CALGARY, ALBERTA — (Marketwired) — 06/28/13 — Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX: SJR.B)(NYSE: SJR) announced consolidated financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2013. Consolidated revenue for the three and nine month periods of $1.33 billion and $3.90 billion, respectively, was up 4% and 3%, respectively, over the comparable periods last year. Total operating income before amortization(1) of $585 million improved 3% over the comparable quarterly period and the year-to-date amount of $1.72 billion was up 6%.
Free cash flow(1) for the three and nine month periods was $138 million and $543 million, respectively, compared to $203 million and $379 million for the comparable periods last year. Increased operating income before amortization and lower capital investment were the main drivers of the improvement for the year-to-date period.
Chief Executive Officer Brad Shaw said, “Our third quarter results were solid as our executive team and our 14,000 employees continue to deliver value for all our stakeholders through a focus on disciplined growth and execution of our operating strategies. The quarter was highlighted with the closing of a number of the strategic transactions announced earlier in the year, including the acquisitions of ENMAX Envision and Food Network Canada, and the disposition of the Hamilton cable system and our interest in ABC Spark.”
“During the quarter we continued to invest in our core business including the acceleration of certain strategic capital initiatives that reinforce our infrastructure advantage. The Anik G1 satellite also successfully launched in April and in late May Shaw Direct added over 140 channels to its offerings, primarily in HD. The investment in Anik G1 brings our customers enhanced choice in programming, including more local Canadian channels.”
Net income of $250 million or $0.52 per share for the quarter ended May 31, 2013 compared to $248 million or $0.53 per share for the same period last year. Net income for the first nine months of the year was $667 million or $1.40 per share compared to $628 million or $1.34 per share. The net income improvement in both current periods was due to increased operating income and a gain on the sale of the Hamilton cable system partially offset by increased income taxes.
Revenue in the Cable division of $825 million and $2.45 billion for the current three and nine month periods increased 4% and 2%, respectively, over the comparable periods. Operating income before amortization for the quarter of $397 million was up 5% compared to the same quarter last year and the year-to-date period improved 7% to $1.19 billion.
Satellite revenue of $218 million and $641 million for the three and nine month periods, respectively, compared to $211 million and $631 million in the same periods last year. Operating income before amortization for the current quarter was $72 million compared to $76 million last year and the year-to-date amount was up 1% from $216 million to $219 million.
Revenue and operating income before amortization in the Media division for the quarter of $307 million and $116 million, respectively, increased 4% and 2% over the same period last year. On a year-to-date basis Media revenue and operating income before amortization each improved 5%.
Severe floods in late June impacted Shaw services in various locations across Southern Alberta. Technical, maintenance and customer care teams took immediate action to repair services for affected customers and proactive steps to maintain service and prevent any significant damage to Shaw infrastructure. The strength of the network redundancy and the tactical responsiveness ensured service interruptions were kept to a minimal period of time. Global News excelled in its extended special coverage of the crisis, establishing itself as the authority of information for the community.
Brad Shaw continued “As we enter the final quarter of 2013 we are seeing continued positive momentum across our divisions with ongoing revenue growth and overall management of promotional activity and costs. As a result, we are increasing our fiscal year 2013 guidance and expect free cash flow to range from $590 to $600 million. Our investments in brand, innovation and technology, and service enhancements are driving sustainable growth and customer retention. Given the improvement in free cash flow and continued favorable market conditions, our Board plans to target dividend increases of 5% to 10% over each of the next two years.”
Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications and media company, providing consumers with broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Home Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business), satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct) and engaging programming content (through Shaw Media). Shaw serves 3.3 million customers, through a reliable and extensive fibre network. Shaw Media operates one of the largest conventional television networks in Canada, Global Television, and 19 specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, History and Showcase. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX – SJR.B, NYSE – SJR).
The accompanying Management-s Discussion and Analysis forms part of this news release and the “Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements” applies to all forward-looking statements made in this news release.
(1) See definitions and discussion under Key Performance Drivers in MD&A.
June 27, 2013
Certain statements in this report may constitute forward-looking statements. Included herein is a “Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” section which should be read in conjunction with this report.
The following Management-s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) should also be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto of the current quarter and the 2012 Annual MD&A included in the Company-s August 31, 2012 Annual Report including the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.
The financial information presented herein has been prepared on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) for interim financial statements and is expressed in Canadian dollars.
Subscriber Highlights(1, 2)
Consolidated Overview
Consolidated revenue of $1.33 billion and $3.90 billion for the three and nine month periods, respectively, improved 3.8% and 2.9% over the same periods last year. Consolidated operating income before amortization for the three month period of $585 million was up 3.2% and on a year-to-date basis increased 6.0% to $1.72 billion. The revenue growth in the Cable and Satellite divisions, primarily driven by rate increases, was partially reduced by various expense increases including employee related amounts and higher programming. Media was up due to improved advertising and subscriber revenues partially reduced by increased employee related amounts and higher programming costs. Within all segments, the current year-to-date amount also benefited from a one-time adjustment to align certain broadcast license fees with the CRTC billing period totaling approximately $14 million.
The Company-s strategy is to balance financial results with maintenance of overall revenue generating units (“RGUs”). The Cable and Satellite divisions have over 6.2 million RGUs – which represents the number of products sold to customers. During the quarter, overall RGUs declined by 7,600. The Company continues to focus on refraining from overly promotional pricing and instead on providing equipment to customers. In the fourth quarter the Company plans to offer contracts, with equipment offers, as an alternative for customers.
