600 wireless towers by the end of 2025. - Expanded Canada's largest and most reliable 5G network to serve 10 more cities, now in 173 markets across Canada, and announced a smart city initiative with Communitech to develop 5G transportation solutions of the future.
- Ranked Canada's most reliable 5G network by umlaut, receiving top results for the strongest 5G network and highest reliability on 5G-capable devices for the fourth quarter of 2020.
- Announced we will bring 5G connectivity, using an innovative solution, to 480 homes in Holland Marsh, Ontario, in partnership with the Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN) and the Government of Ontario, to support advances in agriculture technology.
- Announced the upcoming expansion of our wireless network in British Columbia, including 5G, to provide reliable connectivity along Highway 14 and Highway 16 (the Highway of Tears). New wireless towers along Highway 16 will provide reliable connectivity to those who live, work, and travel along this critical route; our network will provide continuous coverage along all 720 km of this northern highway.
- Ranked as Canada's most consistent national wireless network and broadband provider for the third consecutive quarter by Ookla, the global leader in fixed broadband and mobile network testing applications. Our broadband network also received a top speed score in Ontario and New Brunswick and we were ranked first for achieving the highest time spent on 5G.
- Partnered with Métis Nation British Columbia to provide wireless connectivity, services, and dedicated support to over 340 Métis businesses and communities in British Columbia.
Drive growth in each of our lines of business
- Offering exclusive English Canada access to more than 300 NHL® broadcasts in a condensed 17-week schedule across Sportsnet's TV and streaming platforms this season, with 140 all-Canadian matchups available across the Sportsnet Radio Network™. At the midway point of the season, audiences for Wednesday Night Hockey are up
56% year over year, while Saturday's Hockey Night in Canada™ early game is up6% and the late game is up27% . - Became the first to offer a "Wireless Private Network" managed solution nationally in Canada, through Rogers for Business, to enable large enterprises to deploy their own wireless network to protect sensitive data, securely connect devices, and prioritize network traffic.
- Expanded our Fido Payment Program so mobile customers can get accessories for
$0 down,0% interest, and no taxes upfront.
Drive best-in-class financial outcomes for our shareholders
- Attracted 44,000 net Wireless postpaid subscribers and 14,000 net Internet subscribers.
- Grew adjusted EBITDA by
4% and expanded adjusted EBITDA margin by 80 basis points. - Generated free cash flow of
$394 million and cash flow from operating activities of$679 million . - Paid
$252 million in dividends to our shareholders and declared a quarterly dividend of$0.50 per share on April 20, 2021.
Develop our people, drive engagement, and build a high-performing and inclusive culture
- Named one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People for 2021, by Mediacorp Canada Inc., for the eleventh year in a row for Rogers' long history of investing in the next generation and commitment to building the leaders of tomorrow.
- Selected as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2021, by Mediacorp Canada Inc., for the ninth year in a row based on the steps taken to build a more inclusive culture for team members.
- Continued driving progress on our Inclusion & Diversity strategy through open dialogue on racism at two events hosted by our Black Leadership Council, Rogers Mosaic, and Rogers Women of Colour, as well as celebrating Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and International Women's Day with events and content across our platforms.
Be a strong, socially and environmentally responsible leader in our communities
- Helped bridge the digital divide by expanding Connected for Success™, a low-cost and reliable high-speed Internet program, to those receiving government income support or disability benefits and to seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement in service areas in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland.
- Provided 42 Ted Rogers Community Grants to organizations across Canada that help youth achieve their highest potential through programs in STEM, entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, and community leadership.
- Announced the five organizations (Big Brothers Big Sisters, Blacbiblio.com, Canadian Women & Sport, Friends of Ruby, and Spirit North) that will receive free advertising and creative services this year as part of Rogers Sports & Media's All IN™ inclusion & diversity program.
- Launched a
$60,000 scholarship program through OMNI Television™ for post-secondary students across Canada pursuing careers in ethnic and third-language journalism. - Launched Off-Mute, offering virtual performances and discussions with artists, using Fido™ platforms to amplify the voices of Canadian musical talent representing the BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities.
- Deepening our commitment to global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting to support our people, our communities, and the planet by expanding disclosure beyond the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to include the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD), and the United National Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which will be reflected in our 2020 ESG Report, to be published later this year.
Quarterly Financial Highlights
Our solid financial position enables us to prioritize the actions we need to take as a result of COVID-19, continue to make high priority investments in our network, and ensure customers stay connected during this critical time.
