Cogeco Communications

Press release details

CONTINUED GROWTH FOR COGECO CABLE IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND UPWARD REVISION OF ITS FISCAL 2010 GUIDELINES

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Continued growth for Cogeco Cable in the first quarter and
upward revision of its fiscal 2010 guidelines
Montréal, January 13, 2010 Today, Cogeco Cable Inc. (TSX: CCA) (“Cogeco Cable” or the “Corporation”) announced
its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, ended Novem ber 30, 2009.
For the first quarter of fiscal 2010:
Revenue increased by 6% to reach $317.4 million;
Operating income before amortization
(1)
grew by 5.9% to reach $122.6 million;
Net income amounted to $56.7 million. Excluding a favourable income tax adjustment of $29.8 million related to
the reduction of Ontario provincial corporate income tax rates, adjusted net income
(1)
would have amounted to
$26.9 million, an increase of $3.9 million, or 17.2%, compared to $22.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009;
Free cash flow
(1)
reached $62 million for the quarter, representing an increase of $44.2 million when compared
to the first quarter of fiscal 2009;
Operating margin
(1)
for the quarter remained the same as the in the prior year at 38.6%;
Revenue-generating units (“RGU”)
(2)
grew by 89,785 net additions in the quarter, for a total of 2,982,023 RGU at
November 30, 2009.
“Cogeco Cable’s financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 exhibit continued RGU, revenue and operating income
before amortization progression for the Corporation. Our Canadian operations have grown at a steady pace, as
demonstrated by net additions of 63,172 RGU. In our European operations, the first quarter results evidence that our
customer base has begun to stabilize as a result of the customer retention and acquisition plans implemented in response
to the difficult competitive environment experienced in the prior year, with a growth of 26,613 RGU. In light of these
positive results, management has revised most of its guidelines for the 2010 fiscal year. Projected RGU growth, revenue,
operating income before amortization, net income and free cash flow have been increased to reflect the impact and the
expected trend generated by the favourable financial results in the first quarter of the year”, declared Louis Audet,
President and CEO of Cogeco Cable.
(1)
The indicated terms do not have standard definitions prescribed by Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and therefore, may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more details, please consult the “Non-GAAP financial measures” section of the
Management’s discussion and analysis.
(2)
Represents the sum of Basic Cable, High Speed Internet (“HSI”), Digital Television and Telephony service customers.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
Change
($000, except percentages and per share data) $ $ %
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Operations
Revenue 317,365 299,438 6.0
Operating income before amort iz ati o n
(2)
122,606 115,730 5.9
Operating margin
(2)
38.6% 38.6%
Operating income 57,041 54,984 3.7
Net income 56,666 22,945 –
Adjusted net income
(2)
26,884 22,945 17.2
Cash Flow
Cash flow from operating activities (3,618) 24,481 –
Cash flow from operations
(2)
130,229 87,617 48.6
Free cash flow
(2)
62,008 17,797 –
Financial Condition
(3)
Total assets 2,632,154 2,630,912 –
Indebtedness
(4)
1,114,860 1,054,506 5.7
Shareholders’ equity 1,059,243 1,007,384 5.1
Per Share Data
(5)
Earnings per share
Basic 1.17 0.47 –
Diluted
1.16 0.47 –
Adjusted earnings per share
(2)
Basic
0.55 0.47 17.0
Diluted
0.55 0.47 17.0
(1)
Certain comparativ e figures have been restated to reflect the application of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“ CICA”) Handbook Section 3064.
Please refer to the “Accounting policies and estimates” section of the Management’s discussion and analysis for more details.
(2)
The indicated terms do not have standardiz ed def inition s prescr ibed by Canadia n Generally Acc epted Accounting Pri nciples (“GAAP ”) and therefo re, may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more details, please consult the “Non-GAAP financial measures” section of the
Management’s discussion and analysis.
(3)
At November 30, 2009 and August 31, 2009.
(4)
Indebtedness is defined as the total of bank indebtedness, principal on long-term debt and obligations under derivative financial instruments.
(5)
Per multiple and subordinate voting share.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws.
Forward-looking information may relate to Cogeco Cable’s future outlook and anticipated events, business, operations,
financial performance, financial condition or results and, in so me cases, can be identified by terminology such as "may";
"will"; "should"; "expect"; "plan"; "anticipate"; "believe"; "intend"; "estimate"; "predict"; "potential"; "continue"; "foresee",
"ensure" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In particular, statements regarding
the Corporation’s future operating results and economic performance and its objectives and strategies are forward-looking
statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including expected growth, results of
operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities, which Cogeco Cable believes are reasonable as of
the current date. While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently
available to the Corporation, they may prove to be incorrect. The Corporation cautions the reader that the current adverse
economic conditions ma ke forward-looking information and the underlying assumptions subject to greater uncertainty and
that, consequently, they may not materialize, or the results may significantly differ from the Corporation’s expectations. It
is impossible for Cogeco Cable to predict with certainty the impact that the current economic downturn may have on future
results. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties (described in the
“Uncertainties and main risk factors” section of the Corporation’s 2009 annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis
(MD&A)) that could cause actual results to differ materially from what Cogeco Cable currently expects. These factors
include technological changes, changes in market and competition, governmental or regulatory developments, general
economic conditions, the development of new products and services, the enhancement of existing products and services,
and the introduction of competing products having technological or other advantages, many of which are beyond the
Corporation’s control. Therefore, future events and results may vary significantly from what management currently
foresee. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this
information as of any other date. While management may elect to, the Corporation is under no obligation (and expressly
disclaims any such obligation), and doe s not undertake to update or alter this information before the next quarter.