Net income was $250 million and $667 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2013, respectively, compared to $248 million and $628 million for the same periods last year. Non-operating items affected net income in both periods. Outlined on the following page are further details on these and other operating and non-operating components of net income for each period.
The changes in net income are outlined in the table below.
Basic earnings per share were $0.52 and $1.40 for the current quarter and year-to-date period, respectively, compared to $0.53 and $1.34 in the same periods last year. In the current quarter, increased operating income before amortization of $18 million, lower interest expense of $7 million, and improved net other costs and revenue of $43 million were partially offset by higher amortization of $14 million and income taxes of $52 million as the prior period benefited from a tax recovery related to the resolution of certain tax matters. The improved net other costs and revenue included the gain on the sale of Mountain Cablevision Limited (“Mountain Cable”). The year-to-date increase was primarily due to higher operating income before amortization of $98 million and improved net other costs and revenue of $42 million, partially reduced by increased amortization of $32 million and higher income taxes of $82 million.
Net income in the current quarter was up $68 million compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2013 driven by increased operating income before amortization of $47 million, primarily due to seasonality in the Media business, along with improved net other costs and revenue of $50 million the total of which was partially reduced by higher income taxes of $30 million.
Free cash flow for the quarter and year-to-date periods of $138 million and $543 million, respectively, compared to $203 million and $379 million in the same periods last year. The current quarter decline was primarily due to increased capital investment. The year-to-date improvement was primarily due to improved operating income before amortization and lower capital investment partially reduced by higher cash taxes.
During the second quarter, the Company entered into agreements with Rogers Communications Inc. (“Rogers”) to sell to Rogers its shares in Mountain Cable; and grant to Rogers an option to acquire its wireless spectrum licenses; and, to purchase from Rogers its 33.3% interest in TVtropolis General Partnership (“TVtropolis”). Regulatory approval was received for Mountain Cable and it closed at the end of April, and regulatory approval was recently received for the TVtropolis transaction and it is expected to close at the end of June. The potential option exercise for the sale of the wireless spectrum licenses is expected to occur in fiscal 2015. Overall, Shaw expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $700 million from these transactions.
Shaw also announced it had entered into a number of transactions with Corus Entertainment Inc. (“Corus”), a related party subject to common voting control. In a series of agreements to optimize its portfolio of specialty channels, Shaw agreed to sell to Corus its 49% interest in ABC Spark and 50% interest in its two French-language channels, Historia and Series+. In addition, Corus agreed to sell to Shaw its 20% interest in Food Network Canada. Shaw expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $95 million from these transactions. The ABC Spark and Food Network Canada transactions closed at the end of April while Historia and Series+ are expected to close in the fall of 2013.
These transactions with Rogers and Corus are strategic in nature allowing the Company to use up to $500 million of the total expected net proceeds of approximately $800 million to accelerate certain capital investments to improve and strengthen its network advantage. Key investments include the completion of the Calgary data centre, further digitization of the network and additional bandwidth upgrades, development of IP delivery of video, expansion of the WiFi network, and additional innovative product offerings related to Shaw Go and other applications to provide an enhanced customer experience.
The Company established an accelerated capital fund of up to $500 million and is tracking the accelerated spending against this as the investments are made. Shaw plans to invest up to $500 million in fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 spending approximately $100 million, $250 million and $150 million in each of the respective years. After this period of accelerated spending the Company expects that the baseline capital intensity for the Cable business will decline.
On April 8, 2013 Shaw announced it had entered into a transaction to acquire ENMAX Envision Inc. (“Envision”), a company providing leading telecommunication services to Calgary and surrounding area business customers, for approximately $225 million. The acquisition closed at the end of April.
Key Performance Drivers
The Company-s continuous disclosure documents may provide discussion and analysis of non-IFRS financial measures. These financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The Company-s continuous disclosure documents may also provide discussion and analysis of additional GAAP measures. Additional GAAP measures include line items, headings, and sub-totals included in the financial statements.
The Company utilizes these measures in making operating decisions and assessing its performance. Certain investors, analysts and others, utilize these measures in assessing the Company-s operational and financial performance and as an indicator of its ability to service debt and return cash to shareholders. The non-IFRS financial measures and additional GAAP measures have not been presented as an alternative to net income or any other measure of performance required by IFRS.
The following contains a listing of non-IFRS financial measures and additional GAAP measures used by the Company and provides a reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure or provides a reference to such reconciliation.
Operating income before amortization and operating margin
Operating income before amortization is calculated as revenue less operating, general and administrative expenses. It is intended to indicate the Company-s ability to service and/or incur debt, and therefore it is calculated before amortization (a non-cash expense) and interest. Operating income before amortization is also one of the measures used by the investing community to value the business. Operating margin is calculated by dividing operating income before amortization by revenue.
Free cash flow
The Company utilizes this measure to assess the Company-s ability to repay debt and return cash to shareholders.
Free cash flow is calculated as operating income before amortization, less interest, cash taxes paid or payable, capital expenditures (on an accrual basis and net of proceeds on capital dispositions and adjusted to exclude amounts funded through the accelerated capital fund) and equipment costs (net), adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense, less cash amounts associated with funding the new and assumed CRTC benefit obligations related to the acquisition of Shaw Media as well as excluding non-controlling interest amounts that are consolidated in the operating income before amortization, capital expenditure and cash tax amounts. Free cash flow also includes changes in receivable related balances with respect to customer equipment financing transactions as a cash item, and is adjusted for recurring cash funding of pension amounts net of pension expense. Dividends paid on the Company-s Cumulative Redeemable Rate Reset Preferred Shares are also deducted.