Revenue
Total revenue increased by
Wireless service revenue decreased by
Cable revenue increased by
Media revenue increased by
Adjusted EBITDA and margins
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased
Wireless adjusted EBITDA decreased by
Cable adjusted EBITDA increased by
Given the seasonal nature of our Media business, Media adjusted EBITDA is negative, but improved by
Net income and adjusted net income
Net income and adjusted net income increased this quarter by
Cash flow and available liquidity
This quarter, we generated cash flow from operating activities of
As at March 31, 2021, we had
We also returned
Shaw Transaction
On March 15, 2021, we announced an agreement with Shaw Communications Inc. (Shaw) to acquire all of Shaw's issued and outstanding Class A Participating Shares and Class B Non-Voting Participating Shares for a price of
The Transaction will be implemented through a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). A special committee of independent directors of Shaw has unanimously recommended the Transaction, and Shaw's Board of Directors has unanimously (with Bradley Shaw abstaining) approved the Transaction and unanimously recommends that Shaw shareholders (other than the Shaw Family Shareholders) vote to approve the Transaction. The Transaction requires the approval of Shaw's shareholders at a special shareholders meeting to be held on May 20, 2021 (Shaw Special Meeting). The Transaction is also subject to certain closing conditions, including court approval and the receipt of applicable approvals and expiry of certain waiting periods under the Broadcasting Act (Canada), the Competition Act (Canada), and the Radiocommunication Act (Canada) (collectively, Key Regulatory Approvals). Subject to receipt of all required approvals, the Transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022.
The combined entity will have the scale, assets, and capabilities needed to deliver unprecedented wireline and wireless broadband and network investments, innovation, and growth in new telecommunications services, and greater choice for Canadian consumers and businesses. As part of the Transaction, the combined company will invest
In connection with the Transaction, we have entered into a binding commitment letter for a committed credit facility with a syndicate of banks in an amount up to
The Transaction is subject to a number of additional risks. For more information, see "Updates to Risks and Uncertainties - Shaw Transaction" in our First Quarter 2021 Management's Discussion and Analysis.
About Rogers
Rogers is a proud Canadian company dedicated to making more possible for Canadians each and every day. Our founder, Ted Rogers, purchased his first radio station, CHFI™, in 1960. We have grown to become a leading technology and media company that strives to provide the very best in wireless, residential, sports, and media to Canadians and Canadian businesses. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
| Investment community contact | Media contact |
| Paul Carpino | Andrew Garas |
| 647.435.6470 | 647.242.7924 |
| paul.carpino@rci.rogers.com | andrew.garas@rci.rogers.com |
Quarterly Investment Community Teleconference
Our first quarter 2021 results teleconference with the investment community will be held on:
- April 21, 2021
- 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time
- webcast available at investors.rogers.com
- media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis
A rebroadcast will be available at investors.rogers.com for at least two weeks following the teleconference. Additionally, investors should note that from time to time, Rogers' management presents at brokerage-sponsored investor conferences. Most often, but not always, these conferences are webcast by the hosting brokerage firm, and when they are webcast, links are made available on Rogers' website at investors.rogers.com.
For More Information
You can find more information relating to us on our website (investors.rogers.com), on SEDAR (sedar.com), and on EDGAR (sec.gov), or you can e-mail us at investor.relations@rci.rogers.com. Information on or connected to these and any other websites referenced in this earnings release is not part of, or incorporated into, this earnings release.
You can also go to investors.rogers.com for information about our governance practices, corporate social responsibility reporting, a glossary of communications and media industry terms, and additional information about our business.
About this Earnings Release
This earnings release contains important information about our business and our performance for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as well as forward-looking information about future periods. This earnings release should be read in conjunction with our First Quarter 2021 Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB); our 2020 Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A); our 2020 Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the IASB; and our other recent filings with Canadian and US securities regulatory authorities, including our Annual Information Form, which are available on SEDAR at sedar.com or EDGAR at sec.gov, respectively.
For more information about Rogers, including product and service offerings, competitive market and industry trends, our overarching strategy, key performance drivers, and objectives, see "Understanding Our Business", "Our Strategy, Key Performance Drivers, and Strategic Highlights", and "Capability to Deliver Results" in our 2020 Annual MD&A.
We, us, our, Rogers, Rogers Communications, and the Company refer to Rogers Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries. RCI refers to the legal entity Rogers Communications Inc., not including its subsidiaries. Rogers also holds interests in various investments and ventures.
All dollar amounts in this earnings release are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated and are unaudited. All percentage changes are calculated using the rounded numbers as they appear in the tables. This earnings release is current as at April 20, 2021 and was approved by RCI's Board of Directors (the Board) on that date. This earnings release includes forward-looking statements and assumptions. See "About Forward-Looking Information" for more information.
We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
In this earnings release, this quarter, the quarter, or first quarter refer to the three months ended March 31, 2021, unless the context indicates otherwise. All results commentary is compared to the equivalent period in 2020 or as at December 31, 2020, as applicable, unless otherwise indicated. References to COVID-19 are to the pandemic from the outbreak of this virus and to its associated impacts in the jurisdictions in which we operate and globally, as applicable.