This analysis should be read in conjunction with the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, and the notes
thereto, prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the MD&A included in the
Corporation’s 2009 Annual Report. Throughout this discussion, all amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise
indicated.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (“MD&A”)
CORPORATE STRATEGI ES AND OBJECTIVES
Cogeco Cable Inc.’s (“Cogeco Cable” or the “Corporation”) objectives are to improve profitability and create shareholder
value. The strategies for reaching those objectives are sustained growth through the diversification and the improvement
of products, services, clientele and territories, as well as the continuous improvement of networks and equipment and tight
controls over costs and business processes. The Corporation measures its performance, with regard to these objectives
by monitoring revenue growth, revenue-generating units (“RGU”)
(1)
growth and free cash flow
(2)
.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Corporation invested approximately $28.7 million in its network infrastructure
and equipment to upgrade its capacity, improve its robustness and extend its territories in order to better serve and
increase its service offerings for new and existing clientele. Furthermore, the Corporation has maintained its vigilance
over operating costs, which increased at the same pace as the growth in revenue despite the increase in operating costs
in the European operations related to customer retention strategies put in place in the second half of fiscal 2009.
RGU growth and penetrat ion of service offerings
During the first three months ended November 30, 2009, the number of RGU increased by 89,785, or 3.1%, to reach
2,982,023 RGU, in line to surpass the Corporation’s RGU growth projections of 125,000 net additions issued on
October 29, 2009. In light of this performance, management has revised its guidelines and RGU growth is now expected
to reach 150,000 net additions for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2010, representing an increase of 5% when compared
to the prior year. Please consult the revised proje ctio ns in the “Fiscal 2010 financial guidelines” section for further detai ls.
(1)
Represents the sum of Basic Cable, High speed internet (“HSI”), Digital Television and Telephony service customers.
(2)
Free cash flow does not have a s tandardized definition pre scribed by Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAA P”) and therefore, may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more details, please consult the “Non-GAAP financial measures” section.
- 4 -
Revenue growth
First-quarter revenue increased by $17.9 million, or 6%, when compared to the same period of the prior year, to reach
$317.4 million, and management expects to attain $1,290 million for the 2010 fiscal year, which represents an increase of
$40 million when compared to the projections of $1,250 million issued on October 29, 2009. Please consult the revised
projections in the “Fiscal 2010 finan cial guidelines” section for further details.
Free cash flow
In the first three months ended November 30, 2009, Cogeco Cable generated free cash flows of $62 million compared to
$17.8 million for the same period last year, representing an increase of $44.2 million. Free cash flow growth for the
quarter is mainly due to an increase in cash flow from operations
(1)
, including the reduction in current income taxes
stemming from modifications made to the corporate structure and by decreases in capital expenditures. Management has
revised its free cash flow guidelines to $135 million for the 2010 fiscal year, an increase of $10 million, or 8%, when
compared to the guideline of $125 million issued on October 29, 2009. Please consult the revised projections in the
“Fiscal 2010 financial guid elines” section for further details.
OPERATING RESULTS – CONSOLIDATED OVERVIEW
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
Change
($000, except percentages) $ $ %
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Revenue 317,365 299,438 6.0
Operating costs 188,418 177,727 6.0
Management fees - COGECO Inc.
6,341 5,981 6.0
Operating income before amort iz ati o n
(2)
122,606 115,730 5.9
Operating margin
(2)
38.6% 38.6%
(1)
Certain comparativ e figures have been restated to reflect the application of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“ CICA”) Handbook Section 3064.
Please refer to the “Accounting policies and estimates” section for more details.
(2)
The indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by Canadian GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by
other companies. For more details, please consult the “Non-GAAP financial measures” section.
Revenue
Fiscal 2010 first-quarter revenue improved by $17.9 million, or 6%, to reach $317.4 million when compared to the prior
year. Driven by increased RGU, the introduction of HSI usage billing and rate increases implemented at the end of fiscal
2009, first-quarter Canadian operations revenue went up by $27 million, or 11.4% over the comparable period of the prior
year.
Fiscal 2010 first-quarter European operations revenue decreased by $9.1 million, or 14.6%, at $53 million, compared to
the same period of the prior year, mainly due to a lower number of Basic Cable service customers compared to the same
period of last year and to the impact of retention strategies implemented in the second half of fiscal 2009 in order to
reduce customer attrition, partly offset by the strength of the Euro compared to the Canadian dollar. Revenue from the
European operations in the local currency for the first quarter amounted to €33.7 million, a decrease of €6.5 million, or
16.1% compared to the same period of the prio r year.
(1)
The indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by Canadian GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by
other companies. For more details, please consult the “Non-GAAP financial measures” section.
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Operating costs
For the first three months of fiscal 2010, operating costs, excluding management fees payable to COGECO Inc.,
increased by $10.7 million to reach $188.4 million, an increase of 6% compared to the prior year. Operating costs in the
Canadian operations increased due to the servicing of additional RGU and the additional levy amounting to 1.5% of gross
Cable Television service revenue imposed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
(“CRTC”) in order to finance a new Local Programming Improvement Fund (“LPIF”) for the benefit of conventional
television broadcasters operating local stations in Canada. In Europe, operating costs increased due to marketing
initiatives, including the launch of new channels, and the appreciation of the Euro over the Canadian dollar, partly offset
by cost reduction initiatives, such as a headcount red uction plan.
Operating income before amortization and opera ting margin
Fiscal 2010 first quarter operating income before amortization increased by $6.9 million, or 5.9%, to reach $122.6 million,
as a result of RGU growth, the introduction of HSI usage billing and rate increases generating additional revenues which
outpaced the increase in operating costs. Cogeco Cable’s first quarter operating margin remained the same when
compared to the prior year, amounting to 38.6%. The operating margin in Canada improved to 42.5% from 40%, which
offset the decrease in the European operating margin to 19.2% from 33.5%.
RELATED PARTY TRAN SACTIONS
Cogeco Cable is a subsidiary of COGECO Inc., which holds 32.3% of the Corporation’s equity shares, representing
82.7% of the votes attached to the Corporation’s voting shares. Under a management agreement, the Corporation pays
COGECO Inc. monthly management fees equal to 2% of its total revenue for certain executive, administrative, legal,
regulatory, strategic and financial planning and additional services. In 1997, management fees were capped at $7 million
per year, subject to an annual adjustment based on the increase in the Cons umer Price Index in Canad a. Accord ingly, for
fiscal 2010, management fees have been set at a maximum of $9 million, which management expects to reach in the
second quarter of the fiscal year. For fiscal 2009, management fees were set at a maximum of $9 million, and were fully
paid in the first six months of the year.