Free cash flow has not been reported on a segmented basis. Certain components of free cash flow including operating income before amortization, capital expenditures (on an accrual basis net of proceeds on capital dispositions) and equipment costs (net), CRTC benefit obligation funding, and non-controlling interest amounts continue to be reported on a segmented basis. Other items, including interest and cash taxes, are not generally directly attributable to a segment, and are reported on a consolidated basis.
For free cash flow purposes the Company considers the discretionary pension funding to be a financing transaction and has not included the amount funded or the related cash tax recovery in the free cash flow calculation.
Accelerated capital fund
The Company established a notional fund, the accelerated capital fund, of up to $500 million with proceeds received, and to be received, from several strategic transactions with each of Rogers and Corus. The accelerated capital initiatives will be funded through this fund and not cash generated from operations. Key investments include the completion of the Calgary data centre, further digitization of the network and additional bandwidth upgrades, development of IP delivery of video, expansion of the WiFi network, and additional innovative product offerings related to Shaw Go and other applications to provide an enhanced customer experience. It is expected up to $500 million will be used in fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 spending approximately $100 million, $250 million and $150 million in each of the respective years.
Free cash flow is calculated as follows:
Details on the accelerated capital fund and investment to date are as follows:
Operating Highlights
Cable revenue for the three and nine month periods of $825 million and $2.45 billion improved 3.9% and 2.4%, respectively, over the comparable periods last year. Rate increases, lower promotions and customer growth in Internet and Digital Phone, including Business growth and the recent Envision acquisition that closed at the end of April, were partially offset by lower Video subscribers and the divestiture of Mountain Cable, also closing at the end of April. On Demand improved in the current quarter compared to the same period last year due to more PPV events, but was lower on a year-to-date basis compared to the prior year mainly due to the shortened NHL hockey schedule.
Operating income before amortization of $397 million for the quarter was up 5.3% over the same period last year. Revenue related improvements and reduced regulatory costs resulting from the CRTC mandated reduction in the Local Programming Improvement Fund (“LPIF”) contribution from 1.5% to 1% were partially offset by increased programming amounts related to new services and increased rates as contracts were renewed, higher marketing and various other costs, and the net impact of divestment and acquisition activity.
Operating income before amortization for the year-to-date period improved 7.2% over last year to $1.19 billion. Revenue related growth, reduced marketing and sales expenses, lower LPIF, and the second quarter broadcast license fee adjustment, were partially offset by higher employee related amounts due to employee growth and annual merit increases, and higher programming costs due to new services and annual rate increases.
Revenue was up $11 million or 1.4% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Operating income before amortization improved 1%. Revenue related growth and lower marketing and employee related costs, were partially offset by the prior quarter benefit related to the broadcast license fee adjustment and higher various other expenses.
Total capital investment of $255 million in the current quarter increased $86 million over the same period last year. Capital investment for the nine month period of $571 million decreased from $626 million last year. Capital investment in the current three and nine month periods included $40 million and $50 million, respectively, funded through the accelerated capital fund established with net proceeds from the strategic transactions with each of Rogers and Corus. The accelerated capital fund initiatives included next generation video delivery systems, expediting WiFi infrastructure build, continued investment in the new data centre, and increasing network capacity.
Success-based capital was up $17 million over the comparable three month period due to higher HD/HDPVR equipment rentals. For the comparable nine month period Success based spend was $69 million lower due to reduced video equipment rentals, lower subsidies from higher pricing for video equipment sales, decreased internet modem purchases, and lower installation activity.
Investment in Upgrades and enhancement and Replacement categories combined increased $47 million in the current quarter compared to the same period last year. The higher spend was due to core network equipment and softswitch upgrades, and increased deployment of business customer electronics. The year-to-date period investment was comparable to last year.
Investment in Buildings and other was up $22 million and $13 million, respectively, over the comparable three and nine month periods last year. The increase was primarily due to higher spend on other corporate assets, back office infrastructure replacement projects, and continued investment in the new data centre.
Spending in New housing development was comparable to the three and nine month periods last year.
Total capital investment of $255 million in the current quarter increased $79 million over the second quarter and included $40 million of spend on various accelerated capital fund initiatives. In addition to the various accelerated capital invested, Success-based spend was up due to higher HD/HDPVR rental activity and Buildings and other increased due to spend on other corporate assets. Upgrades and enhancements was higher due to current quarter digital network upgrade (“DNU”) activity and engineering lab replacement. The prior quarter also benefitted from a SR&ED tax credit. New housing development was also up due to higher seasonal construction activity.
During the quarter Shaw continued with its WiFi build out. Most recently the Company and the City of Edmonton announced that Edmonton City Council has approved a proposed agreement that will see the Shaw Go WiFi network expand to public areas across the city. The planned WiFi network will grant wireless Internet access to Shaw customers, Edmontonians and visitors throughout Edmonton areas popular for foot traffic and gathering, as well as LRT stations, facilities and libraries. The build will take place over the next two years.
The Company also continued with its focus on expanding its reach into the business market with the completion at the end of April of the acquisition of Envision from ENMAX Corporation. This transaction expands Shaw-s Business initiatives in Calgary and significantly enhances the profile of Shaw Business in the competitive Calgary marketplace.
Operating Highlights
Revenue of $218 million and $641 million for the three and nine month periods, respectively, was up 3.3% and 1.6% over the same periods last year primarily due to rate increases partially offset by increased promotional activity and lower subscribers.