™Rogers and related marks are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. or an affiliate, used under licence. All other brand names, logos, and marks are trademarks and/or copyright of their respective owners. ©2021 Rogers Communications
Reportable segments
We report our results of operations in three reportable segments. Each segment and the nature of its business is as follows:
| Segment | Principal activities |
| Wireless | Wireless telecommunications operations for Canadian consumers and businesses. |
| Cable | Cable telecommunications operations, including Internet, television, telephony (phone), and smart home monitoring services for Canadian consumers and businesses, and network connectivity through our fibre network and data centre assets to support a range of voice, data, networking, hosting, and cloud-based services for the business, public sector, and carrier wholesale markets. |
| Media | A diversified portfolio of media properties, including sports media and entertainment, television and radio broadcasting, specialty channels, multi-platform shopping, and digital media. |
Wireless and Cable are operated by our wholly owned subsidiary, Rogers Communications Canada Inc. (RCCI), and certain of our other wholly owned subsidiaries. Media is operated by our wholly owned subsidiary, Rogers Media Inc., and its subsidiaries.
Summary of Consolidated Financial Results
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| (In millions of dollars, except margins and per share amounts) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | ||||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||||
| Wireless | 2,074 | 2,077 | — | ||||||||
| Cable | 1,020 | 973 | 5 | ||||||||
| Media | 440 | 412 | 7 | ||||||||
| Corporate items and intercompany eliminations | (46 | ) | (46 | ) | — | ||||||
| Revenue | 3,488 | 3,416 | 2 | ||||||||
| Total service revenue 1 | 3,021 | 3,049 | (1 | ) | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA 2 | |||||||||||
| Wireless | 1,013 | 1,026 | (1 | ) | |||||||
| Cable | 487 | 453 | 8 | ||||||||
| Media | (59 | ) | (85 | ) | (31 | ) | |||||
| Corporate items and intercompany eliminations | (50 | ) | (59 | ) | (15 | ) | |||||
| Adjusted EBITDA 2 | 1,391 | 1,335 | 4 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin 2 | 39.9 | % | 39.1 | % | 0.8 | pts | |||||
| Net income | 361 | 352 | 3 | ||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | 1 | ||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | 3 | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income 2 | 394 | 367 | 7 | ||||||||
| Adjusted basic earnings per share 2 | 7 | ||||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share 2 | 8 | ||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | 484 | 593 | (18 | ) | |||||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | 679 | 959 | (29 | ) | |||||||
| Free cash flow 2 | 394 | 462 | (15 | ) | |||||||
1 As defined. See "Key Performance Indicators".
2 Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and free cash flow are non-GAAP measures and should not be considered substitutes or alternatives for GAAP measures. These are not defined terms under IFRS and do not have standard meanings, so may not be a reliable way to compare us to other companies. See "Non-GAAP Measures and Related Performance Measures" for information about these measures, including how we calculate them and the ratios in which they are used.
Results of our Reportable Segments
WIRELESS
Wireless Financial Results
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||
| (In millions of dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | ||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||
| Service revenue | 1,609 | 1,712 | (6 | ) | |||||
| Equipment revenue | 465 | 365 | 27 | ||||||
| Revenue | 2,074 | 2,077 | — | ||||||
| Operating expenses | |||||||||
| Cost of equipment | 466 | 374 | 25 | ||||||
| Other operating expenses | 595 | 677 | (12 | ) | |||||
| Operating expenses | 1,061 | 1,051 | 1 | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 1,013 | 1,026 | (1 | ) | |||||
| Adjusted EBITDA service margin 1 | 63.0 | % | 59.9 | % | 3.1 | pts | |||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin 2 | 48.8 | % | 49.4 | % | (0.6 | pts) | |||
| Capital expenditures | 225 | 281 | (20 | ) | |||||
1 Calculated using service revenue.
2 Calculated using total revenue.
Wireless Subscriber Results 1
| Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except churn, blended ABPU, and blended ARPU) | 2021 | 2020 | Chg | |||||||||
| Postpaid | ||||||||||||
| Gross additions | 301 | 257 | 44 | |||||||||
| Net additions (losses) | 44 | (6 | ) | 50 | ||||||||
| Total postpaid subscribers 2 | 9,727 | 9,432 | 295 | |||||||||
| Churn (monthly) | 0.88 | % | 0.93 | % | (0.05 | pts) | ||||||
| Prepaid | ||||||||||||
| Gross additions | 106 | 141 | (35 | ) | ||||||||
| Net losses | (56 | ) | (66 | ) | 10 | |||||||
| Total prepaid subscribers 2 | 1,204 | 1,336 | (132 | ) | ||||||||
| Churn (monthly) | 4.36 | % | 4.98 | % | (0.62 | pts) | ||||||
| Blended ABPU (monthly) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Blended ARPU (monthly) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
1 Subscriber counts, subscriber churn, blended ABPU, and blended ARPU are key performance indicators. See "Key Performance Indicators".