Cogeco Cable granted 33,266 stock options to COGECO Inc.’s employees during the first three months of fiscal 2010,
compared to 29,711 for the same period last year. During the first quarter Cogeco Cable charged COGECO Inc. an
amount of $0.1 million with regards to Cogeco Cable’s options granted to COGECO Inc.’s employees, essentially the
same amount as in the comparable period of the prior year. Details regarding the management agreement and stock
options granted to COGECO Inc.’s em ployees are provided in the Corp oration’s 2009 Annual Report.
Furthermore, Cogeco Cable established an incentive share unit plan for senior executives and designated employees.
During the first three months, the Corporation granted 9,981 Incentive Share Units to COGECO Inc.’s employees and
charged COGECO Inc. an amount of $9,000 with regards to the Corporation’s Incentive Share Units granted to
COGECO Inc.’s employees.
There were no other material related party transaction s during the quarter.
FIXED CHARGES
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
Change
($000, except percentages) $ $ %
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Amortization 65,565 60,746 7.9
Financial expens e
16,141 23,394 (31.0)
(1)
Certain comparative figures have been restated to reflect the application of the CICA Handbook Section 3064. Please refer to the “Accounting policies and
estimates” section for more details.
- 6 -
First-quarter 2010 amor tization amounted to $65.6 million, compared to $60.7 million for the same period of the prior year.
The increase is mainly due to additional capital expenditures arising from customer premise equipment acquisitions to
sustain RGU and to the appreciation of the Euro currency over the Canadian dollar.
First-quarter financial expense amounted to $16.1 million compared to $23.4 million in the first quarter of the prior year.
The financial expense of the current quarter includes a foreign exchange gain of $0.5 million, compared to a foreign
exchange loss of $3.8 million in the prior year. The loss in the prior year was essentially due to the unusually high US
dollar volatility, as the majority of customer premise equipment is purchased and subsequently paid in US dollars. The
remaining decrease of $3 million is due to interest rate reductions and a decrease in Indebtedness (defined as the total of
bank indebtedness, principal on long-term debt and obligations under derivative financial instruments) when compared
with the comparable quarter of the previous fiscal year.
INCOME TAXES
Fiscal 2010 first-quarter income tax recovery amounted to $15.8 million which includes the impact of the reduction in
corporate income tax rates announced on March 26, 2009 by the Ontario provincial government and considered
substantively enacted on November 16, 2009 (the “reduction of Ontario provincial corporate income tax rates”). These
lower corporate income tax rates reduced future income tax expense by $29.8 million in the first three months of
fiscal 2010. Excluding the effect of this reduction, income tax expense would have amounted to $14 million for the first
three months of fiscal 2010, compared to $8.6 million for the first three months of fiscal 2009. The increase in income tax
expense in fiscal 2010 is mainly due to the improvement in operating income before amortization surpassing that of the
fixed charges in the Canadian operation s.
NET INCOME
Fiscal 2010 first quarter net income amounted to $56.7 million, or $1.17 per share. Net income for the first quarter of fiscal
2010 includes the favourable impact of $29.8 million from the reduction of Ontario provincial corporate income tax rates
described above. Excluding the impact of the income tax adjustments, adjusted net income
(1)
would have amounted to
$26.9 million, or $0.55 per share
(1)
, compared to $22.9 million, or $0.47 per share in the prior year, representing increases
of 17.2% and 17%, respectively. Please consult the “Non-GAAP financial measures” section for further details. Net
income progression for the quarter has resulted from the growth of the Canadian operations’ financial results, partly offset
by the decline in the financial European operating results as previously discussed.
CASH FLOW AND LIQUIDITY
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
($000) $ $
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Operating activities
Cash flow from operations
(2)
130,229 87,617
Changes in non-cash operating items (133,847)
(63,136)
(3,618)
24,481
Investing activities
(3)
(68,060)
(68,865)
Financing activities
(3)
49,495 39,420
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents denominated
in foreign currencies
202 687
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(21,981)
(4,277)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
39,458 36,371
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
17,477 32,094
(1)
Certain comparative figures have been restated to reflect the application of the CICA Handbook Section 3064. Please refer to the “Accounting policies and
estimates” section for more details.
(2)
Cash flow from operations does not have a standardized definition prescribed by Canadian GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures
presented by other companies. For more details, please consult the “Non-GAAP financial measures” section.
(1)
The indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by Canadian GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by
other companies. For more details, please consult the “Non-GAAP financial measures” section.
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(3)
Excludes assets acquired under capital leases.
Fiscal 2010 first quarter cash flow from operations reached $130.2 million, 48.6% higher than the comparable period last
year, primarily due to the reduction in current income taxes stemming from modifications made to the corporate structure,
the increase in operating income before amortization and the reduction in financial expense. Changes in non-cash
operating items required cash outflows of $133.8 million, mainly as a result of decreases in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities and income tax liabilities and an increase in income taxes receivable. In the prior year, the cash outflows of
$63.1 million were mainly the result of a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and in income tax liabilities.
The significant decreases in income tax liabilities in both fiscal years are due to payments made during the first quarter of
the current year related to the prior fiscal year.
Investing activities, including capital expenditures segmented according to the National Cable Television Association
(“NCTA”) standard re porting categories, are as follows:
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
($000) $ $
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Customer premise equipmen t
(2)
33,475 31,824
Scalable infrastructure 12,827 12,542
Line extensions 5,434 4,287
Upgrade / Rebuild 10,470 10,442
Support capital 2,951 7,511
Total capital expenditures
(3)
65,157 66,606
Increase in deferred charges and others 3,044 3,198
Total investing activities
(3)
68,201 69,804
(1)
Certain comparative figures have been restated to reflect the application of the CICA Handbook Section 3064. Please refer to the “Accounting policies and
estimates” section for more details.