Operating income before amortization of $72 million for the three month period decreased 5.3% over the same period last year as the revenue related growth was reduced by higher employee related amounts, programming fees, as well as increased marketing expenses and operating costs related to the new Anik G1 transponders. Operating income before amortization for the nine month period of $219 million increased modestly by 1.4% over the same period last year.
Revenue increased over the second quarter primarily due to a rate increase effective April 1, 2013. Operating income before amortization declined modestly as the impact of customer rate increases was more than offset by increased employee related costs, Anik G1 related expenses and the one-time broadcast license fee adjustment recorded in the prior quarter.
Total capital investment of $46 million and $92 million for the three and nine month periods compared to $17 million and $67 million, respectively, in the same periods last year. The increase in the current quarter was mainly due to the final payment to purchase the Anik G1 transponders.
The Anik G1 satellite launched successfully in mid April with 16 extended Ku transponders leased to Shaw Direct. The satellite has power levels above initial expectations resulting in an effective capacity increase of up to 30%. In late May, Shaw Direct lit up the satellite for its customers with the single largest launch of HD channels in Canadian history adding over 120 new HD channels. In total Shaw Direct now offers over 650 channels including more than 210 HD channels.
Subscriber Statistics
Operating Highlights
Revenue and operating income before amortization for the quarter was $307 million and $116 million, respectively, compared to $295 million and $114 million last year. Revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% due to higher advertising and subscriber revenues. Operating income before amortization improved 1.8% over the comparable period due to revenue growth partially reduced by higher programming costs and increased expenses including employee related and various other.
For the nine months ending May 31, 2013 revenue of $875 million and operating income before amortization of $319 million compared to $836 million and $304 million, respectively, for the same period last year. Improved advertising and subscriber revenues were partially reduced by higher programming costs, and increased expenses including employee related amounts due to growth and merit increases, and various other. The current period also benefited from an expense adjustment of $3 million to align certain broadcast license fees with the CRTC billing period.
Compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2013, revenue and operating income before amortization increased $58 million and $44 million, respectively. The increases were primarily due to the seasonality of the Media business, with higher advertising revenues in the first and third quarters driven by the launches of season premieres in the first quarter and mid season launches along with season finales in the third quarter resulting in higher advertiser demand.
During the quarter, Global continued to deliver solid programming results, increasing the number of Top 20 positions nationally with key shows such as Survivor, NCIS, Bones and Hawaii 5-0. These shows also delivered strong audiences on their season finales. In the upcoming summer schedule, Global will see the return of Big Brother US and Rookie Blue combined with new programs such as Stephen King-s Under the Dome.
Media-s specialty portfolio continues to lead in the channel rankings in the Adult 25-54 category with 4 of the Top 10 analog channels, including History as the top entertainment channel in Canada, and 5 of the Top 10 digital channels. National Geographic, Action and MovieTime hold the top 3 positions and also rank in the Top 20 analog channels. We recently announced the launch of a new lifestyle channel DTOUR, which will add to an already strong portfolio of specialty channels.
Global News continues to maintain the number one position in the Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton markets and launched a BC All News Channel, Global News:BC1 in March. Further, Global News was announced as the 2013 winner of the prestigious Edward R Murrow Award for overall News excellence in network television, the first Canadian network to earn that recognition in the award-s 42 year history.
The Company leveraged its relationships with the US Studios at the recent LA screenings to acquire additional programming that will deliver a strong Fall Schedule. A total of 18 new programs have been secured, including 11 dramas, 6 comedies and 1 unscripted series resulting in 15.5 simulcast hours, up 1.5 from last year.
Capital investment continued on various projects in the quarter and included upgrading production equipment, infrastructure and facility investments.
Amortization of deferred equipment revenue and deferred equipment costs increased over the comparable periods due to the sales mix of equipment and changes in customer pricing on certain equipment.
Amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other increased over the comparative periods as the amortization of new expenditures exceeded the impact of assets that became fully depreciated.
Amortization of financing costs and Interest expense
Interest expense decreased over the comparable periods due to lower average debt levels.
Gain on sale of cablesystem
During the current quarter, the Company closed the sale of Mountain Cable in Hamilton, Ontario to Rogers. The Company received proceeds, after working capital adjustments, of $398 million and recorded a gain of $50 million.
Acquisition and divestment costs
The Company incurred $8 million of costs in respect of the acquisition of Envision and the transactions with Rogers related to the sale of Mountain Cable, grant of an option to acquire the wireless spectrum licenses and purchase from Rogers of its interest in TVtropolis.
Gain on sale of associate
During the current quarter, the Company recorded a gain of $9 million on the sale of its interest in ABC Spark to Corus.
Gain on remeasurement of interests in equity investments and CRTC benefit obligation
During the comparative quarter, the company acquired the remaining interests in two specialty channels. In connection with the acquisition the Company recorded a gain of $6 million in respect of remeasurement to fair value of the Company-s interests which were held prior to the acquisition. As part of the CRTC decision approving the acquisition, the Company is required to contribute approximately $2 million in new benefits to the Canadian broadcasting system over the following seven years.
Accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions
The Company records accretion expense in respect of the discounting of certain long-term liabilities and provisions which are accreted to their estimated value over their respective terms. The expense is primarily in respect of CRTC benefit obligations.
Other gains (losses)
This category generally includes realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on US dollar denominated current assets and liabilities, gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment and minor investments, and the Company-s share of the operations of Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership. The category also includes amounts in respect of the electrical fire and resulting water damage to Shaw Court that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. During the first quarter, the Company received insurance advances of $5 million related to its claim for costs that were incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and incurred additional costs of $12 million in respect of ongoing recovery activities during the current year.