2 As at end of period.
Service revenue
The
- lower roaming revenue, due to continued global travel restrictions during COVID-19; and
- a decrease in overage revenue as a result of strong customer adoption of our Rogers Infinite unlimited data plans and lower wireless data usage as customers spent more time at home on WiFi during COVID-19.
The
The increase in postpaid gross additions, the higher postpaid net additions, and the improved postpaid churn this quarter were all a result of strong execution and an increase in market activity by Canadians.
Equipment revenue
The
- higher gross additions and device upgrades by existing customers; and
- the shift in product mix towards higher-value devices.
Operating expenses
Cost of equipment
The
Other operating expenses
The
- lower roaming costs due to COVID-19 travel restrictions; and
- various cost efficiencies and productivity initiatives.
Adjusted EBITDA
The
CABLE
Cable Financial Results
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||
| (In millions of dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | ||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||
| Service revenue | 1,018 | 971 | 5 | ||||||
| Equipment revenue | 2 | 2 | — | ||||||
| Revenue | 1,020 | 973 | 5 | ||||||
| Operating expenses | 533 | 520 | 3 | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 487 | 453 | 8 | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 47.7 | % | 46.6 | % | 1.1 | pts | |||
| Capital expenditures | 212 | 251 | (16 | ) | |||||
Cable Subscriber Results 1
| Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except ARPA and penetration) | 2021 | 2020 | Chg | |||||||||
| Internet | ||||||||||||
| Net additions | 14 | 17 | (3 | ) | ||||||||
| Total Internet subscribers 2 | 2,612 | 2,551 | 61 | |||||||||
| Ignite TV | ||||||||||||
| Net additions | 58 | 91 | (33 | ) | ||||||||
| Total Ignite TV subscribers 2 | 602 | 417 | 185 | |||||||||
| Homes passed 2 | 4,599 | 4,500 | 99 | |||||||||
| Customer relationships | ||||||||||||
| Net additions | 6 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||
| Total customer relationships 2 | 2,536 | 2,512 | 24 | |||||||||
| ARPA (monthly) | ||||||||||||
| Penetration 2 | 55.1 | % | 55.8 | % | (0.7 | pts) | ||||||
1 Subscriber results are key performance indicators. See "Key Performance Indicators".
2 As at end of period.
Service revenue
The
- a
4% increase in ARPA as a result of disciplined promotional activity and Internet and legacy television service pricing changes in late 2020; and - the increase in total customer relationships over the past year, due to growth in our Internet and Ignite TV™ subscriber bases; partially offset by
- declines in our legacy television and home phone subscriber bases.
We remain focused on our Connected Home roadmap, driven by our Ignite TV product. During the past year, we have achieved significant growth in our Ignite TV subscriber base. The next steps on our roadmap include adding more apps and content to Ignite TV and launching more new products to help keep our customers connected.
Operating expenses
The
Adjusted EBITDA
The
MEDIA
Media Financial Results
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||
| (In millions of dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | ||||||
| Revenue | 440 | 412 | 7 | ||||||
| Operating expenses | 499 | 497 | — | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | (59 | ) | (85 | ) | (31 | ) | |||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | (13.4 | )% | (20.6 | )% | 7.2 | pts | |||
| Capital expenditures | 18 | 12 | 50 | ||||||
Revenue
The
- higher sports-related revenue; and
- higher Today's Shopping Choice revenue; partially offset by
- lower radio-related advertising revenue as a result of softness in the market due to COVID-19.
Operating expenses
The stable operating expenses this quarter were a result of:
- higher programming costs; and
- higher cost of sales at Today's Shopping Choice in line with higher revenue as discussed above; offset by
- lower production and other general operating costs as a result of cost efficiencies.
Adjusted EBITDA
The increase in adjusted EBITDA this quarter was a result of the revenue and expense changes discussed above.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||
| (In millions of dollars, except capital intensity) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | ||||||
| Wireless | 225 | 281 | (20 | ) | |||||
| Cable | 212 | 251 | (16 | ) | |||||
| Media | 18 | 12 | 50 | ||||||
| Corporate | 29 | 49 | (41 | ) | |||||
| Capital expenditures 1 | 484 | 593 | (18 | ) | |||||
| Capital intensity 2 | 13.9 | % | 17.4 | % | (3.5 | pts) | |||
1 Includes additions to property, plant and equipment net of proceeds on disposition, but does not include expenditures for spectrum licences or additions to right-of-use assets.