(2)
Includes mainly home terminal devices as well as new and replacement drops.
(3)
Includes capital leases, which are excluded from the statements of cash flows.
Fiscal 2010 first quarter total capital expenditures amounted to $65.2 million, a decrease of 2.2%, when compared to the
corresponding period of last year, due to the following factors:
A decrease in support capital spending as the prior year included the acquisition of a power generator for the
Canadian data comm unications subsidiary;
An increase in customer premise equipment spending which reflects higher RGU growth and the appreciation of
the Euro over the Canadian dollar.
Deferred charges and others are mainly attributable to reconnect costs. For the first quarter, the increase in deferred
charges and others amounted to $3 million, essentially the same when compared to $3.2 million for the same period of
the prior year.
In the first quarter, Cogeco Cable generated free cash flows of $62 million compared to $17.8 million in the prior year,
representing an increase of $44.2 million. The growth in free cash flow for the quarter is mainly due to an increase in cash
flow from operations, including the reduction in current income taxes stemming from modifications made to the corporate
structure and the decrease in capital expenditures. The aggregate amount of total capital expenditures and deferred
charges and others decreased by $1.6 million for the quarter ended November 30, 2009 compared to the corresponding
period of the prior year due to the factors explained above.
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In the first quarter of 2010, Indebtedness affecting cash increased by $58 million mainly due to the decrease in non-cash
operating items of $133.8 million and the dividend payment of $6.8 million described below, partly offset by the free cash
flow of $62 million and the decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $22 million. Indebtedness mainly increased through
an increase of $44.3 million in bank indebtedness and a net amount of $14.9 million drawn on the Corporation’s revolving
loans. In the first quarter of 2009, Indebtedness affecting cash increased by $45 million due to the reduction of non-cash
operating items of $63.1 million, partly offset by the free cash flow of $17.8 million. Indebtedness was increased through
the issuance of Senior Secured Notes, Series A and Series B, for net proceeds of approximately $255 million, net of the
repayment of US$150 million Senior Secured Notes Series A and the related derivative financial instrument for a total of
$238.7 million, and by an increase of $21.6 million in bank indebtedness.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, a dividend of $0.14 per share was paid to the holders of subordinate and multiple
voting shares, totalling $6.8 million, compared to a dividend of $0.12 per share, or $5.8 million the year before.
As at November 30, 2009, the Corporation had a working capital deficiency of $193.5 million compared to $240.9 million
as at August 31, 2009. The decrease in the deficiency is mainly attributable to reductions in accounts payable and
accrued liabilities due to the timing of payments made to suppliers and in income tax liabilities stemming from income tax
payments relating to the 2009 fiscal year, and to an increase in income taxes receivable as a result of modifications made
to the corporate structure. These decreases have been partially offset by the increase in bank indebtedness and the
decreases in cash and cash equivalents resulting from the above mentioned payments, and by the increase in the current
portion of future income tax liabilities also stemming from the modifications made to the corporate structure. As part of the
usual conduct of its business, Cogeco Cable maintains a working capital deficiency due to a low level of accounts
receivable as a large portion of the Corporation’s customers pay before their services are rendered, unlike accounts
payable and accrued liabilities, which are paid after products are delivered or services are rendered, thus enabling the
Corporation to use cash and cash equivalents to reduce Indebtedness.
At November 30, 2009, the Corporation had used $268.6 million of its $862.5 million Term Facility for a remaining
availability of $593.9 million.
On October 1, 2008, the Corporation completed, pursuant to a private placement, the issuance of US$190 million Senior
Secured Notes Series A maturing October 1, 2015, and $55 million Senior Secured Notes Series B maturing
October 1, 2018. The Senior Secured Notes Series B bear interest at the coupon rate of 7.60% per annum, payable semi-
annually. The Corporation has entered into cross-currency swap agreements to fix the liability for interest and principal
payments on the Senior Secured Notes Series A in the amount of US$190 million, which bear interest at the coupon rate
of 7.00% per annum, payable semi-annually. Taking into account these agreements, the effective interest rate on the
Senior Secured Notes Series A is 7.24% and the exchange rate applicable to the principal portion of the US dollar-
denominated debt has been fixed at $1.0625 per US dollar.
FINANCIAL POSITION
Since August 31, 2009, there have been significant changes to the balances of “accounts payable and accrued liabilities”,
“income taxes receivable”, “income tax liabilities”, “future income tax liabilities”, “fixed assets”, “bank indebtedness”, “long-
term debt”, “derivative financial instruments” and “cash and cash equivalents”.
The $70.1 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is related to the timing of payments made to
suppliers. The increases of $20.6 million in income taxes receivable and $20.2 million in the current portion of future
income tax liabilities are mainly due to modifications made to the corporate structure. The $40.3 million decrease in
income tax liabilities is due to income tax payments made in the first quarter of the 2010 fiscal year relating to the 2009
fiscal year. The $17.8 million decrease in long-term future income tax liabilities is mainly due to reduction of Ontario
provincial corporate income tax rates. The $6.3 million increase in fixed assets is mainly related to capital expenditures to
sustain RGU growth. The increases of $44.3 million in bank indebtedness, $8.8 million in long-term debt and $5.9 million
in net derivative financial instrument liabilities, and the decrease of $22 million in cash and cash equivalents are due to the
factors previously discussed in the “Cash Flow and Liquidity” section and the fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest
rates.
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A description of Cogeco Cable’s share data as of December 31, 2009 is presented in the table below:
Number of shares/options Amount
($000)
Common shares
Multiple voting shares
Subordinate voting shares
15,691,100
32,867,426
98,346
891,715
Options to purchase Subordinate voting shares
Outstanding options
Exercisable options
770,042
543,213
In the normal course of business, Cogeco Cable has incurred financial obligations, primarily in the form of long-term debt,
operating and capital leases and guarantees. Cogeco Cable’s obligations, as discussed in the 2009 Annual Report, have
not materially changed sin ce Augu st 31, 2009.