Income taxes
Income taxes were higher in each of the current periods mainly due to a recovery in the prior periods related to the resolution of certain tax matters.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The significant risks and uncertainties affecting the Company and its business are discussed in the Company-s August 31, 2012 Annual Report under the Introduction to the Business – Known Events, Trends, Risks and Uncertainties in Management-s Discussion and Analysis.
FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets were $12.7 billion at both May 31, 2013 and August 31, 2012. Following is a discussion of significant changes in the consolidated statement of financial position since August 31, 2012.
Current assets increased $61 million primarily due to the reclassification of the assets of Historia and Series+ as held for sale of $107 million, increases in accounts receivable of $90 million and inventories of $8 million partially offset by decreases in cash of $137 million and other current assets of $10 million. Assets held for sale is primarily composed of intangibles. Accounts receivable increased due to higher advertising revenue during the third quarter of the current year compared to the fourth quarter of the prior year and reclassification of advance bill payments to unearned revenue while inventories were higher due to timing of equipment purchases. Other current assets declined primarily due to a reduction in a tax indemnity upon resolution of the related income tax liabilities. Cash decreased as the cash outlay for investing and financing activities exceeded the funds provided by operations.
Investments and other assets increased $56 million due to the $59 million deposit paid relating to the acquisition of the non-controlling interest in the TVtropolis specialty channel and $10 million in respect of the purchase of minor investments partially offset by the sale of ABC Spark.
Property, plant and equipment increased $50 million as current year capital investment and the acquisition of Envision exceeded amortization and the impact of the sale of Mountain Cable.
Other long-term assets decreased $11 million primarily due to a decline in deferred equipment costs.
Intangibles decreased $189 million due to the sale of Mountain Cable of $245 million and reclassification of $93 million in respect of Historia and Series+ to assets held for sale partially offset by higher program rights and advances of $60 million and the recognition of $87 million in customer relationships on the acquisition of Envision. Additional investment in acquired rights and advances exceeded the amortization for the current year.
Goodwill decreased $17 million primarily due to the sale of Mountain Cable of $81 million partially offset by $68 million on the acquisition of Envision.
Current liabilities declined $46 million due to decreases in accounts payable and accruals of $11 million, income taxes payable of $16 million and current portion of long-term debt of $101 million partially offset by an increase in unearned revenue of $18 million, a promissory note of $45 million arising on the closing of the transactions with Corus and reclassification of $15 million in respect of liabilities associated with the Historia and Series+ assets held for sale. Accounts payable and accruals were lower due to fluctuations in various accruals and other liabilities. Income taxes payable declined due to tax installment payments and resolution of certain income tax liabilities which were partially offset by the current period provision. The current portion of long-term debt decreased due to the repayment of the 6.1% $450 million senior notes which were due in November 2012 partially offset by the reclassification of the 7.5% $350 million senior notes which are due in November 2013. Unearned revenue increased due to reclassification of advance bill payments from accounts receivable, timing of advance bill payments and rate increases. The liabilities associated with assets held for sale is primarily composed of deferred income taxes.
Long-term debt decreased $346 million due to the aforementioned reclassification of the 7.5% $350 million senior notes.
Other long-term liabilities decreased $320 million primarily due to the $300 million contribution to a retirement compensation arrangement trust (“the RCA”) in order to partially fund its non-contributory defined benefit pension plan and a decrease in CRTC benefit obligations partially offset by current year pension expense.
Deferred credits increased $247 million due to the $250 million received from Rogers in respect of the option to acquire the wireless spectrum licenses.
Deferred income tax liabilities, net of deferred income tax assets, increased $26 million primarily due to current year expense partially offset by the sale of Mountain Cable and the aforementioned reclassification of amounts in respect of Historia and Series+.
Shareholders- equity increased $387 million primarily due to increases in share capital of $147 million and retained earnings of $268 million partially offset by a decrease in non-controlling interests of $27 million. Share capital increased due to the issuance of 6,592,827 Class B Non-Voting Shares under the Company-s option plan and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”). As of June 15, 2013, share capital is as reported at May 31, 2013 with the exception of the issuance of a total of 14,920 Class B Non-Voting Shares upon exercise of options under the Company-s option plan subsequent to the quarter end. Retained earnings increased due to current year earnings of $635 million partially offset by dividends of $347 million and a charge of $20 million representing the difference between the consideration paid and the carrying value of the additional 20% interest acquired in Food Network Canada. Non-controlling interests decreased as their share of earnings was exceeded by the distributions declared during the period and the impact of the aforementioned change in ownership of Food Network Canada.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
In the current year, the Company generated $543 million of free cash flow. Shaw used its free cash flow along with cash of $137 million, the net proceeds of $589 million from the transactions with Rogers, proceeds on issuance of Class B Non-Voting Shares of $48 million and other net items of $7 million to repay the 6.1% $450 million senior notes, fund $300 million in discretionary contributions to the RCA in respect of its non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, pay common share dividends of $239 million, purchase Envision for $222 million, invest an additional net $63 million in program rights and fund $50 million of accelerated capital spend. Due to timing, the net proceeds from the Rogers transactions have been temporarily used in ongoing operations to the extent the cash was not required to fund accelerated capital investments.
On December 5, 2012 Shaw received the approval of the TSX to renew its normal course issuer bid to purchase its Class B Non-Voting Shares for a further one year period. The Company is authorized to acquire up to 20,000,000 Class B Non-Voting Shares during the period December 7, 2012 to December 6, 2013. No shares have been repurchased during the current year.