2 As defined. See "Key Performance Indicators".
Consolidated capital expenditures have declined by
Wireless
Capital expenditures in Wireless this quarter, while lower than in 2020, reflect continued investments in our networks. We continued to work on our 5G deployments in the 600 MHz band and other bands as we have deployed our 5G network in 173 cities and towns and we continued rolling out our 5G standalone core network in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Cable
The decrease in capital expenditures in Cable this quarter was a result of the realization of self-install and other capital efficiencies and improved capital intensity as we prioritized network infrastructure projects, including additional fibre deployments to increase our fibre-to-the-home and fibre-to-the-curb distribution. These upgrades will lower the number of homes passed per node and incorporate the latest technologies to help deliver more bandwidth and an even more reliable customer experience as we progress in our Connected Home roadmap.
Media
The increase in capital expenditures in Media this quarter was primarily a result of higher broadcast infrastructure expenditures and higher stadium and facility investments at the Toronto Blue Jays™.
Corporate
The decrease in corporate capital expenditures this quarter was a result of lower investments in our real estate facilities.
Capital intensity
Capital intensity decreased this quarter as a result of lower capital expenditures and higher revenue, as discussed above.
Regulatory Developments
See our 2020 Annual MD&A for a discussion of the significant regulations that affected our operations as at March 4, 2021. The following is the significant regulatory development since that date.
CRTC review of mobile wireless services
On April 15, 2021 the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issued Telecom Regulatory Policy 2021-130, Review of mobile wireless services. The CRTC mandated wholesale mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) access, seamless handoff for mandated wholesale roaming, and new mandatory low-cost and occasional-use retail rate plans; however, mandated MVNO access will only be provided if certain conditions are met as described briefly below.
The CRTC decided that mandated wholesale MVNO access must be offered by the national carriers, and SaskTel in Saskatchewan, but only made available to eligible regional wireless carriers that hold mobile spectrum licences, and only in the areas that are covered by their licences. The terms and conditions associated with mandated MVNO access must be approved by the CRTC, while rates will be subject to commercial negotiation, backstopped by final offer arbitration, with the CRTC acting as arbitrator. Mandated MVNO access will be limited to a seven-year period commencing on the date the CRTC finalizes the terms and conditions. This time limit is intended to provide the regional carriers sufficient time to expand their networks while maintaining investment incentives.
The national wireless carriers must also provide seamless handoff as part of the mandatory roaming they must offer to the regional wireless carriers. Seamless handoff will ensure that calls in progress are not dropped when customers travel outside their home network coverage and into the coverage of their roaming provider.
The CRTC also directed the national wireless carriers to offer 5G roaming where the roaming network offers 5G service on its own network and to file proposed revised terms and conditions within 90 days for CRTC approval.
Finally, the CRTC mandated retail rate plans for low-cost and occasional use. The national carriers and SaskTel will be expected to offer and promote the new mandatory low-cost and occasional-use plans on their premium brands. These plans are to be offered by July 14, 2021.
Key Performance Indicators
We measure the success of our strategy using a number of key performance indicators that are defined and discussed in our 2020 Annual MD&A and this earnings release. We believe these key performance indicators allow us to appropriately measure our performance against our operating strategy and against the results of our peers and competitors. The following key performance indicators are not measurements in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered alternatives to net income or any other measure of performance under IFRS. They include:
- subscriber counts;
- Wireless;
- Cable; and
- homes passed (Cable);
- Wireless subscriber churn (churn);
- Wireless blended average billings per user
(ABPU); - Wireless blended average revenue per user
(ARPU); - Cable average revenue per account (ARPA);
- Cable customer relationships;
- Cable market penetration (penetration);
- capital intensity; and
- total service revenue.
Non-GAAP Measures and Related Performance Measures
We use the following non-GAAP measures and related performance measures. These are reviewed regularly by management and the Board in assessing our performance and making decisions regarding the ongoing operations of our business and its ability to generate cash flows. Some or all of these measures may also be used by investors, lending institutions, and credit rating agencies as indicators of our operating performance, of our ability to incur and service debt, and as measurements to value companies in the telecommunications sector. These are not recognized measures under GAAP and do not have standard meanings under IFRS, so may not be reliable ways to compare us to other companies.