DIVIDEND DECLARATION
At its January 12, 2010 meeting, the Board of Directors of Cogeco Cable declared a quarterly eligible dividend of
$0.14 per share for subordinate and multiple voting shares, payable on February 9, 2010, to shareholders of record on
January 26, 2010. The declaration, amount and date of any future dividend will continue to be considered and approved
by the Board of Directors of the Corporation based upon the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations, capital
requirements and such other factors as the Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, deems relevant. There is therefore no
assurance that dividends will be declar ed, and if declared, the amount and frequency may vary.
FINANCIAL MANAGEME NT
During fiscal 2009, the Corporation entered into a swap agreement with a financial institution to fix the floating benchmark
interest rate with respect to the Euro-denominated Term Loan facilities for a notional amount of €111.5 million. The
interest rate swap to hedge the Term Loans has been fixed at 2.08% until their maturity at July 28, 2011. The notional
value of the swap will decrease in line with the amortization schedule of the Term Loans and stood at €95.8 million at
November 30, 2009. In addition to the interest rate swap of 2.08%, Cogeco Cable will continue to pay the applicable
margin on these Term Loans in accordance with its Term Facility. In the first three months of the fiscal year, the fair value
of interest rate swap decreased by $0.1 million, which is recorded as a decrease of other comprehensive income net of
income taxes.
In the previous fiscal year, Cogeco Cable entered into cross-currency swap agreements to set the liability for interest and
principal payments on its US$190 million Senior Secured Notes, Series A maturing in October 1, 2015. These agreements
have the effect of converting the U.S. interest coupon rate of 7.00% per annum to an average Canadian dollar interest
rate of 7.24% per annum. The exchange rate applicable to the principal portion of the debt has been xed at $1.0625 per
US dollar. In the first quarter of the 2010 fiscal year, amounts due under the US$190 million Senior Secured Notes
Series A decreased by $7.5 million due to the US dollar’s depreciation compared to the Canadian dollar. The fair value of
cross-currency swaps decreased by a net amount of $5.8 million, of which $7.5 million offsets the foreign exchange gain
on the debt denominated in US dollars. The difference of $1.7 million was recorded as an increase of other
comprehensive income, net of income taxes of $1.1 million.
The Corporation’s net investment in the self-sustaining foreign subsidiary, Cabovisão – Televisão por Cabo, S.A.
(“Cabovisão”), is exposed to market risk attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily changes
in the values of the Canadian dollar versus the Euro. This risk is mitigated since the major part of the purchase price for
Cabovisão was borrowed directly in Euros. This debt is designated as a hedge of the net investment in self-sustaining
foreign subsidiaries and accordingly, the Corporation realized a foreign exchange gain of $0.6 million in the first three
months of fiscal 2010 which is presented in other comprehensive income. The exchange rate used to convert the Euro
into Canadian dollars for the balance sheet accounts at November 30, 2009 was $1.5852 per Euro compared to $1.5698
per Euro at August 31, 2009. The average exchange rate prevailing during the first quarter used to convert the operating
results of the European operations was $1.5732 per Euro, compared to $1.5462 per Euro for the same period of the prior
year.
- 10 -
The following table shows the Canadian dollar impact of a 10% change in the average exchange rate of the Euro currency
into Canadian dollars on European operating results for the first quarter e nded November 30, 2009:
Quarter ended November 30, 2009 As reported
Exchange rate
impact
($000) $ $
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Revenue 53,005 5,301
Operating income before amort iz ati o n 10,176 1,018
Net loss (11,693)
(1,169)
The Corporation is also impacted by foreign currency exchange rates, primarily changes in the values of the US dollar
relative to the Canadian dollar with regards to purchases of equipment, as the majority of customer premise equipment is
purchased and subsequently paid in US dollars. Please consult the “Fixed charges” section of this MD&A and the Foreign
Exchange Risk section in note 13 of the consolidated financial statements for further details.
CANADIAN OPERATION S
CUSTOMER STATISTICS
Net additions % of Penetration
(1)
November 30, Quarters ended November 30, November 30,
2009 2009 2008 2009 2008
RGU 2,223,035 63,172 65,463
Basic Cable service customers
873,724 8,919 8,833
HSI service custome r s 532,558 17,506 19,509 64.5 59.6
Digital Television service customers 514,504 16,106 18,220 59.8 54.0
Telephony service customers 302,249 20,641 18,901 38.0 31.6
(1)
As a percentage of Basic Cable service customers in areas served.
Fiscal 2010 first quarter RGU net additions were essentially the same as the comparable period of the prior year, and the
Canadian operations continue to generate RGU growth despite early signs of maturation of some of its services. The
number of net additions for Basic Cable service customers stood at 8,919 compared to 8,833 for the same period of the
prior year, mainly due to the beginning of the school year for college and university students and from expansions in the
network. In the quarter, Telephony service customers grew by 20,641 compared to 18,901 for the same period last year,
and the number of net additions to HSI service stood at 17,506 customers for the quarter, compared to 19,509 customers
for the same period last year. HSI and Telephony net additions continue to stem from the enhancement of the product
offering, the impact of the bundled offer (Cogeco Complete Connection) of Television, HSI and Telephony services, and
promotional activities. Telephony service coverage, as a percentage of homes passed, is now above 90% compared to
87% at November 30, 2008. The Digital Television service net additions stood at 16,106 customers compared to
18,220 customers for the first quarter, and are due to targeted marketing initiatives to improve penetration and to the
continuing strong interest for high definition (“HD”) television servi c e.
- 11 -
OPERATING RESULTS
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
Change
($000, except percentages) $ $ %
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Revenue 264,360 237,374 11.4
Operating costs 145,589 136,477 6.7
Management fees – COGECO Inc. 6,341 5,981 6.0
Operating income before amort iz ati o n 112,430 94,916 18.5
Operating margin 42.5% 40.0%
(1)
Certain comparative figures have been restated to reflect the application of the CICA Handbook Section 3064. Please refer to the “Accounting policies and
estimates” section for more details.