To allow for timely access to capital markets, the Company filed a short form base shelf prospectus with securities regulators in Canada and the U.S. on May 13, 2013. The shelf prospectus allows for the issue up to an aggregate $4 billion of debt and equity securities over a 25 month period.
The Company issues Class B Non-Voting Shares from treasury under its DRIP which resulted in cash savings and incremental Class B Non-Voting Shares of $91 million during the nine months ending May 31, 2013.
Based on available credit facilities and forecasted free cash flow, the Company expects to have sufficient liquidity to fund operations and obligations during the current fiscal year. On a longer-term basis, Shaw expects to generate free cash flow and have borrowing capacity sufficient to finance foreseeable future business plans and refinance maturing debt.
Funds flow from operations increased over the comparative three month period due to higher operating income before amortization adjusted for non-cash program rights expense and lower interest expense partially offset by higher current income taxes in the current period. Funds flow from operations increased over the comparative nine month period due to higher operating income before amortization adjusted for non-cash program rights expense, lower interest and current income tax expense and the settlement of the amended cross-currency interest agreements in the prior year, all of which were partially offset by the $300 million in discretionary contributions to the RCA and higher program rights purchases. The net change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations fluctuated over the comparative periods due to changes in other current assets and the timing of payment of current income taxes payable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities as well as fluctuations in accounts receivable.
Investing Activities
The cash used in investing activities in the current quarter was comparable to the prior year as the amount received in the current quarter with respect of the transactions with Rogers of $348 million was offset by the acquisition of Envision for $222 million and higher cash outlays for capital expenditures and inventory. The cash used in investing activities decreased over the comparable nine month period due to the net receipt of $589 million in respect of the transactions with Rogers and lower cash outlays for capital expenditures partially offset by the cash outlay for the acquisition of Envision.
Financing Activities
The changes in financing activities during the comparative periods were as follows:
SUPPLEMENTARY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Quarterly revenue and operating income before amortization are primarily impacted by the seasonality of the Media division and fluctuate throughout the year due to a number of factors including seasonal advertising and viewing patterns. Typically, the Media business has higher revenue in the first quarter driven by the fall launch of season premieres and high demand while the third quarter is impacted by season finales and mid season launches. Advertising revenue typically declines in the summer months of the fourth quarter when viewership is generally lower. Operating income before amortization in fiscal 2012 was also impacted by higher operating costs in the Cable division in the first and second quarters which included higher employee related costs, mainly related to bringing the new customer service centres on line, as well as higher marketing, sales and programming costs. The third and fourth quarters of 2012 benefited from improved operating income before amortization in the Cable business.
Net income has fluctuated quarter-over-quarter primarily as a result of the changes in operating income before amortization described above and the impact of the net change in non-operating items. In the third quarter of 2013, net income increased by $68 million due to increased operating income before amortization of $47 million, the gain on sale of the cablesystem in Hamilton, Ontario of $50 million and the gain on sale of the specialty channel ABC Spark of $9 million partially offset by higher income taxes of $30 million and acquisition and divestment costs of $8 million in respect of the transactions with Rogers and the acquisition of Envision. In the second quarter of 2013, net income decreased by $53 million primarily due to lower operating income before amortization of $63 million partially offset by lower income taxes of $5 million. In the first quarter of 2013, net income increased $102 million primarily due to higher operating income before amortization of $100 million. In the fourth quarter of 2012, net income decreased $115 million, primarily due to lower operating income before amortization of $66 million and increased income tax expense of $31 million. The fourth quarter also included a loss of $26 million in respect of the electrical fire at the Company-s head office offset by a pension curtailment gain of $25 million. In the third quarter of 2012, net income increased $70 million due to higher operating income before amortization of $74 million and lower amortization of $9 million partially offset by increased income tax expense of $17 million. In the second quarter of 2012, net income decreased $24 million due to a decline in operating income before amortization of $73 million partially offset by lower income tax expense of $53 million. Net income increased $118 million in the first quarter of 2012 due to the combined impact of higher operating income before amortization of $85 million and income tax expense of $18 million in the first quarter and the loss from the wireless discontinued operations of $84 million and gain on redemption of debt of $23 million recorded in the preceding quarter. As a result of the aforementioned changes in net income, basic and diluted earnings per share have trended accordingly.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Update to critical accounting policies and estimates
The MD&A included in the Company-s August 31, 2012 Annual Report outlined critical accounting policies including key estimates and assumptions that management has made under these policies and how they affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The MD&A also describes significant accounting policies where alternatives exist. The condensed interim consolidated financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as the most recent annual consolidated financial statements other than as set out below.
Adoption of recent accounting pronouncements
The Company adopted the following standards and amendments effective September 1, 2012:
(i) Employee Benefits
IAS 19, Employee Benefits (amended 2011), eliminates the existing option to defer actuarial gains and losses and requires changes from the remeasurement of defined benefit plan assets and liabilities to be presented in the statement of other comprehensive income. The significant amendments to IAS 19 which impact the Company are as follows:
The Company early adopted the amended standard with retrospective restatement effective September 1, 2012 and the impact of adoption is outlined in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.
(ii) Presentation of Financial Statements
IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, was amended to require presentation of items of other comprehensive income based on whether they may be reclassified to the statement of income and has been applied retrospectively.
(iii) Income Taxes
IAS 12, Income Taxes (amended 2011), introduces an exception to the general measurement requirements of IAS 12 in respect of investment properties measured at fair value. The amendment had no impact on the Company-s consolidated financial statements.