| Non-GAAP measure or related performance measure | Why we use it | How we calculate it | Most comparable IFRS financial measure | ||
| Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin | ● | To evaluate the performance of our businesses, and when making decisions about the ongoing operations of the business and our ability to generate cash flows. | Adjusted EBITDA: Net income add (deduct) income tax expense (recovery); finance costs; depreciation and amortization; other expense (income); restructuring, acquisition and other; and loss (gain) on disposition of property, plant and equipment. Adjusted EBITDA margin: Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue (or service revenue for Wireless). | Net income | |
| ● | We believe that certain investors and analysts use adjusted EBITDA to measure our ability to service debt and to meet other payment obligations. | ||||
| ● | We also use it as one component in determining short-term incentive compensation for all management employees. | ||||
| Adjusted net income Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share | ● | To assess the performance of our businesses before the effects of the noted items, because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply that they are non-recurring. | Adjusted net income: Net income add (deduct) restructuring, acquisition and other; loss (recovery) on sale or wind down of investments; loss (gain) on disposition of property, plant and equipment; (gain) on acquisitions; loss on non-controlling interest purchase obligations; loss on repayment of long-term debt; loss on bond forward derivatives; and income tax adjustments on these items, including adjustments as a result of legislative changes. Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share: Adjusted net income and adjusted net income including the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation divided by basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding. | Net income Basic and diluted earnings per share | |
| Free cash flow | ● | To show how much cash we have available to repay debt and reinvest in our company, which is an important indicator of our financial strength and performance. | Adjusted EBITDA deduct capital expenditures; interest on borrowings net of capitalized interest; and cash income taxes. | Cash provided by operating activities | |
| ● | We believe that some investors and analysts use free cash flow to value a business and its underlying assets. | ||||
| Adjusted net debt | ● | To conduct valuation-related analysis and make decisions about capital structure. | Total long-term debt add (deduct) current portion of long-term debt; deferred transaction costs and discounts; net debt derivative (assets) liabilities associated with issued debt; credit risk adjustment related to net debt derivatives; current portion of lease liabilities; lease liabilities; bank advances (cash and cash equivalents); and short-term borrowings. | Long-term debt | |
| ● | We believe this helps investors and analysts analyze our enterprise and equity value and assess our leverage. | ||||
| Debt leverage ratio | ● | To conduct valuation-related analysis and make decisions about capital structure. | Adjusted net debt (defined above) divided by 12-month trailing adjusted EBITDA (defined above). | Long-term debt divided by net income | |
| ● | We believe this helps investors and analysts analyze our enterprise and equity value and assess our leverage. | ||||
Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA
| Three months ended March 31 | ||||||
| (In millions of dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Net income | 361 | 352 | ||||
| Add: | ||||||
| Income tax expense | 128 | 117 | ||||
| Finance costs | 218 | 220 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 638 | 639 | ||||
| EBITDA | 1,345 | 1,328 | ||||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||
| Other expense (income) | 1 | (14 | ) | |||
| Restructuring, acquisition and other | 45 | 21 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 1,391 | 1,335 | ||||
Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA margin
| Three months ended March 31 | ||||||
| (In millions of dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 1,391 | 1,335 | ||||
| Divided by: total revenue | 3,488 | 3,416 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 39.9 | % | 39.1 | % | ||
Reconciliation of adjusted net income
| Three months ended March 31 | ||||||
| (In millions of dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Net income | 361 | 352 | ||||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||
| Restructuring, acquisition and other | 45 | 21 | ||||
| Income tax impact of above items | (12 | ) | (6 | ) | ||
| Adjusted net income | 394 | 367 | ||||
Reconciliation of adjusted earnings per share
| Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
| (In millions of dollars, except per share amounts; number of shares outstanding in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Adjusted basic earnings per share: | ||||||||
| Adjusted net income | 394 | 367 | ||||||
| Divided by: | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding | 505 | 505 | ||||||
| Adjusted basic earnings per share | ||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share: | ||||||||
| Diluted adjusted net income | 389 | 357 | ||||||
| Divided by: | ||||||||
| Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding | 506 | 506 | ||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share | ||||||||
Reconciliation of free cash flow
| Three months ended March 31 | ||||||
| (In millions of dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | 679 | 959 | ||||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||
| Capital expenditures | (484 | ) | (593 | ) | ||
| Interest on borrowings, net of capitalized interest | (188 | ) | (187 | ) | ||
| Interest paid | 216 | 200 | ||||
| Restructuring, acquisition and other | 45 | 21 | ||||
| Program rights amortization | (20 | ) | (22 | ) | ||
| Change in net operating assets and liabilities | 187 | 132 | ||||
| Other adjustments | (41 | ) | (48 | ) | ||
| Free cash flow | 394 | 462 | ||||
Reconciliation of adjusted net debt and debt leverage ratio
| As at | As at | |||||
| March 31 | December 31 | |||||
| (In millions of dollars) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 943 | 1,450 | ||||
| Long-term debt | 15,670 | 16,751 | ||||
| Deferred transaction costs and discounts | 168 | 172 | ||||
| 16,781 | 18,373 | |||||
| Add (deduct): | ||||||
| Net debt derivative assets | (1,077 | ) | (1,086 | ) | ||
| Credit risk adjustment related to net debt derivative assets | (16 | ) | (15 | ) | ||
| Short-term borrowings | 1,238 | 1,221 | ||||
| Current portion of lease liabilities | 293 | 278 | ||||
| Lease liabilities | 1,593 | 1,557 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | (801 | ) | (2,484 | ) | ||
| Adjusted net debt | 18,011 | 17,844 | ||||
| As at | As at | |||
| March 31 | December 31 | |||
| (In millions of dollars, except ratios) | 2021 | 2020 | ||
| Adjusted net debt | 18,011 | 17,844 | ||
| Divided by: trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA | 5,913 | 5,857 | ||
| Debt leverage ratio | 3.0 | 3.0 | ||
Rogers Communications Inc.