Revenue
First quarter revenue rose by $27 million, or 11.4%, to reach $264.4 million mainly due to the introduction of HSI usage
billing, RGU growth and the impact of rate increases implemented in the second half of fiscal 2009 in Ontario, averaging
$1.00 per Basic Cabl e service customer.
Operating costs
For the first three months of fiscal 2010, operating costs excluding management fees payable to COGECO Inc. increased
by $9.1 million, or 6.7%, to reach $145.6 million. The increase in operating costs is mainly attributable to servicing
additional RGU and to the additional levy amounting to 1.5% of gross Cable Television service revenue imposed by the
CRTC in order to finance the LPIF.
Operating income before amortization
Operating income before amortization rose by $17.5 million, or 18.5%, to reach $112.4 million in the first quarter. The
operating income before amortization has risen due to the increased revenue outpacing the operating costs growth.
Cogeco Cable’s Canadian operations’ first-quarter operating margin increased to 42.5% compared to 40% for the same
period in the prior year.
EUROPEAN OPERATIONS
CUSTOMER STATISTICS
Net additions (losses) % of Penetration
(1)
November 30, Quarters ended November 30, November 30,
2009 2009 2008 2009 2008
RGU
758,988 26,613 (12,749)
Basic Cable service customers
258,918 (562)
(8,035)
HSI service custome r s
148,823 5,209 (5,209) 57.5 53.5
Digital Television service customers
118,867 16,114 5,397 45.9 10.4
Telephony service customers
232,380 5,852 (4,902) 89.8 83.4
(1)
As a percentage of Basic Cable service customers in areas served.
- 12 -
In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, net additions have begun to stabilize and reflect the benefits of the Corporation’s
customer retention and acquisition strategies launched at the end of the 2009 fiscal year in order to reduce the customer
attrition brought on by the difficult competitive landscape in Portugal and economic environment in the Iberian Peninsula
throughout the previous fiscal year. Fiscal 2010 first quarter Basic Cable service customers decreased by 562 customers
compared to a decrease of 8,035 customers in the comparable period of the prior year. HSI service customers increased
by 5,209 customers compared to a decrease of 5,209 customers in the first three months of fiscal 2009. The number of
Digital Television service customers grew by 16,114 customers in the first quarter of the current fiscal year compared to
5,397 customers in the first quarter of the prior year. Telephony service customers increased by 5,852 customers
compared to a loss of 4,902 customers for the same period of the preceding year.
OPERATING RESULTS
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
Change
($000, except percentages) $ $ %
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Revenue 53,005 62,064 (14.6)
Operating costs 42,829 41,250 3.8
Operating income before amort iz ati o n 10,176 20,814 (51.1)
Operating margin 19.2% 33.5%
(1)
Certain comparative figures have been restated to reflect the application of the CICA Handbook Section 3064. Please refer to the “Accounting policies and
estimates” section for more details.
Revenue
Fiscal 2010 first-quarter revenue decreased by $9.1 million, or 14.6%, at $53 million, due to lower Basic Cable service
customers compared to the same period of last year and to the impact of retention strategies implemented in the second
half of fiscal 2009 in order to reduce customer attrition, partly offset by the strength of the Euro compared to the Canadian
dollar. Revenue from the European operations in the local currency for the first quarter amounted to €33.7 million, a
decrease of €6.5 million, or 16.1%, when compared to the prior year.
Operating costs
For the first quarter, operating costs increased by $1.6 million to reach $42.8 million, an increase of 3.8% compared to the
prior year. The increase in operating costs is mainly attributable to marketing initiatives, including the launch of new
channels, and to the unfavourable impact of the appreciation of the Euro over the Canadian dollar, partly offset by cost
reduction initiatives implemented by Cabovisão, such as a headcount reduction plan. Operating costs from the European
operations for the first three months of fiscal 2010 in the local currency amounted to €27.2 million, an increase of
€0.6 million, or 2.2% when compared to the first three months of the prior year.
Operating income before amortization
For the first quarter, operating income before amortization decreased to $10.2 million from $20.8 million for the same
period of the prior year, representing a decrease of $10.6 million, or 51.1%, mainly due to increases in operating costs
and decreases in revenue. European operations’ operating margin decreased for the first quarter to 19.2% from 33.5% in
the prior year. Operating income before amortization in the local currency amounted to €6.5 million for the first quarter, a
decrease of €7 million, or 52.1%, when compared to operating income before amortization of €13.5 million for the first
three months of the prior year.
FISCAL 2010 FINANCIAL GUIDELINES
Given the improved performance of the Corporation during the first quarter, the expected trend for fiscal 2010 and the
Ontario provincial corporate income tax rate reductions announced on March 26, 2009 and considered substantively
enacted on November 16, 2009, management has revised most of its guidelines for the 2010 fiscal year.
- 13 -
Management has revised upwards its guidelines to reflect better the HSI usage billing and the charge back of LPIF costs
to our Canadian Cable Tele vision service customers. RGU growth should also increase due to the continued demand for
cable telecommunications services. In addition, the projected foreign currency exchange rate from the Euro to the
Canadian dollar is revised upwards. During the last segment of fiscal 2009, Cabovisão launched new channels and
implemented retention strategies, which combined with new marketing and other operating initiatives, have helped reduce
customer attrition since their implementation. However, Cabovisão is still facing fierce competition in the Portuguese
market.
Subsequent to these adjustments, projected revenue, operating income before amortization and net income were revised
upwards. The increase in projected revenue to $1,290 million from $1,250 million should come from both the Canadian
and European operations. The operating income before amortization should increase to $505 million from $481 million,
operating margin should increase to 39.1% from 38.5 % and net income should i ncrease to about $125 million.
As a result of the revised projections, free cash flow is now expected to reach $135 million from the $125 million initially
projected.