2013 GUIDANCE
The Company-s preliminary view with respect to 2013 guidance was provided coincident with the release of its fourth quarter results on October 25, 2012 and subsequently updated with the release of its second quarter results on April 12, 2013. With continued positive momentum across all divisions and overall management of promotional activity and costs the Company is now further updating its guidance. The Company anticipates modest growth in consolidated revenue and operating income before amortization. During fiscal 2013 the Company plans to continue to enhance its network, provide innovative product offerings, and launch the Anik G1 satellite and expects consolidated capital investment, excluding the capital funded through the accelerated capital fund, to decline marginally from 2012 levels. The Company expects consolidated free cash flow to range from $590 to $600 million.
Certain important assumptions for 2013 guidance purposes include: continued overall customer growth; stable pricing environment for Shaw-s products relative to current rates; no significant market disruption or other significant changes in economic conditions, competition or regulation that would have a material impact; stable advertising demand and rates; and a stable regulatory environment.
See the following section entitled “Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements”.
CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements included in this MD&A that are not historic constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future capital expenditures, asset dispositions, financial guidance for future performance, business strategies and measures to implement strategies, competitive strengths, expansion and growth of Shaw-s business and operations and other goals and plans. They can generally be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “target”, “goal” and similar expressions (although not all forward-looking statements contain such words). All of the forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by Shaw in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances as of the current date. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, interest and exchange rates, technology deployment, content and equipment costs, industry structure, conditions and stability, government regulation and the integration of recent acquisitions. Many of these assumptions are confidential.
You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Many factors, including those not within Shaw-s control, may cause Shaw-s actual results to be materially different from the views expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, general economic, market and business conditions; changes in the competitive environment in the markets in which Shaw operates and from the development of new markets for emerging technologies; industry trends and other changing conditions in the entertainment, information and communications industries; Shaw-s ability to execute its strategic plans; opportunities that may be presented to and pursued by Shaw; changes in laws, regulations and decisions by regulators that affect Shaw or the markets in which it operates; Shaw-s status as a holding company with separate operating subsidiaries; and other factors referenced in this report under the heading “Risks and uncertainties”. The foregoing is not an exhaustive list of all possible factors. Should one or more of these risks materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein.
The Company provides certain financial guidance for future performance as the Company believes that certain investors, analysts and others utilize this and other forward-looking information in order to assess the Company-s expected operational and financial performance and as an indicator of its ability to service debt and return cash to shareholders. The Company-s financial guidance may not be appropriate for this or other purposes.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was originally made and, except as required by law, Shaw expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in related assumptions, events, conditions or circumstances.
See accompanying notes
See accompanying notes
See accompanying notes
See accompanying notes
See accompanying notes
May 31, 2013 and 2012
(all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts)
1. CORPORATE INFORMATION
Shaw Communications Inc. (the “Company”) is a diversified Canadian communications company whose core operating business is providing broadband cable television services, Internet, Digital Phone, and telecommunications services (“Cable”); Direct-to-home satellite services and satellite distribution services (“Satellite”); and programming content (through Shaw Media). The Company-s shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Statement of compliance
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and in compliance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
The condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2013 were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on June 27, 2013.
Basis of presentation
These condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared primarily under the historical cost convention except as detailed in the significant accounting policies disclosed in the Company-s consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2012 and are expressed in millions of Canadian dollars. The condensed interim consolidated statements of income are presented using the nature classification for expenses.
The notes presented in these condensed interim consolidated financial statements include only significant events and transactions occurring since the Company-s last fiscal year end and are not fully inclusive of all matters required to be disclosed by IFRS in the Company-s annual consolidated financial statements. As a result, these condensed interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company-s consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2012.
The condensed interim consolidated financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as the most recent annual consolidated financial statements except as noted below.
Adoption of recent accounting pronouncements
The Company adopted the following standards and amendments effective September 1, 2012.
(i) Employee Benefits
IAS 19, Employee Benefits (amended 2011), eliminates the existing option to defer actuarial gains and losses and requires changes from the remeasurement of defined benefit plan assets and liabilities to be presented in the statement of other comprehensive income. The significant amendments to IAS 19 which impact the Company are as follows:
The Company early adopted the amended standard with retrospective restatement which resulted in an increase in other long-term liabilities and decrease in retained earnings by $1 at August 31, 2012. There was no impact on the Company-s consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income or cash flows for 2012.
(ii) Presentation of Financial Statements
IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, was amended to require presentation of items of other comprehensive income based on whether they may be reclassified to the statement of income and has been applied retrospectively.
(iii) Income Taxes
IAS 12, Income Taxes (amended 2011), introduces an exception to the general measurement requirements of IAS 12 in respect of investment properties measured at fair value. The amendment had no impact on the Company-s consolidated financial statements.
3. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company-s chief operating decision makers are the CEO and CFO and they review the operating performance of the Company by segments which comprise Cable, Satellite and Media. The chief operating decision makers utilize operating income before amortization for each segment as a key measure in making operating decisions and assessing performance. Shaw Media-s operating results are affected by seasonality and fluctuate throughout the year due to a number of factors including seasonal advertising and viewing patterns. As such, operating results for an interim period should not be considered indicative of full fiscal year performance. In general, advertising revenues are higher during the first quarter and lower during the fourth quarter and expenses are incurred more evenly throughout the year. All of the Company-s reportable segments are substantially located in Canada. Information on operations by segment is as follows:
Operating information
Capital expenditures
4. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS
Transactions with Rogers Communications Inc. (“Rogers”)
During the second quarter, the Company entered into agreements with Rogers to sell to Rogers its shares in Mountain Cablevision Limited (“Mountain Cable”) and grant to Rogers an option to acquire its wireless spectrum licenses as well as to purchase from Rogers its 33.3% interest in TVtropolis General Partnership (“TVtropolis”). The sale of Mountain Cable closed on April 30, 2013. The acquisition of the additional interest in TVtropolis is expected to close in the fourth quarter while the exercise of the option and the sale of the wireless spectrum licenses is still subject to regulatory approval and is expected to occur in fiscal 2015. The transactions are strategic in nature allowing the Company to use a portion of the net proceeds to accelerate various capital investments to improve and strengthen its network advantage.