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts, unaudited)
| Three months ended March 31 | |||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Revenue | 3,488 | 3,416 | |||
| Operating expenses: | |||||
| Operating costs | 2,097 | 2,081 | |||
| Depreciation and amortization | 638 | 639 | |||
| Restructuring, acquisition and other | 45 | 21 | |||
| Finance costs | 218 | 220 | |||
| Other expense (income) | 1 | (14 | ) | ||
| Income before income tax expense | 489 | 469 | |||
| Income tax expense | 128 | 117 | |||
| Net income for the period | 361 | 352 | |||
| Earnings per share: | |||||
| Basic | |||||
| Diluted | |||||
Rogers Communications Inc.
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(In millions of Canadian dollars, unaudited)
| As at | As at | |||
| March 31 | December 31 | |||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
| Assets | ||||
| Current assets: | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 801 | 2,484 | ||
| Accounts receivable | 2,941 | 2,856 | ||
| Inventories | 465 | 479 | ||
| Current portion of contract assets | 363 | 533 | ||
| Other current assets | 691 | 516 | ||
| Current portion of derivative instruments | 108 | 61 | ||
| Total current assets | 5,369 | 6,929 | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | 13,978 | 14,018 | ||
| Intangible assets | 8,931 | 8,926 | ||
| Investments | 2,827 | 2,536 | ||
| Derivative instruments | 1,315 | 1,378 | ||
| Financing receivables | 744 | 748 | ||
| Other long-term assets | 297 | 346 | ||
| Goodwill | 3,991 | 3,973 | ||
| Total assets | 37,452 | 38,854 | ||
| Liabilities and shareholders' equity | ||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||
| Short-term borrowings | 1,238 | 1,221 | ||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 2,461 | 2,714 | ||
| Income tax payable | 281 | 344 | ||
| Other current liabilities | 306 | 243 | ||
| Contract liabilities | 354 | 336 | ||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 943 | 1,450 | ||
| Current portion of lease liabilities | 293 | 278 | ||
| Total current liabilities | 5,876 | 6,586 | ||
| Provisions | 43 | 42 | ||
| Long-term debt | 15,670 | 16,751 | ||
| Lease liabilities | 1,593 | 1,557 | ||
| Other long-term liabilities | 1,078 | 1,149 | ||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 3,121 | 3,196 | ||
| Total liabilities | 27,381 | 29,281 | ||
| Shareholders' equity | 10,071 | 9,573 | ||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | 37,452 | 38,854 | ||
Rogers Communications Inc.
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions of Canadian dollars, unaudited)
| Three months ended March 31 | ||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| Operating activities: | ||||||
| Net income for the period | 361 | 352 | ||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 638 | 639 | ||||
| Program rights amortization | 20 | 22 | ||||
| Finance costs | 218 | 220 | ||||
| Income tax expense | 128 | 117 | ||||
| Post-employment benefits contributions, net of expense | 16 | 12 | ||||
| Other | 26 | 22 | ||||
| Cash provided by operating activities before changes in net operating assets and liabilities, income taxes paid, and interest paid | 1,407 | 1,384 | ||||
| Change in net operating assets and liabilities | (187 | ) | (132 | ) | ||
| Income taxes paid | (325 | ) | (93 | ) | ||
| Interest paid | (216 | ) | (200 | ) | ||
| Cash provided by operating activities | 679 | 959 | ||||
| Investing activities: | ||||||
| Capital expenditures | (484 | ) | (593 | ) | ||
| Additions to program rights | (12 | ) | (15 | ) | ||
| Changes in non-cash working capital related to capital expenditures and intangible assets | (116 | ) | (129 | ) | ||
| Other | (6 | ) | (19 | ) | ||
| Cash used in investing activities | (618 | ) | (756 | ) | ||
| Financing activities: | ||||||
| Net proceeds received from (repayments of) short-term borrowings | 22 | (1,417 | ) | |||
| Net (repayment) issuance of long-term debt | (1,450 | ) | 2,885 | |||
| Net (payments) proceeds on settlement of debt derivatives and forward contracts | (2 | ) | 90 | |||
| Transaction costs incurred | — | (16 | ) | |||
| Principal payments of lease liabilities | (62 | ) | (50 | ) | ||
| Dividends paid | (252 | ) | (253 | ) | ||
| Cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (1,744 | ) | 1,239 | |||
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | (1,683 | ) | 1,442 | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 2,484 | 494 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | 801 | 1,936 | ||||
About Forward-Looking Information
This earnings release includes "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"), and assumptions about, among other things, our business, operations, and financial performance and condition approved by our management on the date of this earnings release. This forward-looking information and these assumptions include, but are not limited to, statements about our objectives and strategies to achieve those objectives, and about our beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates, or intentions.