The Company incurred costs of $5 in respect of the transactions with Rogers. These costs have been expensed and are included in acquisition and divestment costs in the statement of income.
Mountain Cable
Mountain Cable has approximately 40,000 video customers in its operations based in Hamilton, Ontario. It represented a disposal group within the cable operating segment and accordingly, is not presented as discontinued operations in the statement of income.
The Company received proceeds of $398 in cash on the sale of the Mountain Cable and recorded a gain of $50. The consideration may be impacted by settlement of final closing adjustments. The assets and liabilities disposed of were as follows:
Wireless spectrum licenses
The wireless spectrum licenses are not classified as assets held for sale due to regulatory restrictions preventing the exercise of the option and subsequent transfer of the licenses until fiscal 2015. During the second quarter, the Company received $50 in respect of the purchase price of the option to acquire the wireless spectrum licenses. The amount is recorded in deferred credits and will be included as part of the proceeds received on exercise of the option and sale of the wireless spectrum licenses, or alternatively as a gain if the option is not exercised and expires. In the current quarter, the Company received a $200 refundable deposit in respect of the option exercise price. The deposit has been recorded in deferred credits and will be included as part of the proceeds received on exercise of the option and sale of the wireless spectrum licenses or refunded to Rogers if the option is not exercised and expires.
TVtropolis
The $59 deposit paid to acquire the non-controlling interest in TVtropolis is included in investments and other assets.
ENMAX Envision Inc. (“Envision”)
On April 30, 2013, the Company acquired Envision, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ENMAX Corporation, for $222 in cash. Envision provides telecommunication services to business customers in Calgary and the surrounding area. The purpose of the transaction is to expand on the Company-s business initiatives and enhance the profile of its telecommunications services in the competitive Calgary business marketplace.
Envision has contributed approximately $3 of revenue and $1 of net income for the one month period. If the acquisition had occurred on September 1, 2012, revenue and net income would have been approximately $25 and $8, respectively. Acquisition related costs of $3 to effect the transaction have been incurred and are included in acquisition and divestment costs in the statement of income.
The purchase price allocation is preliminary pending finalization of valuation of net assets acquired and settlement of final closing adjustments. A summary of net assets and preliminary allocation of consideration is as follows:
Transactions with Corus Entertainment Inc. (“Corus”)
During the current quarter, the Company entered into a series of agreements with Corus, a related party subject to common voting control, to optimize its portfolio of specialty channels. Effective April 30, 2013, the Company sold to Corus its 49% interest in ABC Spark and acquired from Corus its 20% interest in Food Network Canada. In addition, the Company has agreed to sell to Corus its 50% interest in its two French-language channels, Historia and Series+. The sale of Historia and Series+ is expected to occur in the fall of 2013.
Food Network Canada and ABC Spark
The acquisition of an additional 20% interest in Food Network Canada increased the Company-s ownership to 71%. The difference between the consideration of $67 and carrying value of the interest acquired of $47 has been charged to retained earnings.
The Company recorded proceeds, including working capital adjustments, of $22 and gain on sale of associate of $9 on the disposition of its 49% interest in ABC Spark.
The Company issued a non-interest bearing promissory note in an initial principal amount of $45 to satisfy the net consideration in respect of these transactions. The consideration may be impacted by settlement of final closing adjustments. The promissory note is due and payable on the earlier of the closing date of the Company-s sale of Historia and Series+ to Corus and September 30, 2013.
Historia and Series+
The assets and liabilities associated with Historia and Series+ and classified as held for sale in the statement of financial position at May 31, 2013 are as follows:
5. OPERATING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
6. LONG-TERM DEBT
7. SHARE CAPITAL
Changes in share capital during the nine months ended May 31, 2013 are as follows:
8. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share calculations are as follows:
9. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Components of other comprehensive income and the related income tax effects for the nine months ended May 31, 2013 are as follows:
Components of other comprehensive income and the related income tax effects for the three months ended May 31, 2013 are as follows:
Components of other comprehensive loss and the related income tax effects for the nine months ended May 31, 2012 are as follows:
Components of other comprehensive loss and the related income tax effects for the three months ended May 31, 2012 are as follows:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following:
10. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Disclosures with respect to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are as follows:
(i) Funds flow from operations
(ii) Interest and income taxes paid and classified as operating activities are as follows:
(iii) Non-cash transactions:
The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows exclude the following non-cash transactions:
11. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
During the first quarter, the Company-s non-contributory defined pension plan became partially funded as the Company made discretionary contributions of $300 to a Retirement Compensation Arrangement Trust.
12. OTHER GAINS (LOSSES)
Other gains (losses) generally includes realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on US dollar denominated current assets and liabilities, gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment and minor investments, and the Company-s share of the operations of Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership. The category also includes amounts in respect of the electrical fire and resulting water damage to Shaw Court that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. During the current year, the Company received insurance advances of $5 related to its claim for costs that were incurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and incurred additional costs of $12 in respect of ongoing recovery acti
You must be logged in to post a comment Login