Forward-looking information
- typically includes words like could, expect, may, anticipate, assume, believe, intend, estimate, plan, project, guidance, outlook, target, and similar expressions;
- includes conclusions, forecasts, and projections that are based on our current objectives and strategies and on estimates, expectations, assumptions, and other factors, most of which are confidential and proprietary and that we believe to have been reasonable at the time they were applied but may prove to be incorrect; and
- was approved by our management on the date of this earnings release.
Our forward-looking information includes forecasts and projections related to the following items, some of which are non-GAAP measures (see "Non-GAAP Measures and Related Performance Measures"), among others:
- revenue;
- total service revenue;
- adjusted EBITDA;
- capital expenditures;
- cash income tax payments;
- free cash flow;
- dividend payments;
- the growth of new products and services;
- expected growth in subscribers and the services to which they subscribe;
- the cost of acquiring and retaining subscribers and deployment of new services;
- continued cost reductions and efficiency improvements;
- our debt leverage ratio;
- statements relating to plans we have implemented in response to COVID-19 and its impact on us;
- the expected timing and completion of the Transaction is subject to closing conditions, termination rights, and other risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, court, shareholder, and regulatory approvals;
- the benefits expected to result from the Transaction are subject to the successful and timely integration and consolidation of Shaw's operations, business and workforce; and
- all other statements that are not historical facts.
Our conclusions, forecasts, and projections are based on the following factors, among others:
- general economic and industry growth rates;
- currency exchange rates and interest rates;
- product pricing levels and competitive intensity;
- subscriber growth;
- pricing, usage, and churn rates;
- changes in government regulation;
- technology deployment;
- availability of devices;
- timing of new product launches;
- content and equipment costs;
- the integration of acquisitions;
- industry structure and stability; and
- the impact of COVID-19 on our operations, liquidity, financial condition, or results.
Except as otherwise indicated, this earnings release and our forward-looking information do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring or other special items or of any dispositions, monetizations, mergers, acquisitions, other business combinations, or other transactions that may be considered or announced or may occur after the date on which the statement containing the forward-looking information is made.
Risks and uncertainties
Actual events and results can be substantially different from what is expressed or implied by forward-looking information as a result of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to:
- regulatory changes;
- technological changes;
- economic, geopolitical, and other conditions affecting commercial activity;
- unanticipated changes in content or equipment costs;
- changing conditions in the entertainment, information, and communications industries;
- the integration of acquisitions;
- litigation and tax matters;
- the level of competitive intensity;
- the emergence of new opportunities;
- external threats, such as epidemics, pandemics, and other public health crises, natural disasters, or cyberattacks, among others;
- risks related to the Transaction, including the timing, receipt, and conditions of the Key Regulatory Approvals; satisfaction of the various conditions to close the Transaction; financing the Transaction; and the anticipated benefits and successful integration of the businesses and operations of Rogers and Shaw; and the other risks outlined in "Updates to Risks and Uncertainties - Shaw Transaction" in our First Quarter 2021 Management's Discussion and Analysis; and
- new interpretations and new accounting standards from accounting standards bodies.
These factors can also affect our objectives, strategies, and intentions. Many of these factors are beyond our control or our current expectations or knowledge. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or other factors materialize, our objectives, strategies, or intentions change, or any other factors or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, our actual results and our plans could vary significantly from what we currently foresee.
Accordingly, we warn investors to exercise caution when considering statements containing forward-looking information and caution them that it would be unreasonable to rely on such statements as creating legal rights regarding our future results or plans. We are under no obligation (and we expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter any statements containing forward-looking information or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. All of the forward-looking information in this earnings release is qualified by the cautionary statements herein.
Before making an investment decision
Before making any investment decisions and for a detailed discussion of the risks, uncertainties, and environment associated with our business, its operations, and its financial performance and condition, fully review the sections of this earnings release entitled "Updates to Risks and Uncertainties" and "Regulatory Developments" and fully review the sections in our 2020 Annual MD&A entitled "Regulation in Our Industry" and "Governance and Risk Management", as well as our various other filings with Canadian and US securities regulators, which can be found at sedar.com and sec.gov, respectively. Information on or connected to sedar.com, sec.gov, our website, or any other website referenced in this document is not part of or incorporated into this earnings release.
FAQ
What were Rogers Communications Q1 2021 financial results?
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