Consolidated
Revised Projections Projections
January 12, 2010 October 29, 2009
(in millions of dollars, except RGU growth and operating margin) Fiscal 2010 Fiscal 2010
Financial guidelines
Revenue 1,290 1,250
Operating income before amort iz ati o n 505 481
Operating margin 39.1% 38.5%
Amortization 273 273
Financial expens e 69 70
Current income taxes (40) (55)
Net income 125 80
Capital expenditures and increase in deferred charges 341 341
Free cash flow 135 125
RGU growth 150,000 125,000
The exchange rate used for the fiscal 2010 revised projections is $1.55 per Euro compared to $1.50 per Euro for the
October 29, 2009 projections.
CONTROLS AND PRO CEDURES
The President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”),
together with management, are responsible for establis hing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures
and internal controls over financial reporting, as defined in NI 52-109. Cogeco Cable’s internal control framework is based
on the criteria published in the report “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission and is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
The CEO and CFO, supported by management, evaluated the design of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and
procedures and internal controls over financial reporting as of November 30, 2009, and have concluded that they were
adequate.
UNCERTAINTIES AND M AIN RISK FACTO RS
There has been no significant change in the uncertainties and main risk factors faced by the Corporation since
August 31, 2009. A detailed description of the uncertainties and main risk factors faced by Cogeco Cable can be found in
the 2009 Annual Report.
- 14 -
ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
There has been no significant change in Cogeco Cable’s accounting policies, estimates and future accounting
pronouncements since August 31, 2009, except as described below. A description of the Corporation’s policies and
estimates can be found in the 2009 Annual Report.
Goodwill and intangible assets
In February 2008, the CICA issued Section 3064, Goodwill and intangible assets, replacing Section 3062, Goodwill and
other intangible assets and Section 3450, Research and development costs. The new Section established standards for
the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of goodwill subsequent to its initial recognition and of
intangible assets by profit-oriented enterprises. Standards concerning goodwill remained unchanged from the standards
included in the previous Section 3062. The new Section was applicable to interim and annual financial statements relating
to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008, with retroactive application. The adoption of Section 3064 eliminated
the deferral of new service launch costs which are now recognized as an expense when they are incurred. Reconnect and
additional services activation costs are capitalized up to an amount not exceeding the revenue generated by the
reconnect activity. Consequently, the Corporation adjusted opening retained earnings on a retroactive basis and the prior
period comparative figures have been restated. The adoption of this new section had the following impacts on the
Corporation’s consolidated financial statements:
Consolidated statement of income
Increase (decrease) Quarter ended November 30, 2008
($000) $
(unaudited)
Operating costs 3,993
Amortization of deferred charges
(3,176)
Future income tax expens e
(211)
Net income (606)
Consolidated balance shee t s
Increase (decrease) August 31, 2009 Septemb er 1, 200 8
($000) $ $
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Deferred charges (34,491)
(32,325)
Future income tax liabili ties
(10,212)
(9,599)
Retained earnings (deficit) (24,279)
(22,726)
FUTURE ACCOUNTING PRO NOUN CEMENTS
Harmonization of Canadian and International accounting standards
Throughout the quarter, the Corporation has continued its project for the transition from Canadian GAAP to International
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The conversion project is progressing according to the established plan and the
Corporation expects to meet its target date for migration. Please refer to the 2009 Annual Report for more details.
NON-GAAP FINANCI AL MEASURES
This section describes non-GAAP financial measures used by Cogeco Cable throughout this MD&A. It also provides
reconciliations between these non-GAAP measures and the most comparable GAAP financial measures. These financial
measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by Canadian GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other companies. These measures include “cash flow from operations”, “free cash flow”,
“operating income before amortization”, “operating margin”, “adjusted net income” and “adjusted earnings per share”.
- 15 -
Cash flow from operations and fr ee cash flow
Cash flow from operations is used by Cogeco Cable’s management and investors to evaluate cash flows generated by
operating activities, excluding the impact of changes in non-cash operating items. This allows the Corporation to isolate
the cash flows from operating activities from the impact of cash management decisions. Cash flow from operations is
subsequently used in calculating the non-GAAP measure, “free cash flow”. Free cash flow is used, by Cogeco Cable’s
management and investors, to measure its ability to repay debt, distribute capital to its shareholders and finance its
growth.
Cash flow from operations is calculated as follows:
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
($000) $ $
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Cash flow from operating activities (3,618)
24,481
Changes in non-cash operating items
133,847 63,136
Cash flow from operations 130,229 87,617
(1)
Certain comparative figures have been restated to reflect the application of the CICA Handbook Section 3064. Please refer to the “Accounting policies and
estimates” section for more details.
Free cash flow is calculated as follows:
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
($000) $ $
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Cash flow from operations 130,229 87,617
Acquisition of fixed assets
(65,016)
(65,667)
Increase in deferred charges
(3,064)
(3,214)
Assets acquired under capital leases – as per note 11 c)
(141)
(939)
Free cash flow 62,008 17,797
(1)
Certain comparative figures have been restated to reflect the application of the CICA Handbook Section 3064. Please refer to the “Accounting policies and
estimates” section for more details.
Operating income before amortization and opera ting margin
Operating income before amortization is used by Cogeco Cable’s management and investors to assess the Corporation’s
ability to seize growth opportunities in a cost effective manner, to finance its ongoing operations and to service its debt.
Operating income before amortization is a proxy for cash flows from operations excluding the impact of the capital
structure chosen, and is one of the key metrics used by the financial community to value the business and its financial
strength. Operating margin is a measure of the proportion of the Corporation's revenue which is left over, before income
taxes, to pay for its fixed costs, such as interest on Indebtedness. Operating margin is calculated by dividing operating
income before amortizatio n by revenue.
- 16 -
The most comparable Canadian GAAP financial measure is operating income. Operating income before amortization and
operating margin are calculated as follows:
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
($000, except percentages) $ $
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Operating income 57,041 54,984
Amortization 65,565 60,746
Operating income before amortization 122,606 115,730
Revenue 317,365 299,438
Operating Margin 38.6% 38.6%
(1)
Certain comparative figures have been restated to reflect the application of the CICA Handbook Section 3064. Please refer to the “Accounting policies and
estimates” section for more details.
Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share
Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are used by Cogeco Cable’s management and investors to
evaluate what would have been the net income and earnings per share excluding unusual adjustments. This allows the
Corporation to isolate the unusual adjustments in order to evaluate the net income and earnings per share from ongoing
activities.
The most comparable Canadian GAAP financial measures are net income and earnings per share. Adjusted net income
and adjusted earning s per share are calculated as foll ows:
Quarters ended November 30,
2009 2008
(1)
($000) $ $
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Net income 56,666 22,945
Adjustment for the reduction of Ontario provincial corporate income tax rates (29,782)
-
Adjusted net income 26,884 22,945
Weighted average number of multiple voting and subordinate voting shares outstanding
48,550,216 48,523,769
Effect of dilutive stock options
81,872 212,875
Effect of dilutive incentive share units
8,310
Weighted average number of diluted multiple voting and subordinate voting shares outstanding
48,640,398 48,736,644
Adjusted earnings per share
Basic 0.55 0.47
Diluted 0.55 0.47
(1)
Certain comparative figures have been restated to reflect the application of the CICA Handbook Section 3064. Please refer to the “Accounting policies and
estimates” section for more details.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This MD&A was prepared on January 12, 2010. Additional information relating to the Corporation, including its Annual
Information Form, is available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
- 17 -
ABOUT COGE CO CABLE
Cogeco Cable (www.cogeco.ca) is a telecommunications company, the second largest cable operator in Ontario, Québec
and Portugal in terms of the number of Basic Cable service customers served. Through its two-way broadband cable
networks, Cogeco Cable provides its residential customers with Audio, Analogue and Digital Television, as well as HSI
and Telephony services. Cogeco Cable also provides, to its commercial customers, data networking, e-business
applications, video conferencing, hosting services, Ethernet, private line, VoIP, HSI access, dark fibre, data storage, data
security and co-location services and other advanced communication solutions. Cogeco Cable’s subordinate voting
shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA).
– 30 –
Source: Cogeco Cable Inc.
Pierre Gagné
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Tel.: 514-764-4700
Information: Media
Marie Carrier
Director, Corporate Communications
Tel.: 514-764-4700
Analyst Conference Call: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. (EST)
Media representatives may attend as listeners only.
Please use the following dial-in number to have access to the conference call by dialling
five minutes before the start of the conference:
Canada/USA Access Nu mber: 1 888 300-0053
International Access Number: + 1 647 427-3420
Confirmation Code: 5342110
By Internet at www.cogeco.ca/investors
A rebroadcast of the conference call will be available until January 20, by dialling:
Canada and USA access number: 1 800 642-1687
International access number: + 1 706 645-9291
Confirmation code: 5342110
- 18 -
Supplementary Quarterly Financial Information
(unaudited)
Quarters ended November 30, August 31, May 31, February 28 / 29,
2009 2008
(1)
2009
(1)
2008
(1)(2)
2009
(1)
2008
(1)(2)
2009
(1)
2008
(1)(2)
($000, except percentages and
per share data) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Revenue 317,365 299,438 307,807 284,908 305,672 274,944 304,920 265,102
Operating income before
amortization
(2)
122,606 115,730 143,892 117,538 125,951 112,925 122,303 105,028
Operating margin
(2)
38.6% 38.6% 46.7% 41.3% 41.2% 41.1% 40.1% 39.6%
Operating income 57,041 54,984 75,624 58,802 62,086 57,552 59,105 52,057
Impairment of goodwill and
intangible assets – – – – – 399,648
Income taxes (15,766) 8,645 22,005 9,617 26,357 10,443 (207)
(14,502)
Net income (l oss) 56,666 22,945 44,698 30,433 32,453 29,735 (358,324)
49,423
Adjusted net income
(3)
26,884 22,945 26,123 30,433 27,665 29,735 25,306 49,423
Cash flow from operating
activities (3,618) 24,481 175,450 139,286 99,956 108,232 115,282 87,361
Cash flow from operations
(3)
130,229 87,617 108,631 95,085 92,030 91,262 95,928 81,643
Free cash flow
(3)
62,008 17,797 14,759 21,075 31,891 36,901 30,965 19,305
Earnings (loss) per share
(4)
Basic 1.17 0.47 0.92 0.63 0.67 0.61 (7.38)
1.02
Diluted 1.16 0.47 0.92 0.62 0.67 0.61 (7.38)
1.01
Adjusted earnings per share
(3)(4)
Basic 0.55 0.47 0.54 0.63 0.57 0.61 0.52 1.02
Diluted 0.55 0.47 0.54 0.62 0.57 0.61 0.52 1.01
(1)
Certain comparativ e figures have been restated to reflect the application of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“ CICA”) Handbook Section 3064.
Please refer to the “Accounting policies and estimates” section of the Management’s discussion and analysis for more details.
(2)
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to reflect the reclassification of foreign exchange gains or losses from operating costs to financial expense.
(3)
The indicated terms do not have standardiz ed def inition s prescr ibed by Canadia n Generally Acc epted Accounting Pri nciples (“GAAP ”) and therefo re, may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more details, please consult the “Non-GAAP financial measures” section of the
Management’s discussion and analysis.
(4)
Per multiple and subordinate voting share.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
Cogeco Cable’s operating results are not generally subject to material seasonal uctuations. However, the loss in Basic
Cable service customers is usually greater, and the addition of HSI service customers is generally lower, in the second
half of the fiscal year as a result of a decrease in economic activity due to the beginning of the vacation period, the end of
the television seasons, and students leaving their campuses at the end of the school year. Cogeco Cable offers its
services in several university and college towns such as Kingston, Windsor, St. Catharines, Hamilton, Peterborough,
Trois-Rivières and Rimouski in Canada, and Aveiro, Covilhã, Evora, Guarda and Coimbra in Portugal. Furthermore, the
third and fourth quarter’s operating margin is usually higher as no management fees are paid to COGECO Inc. Under the
Management Agreement, Cogeco Cable pays a fee equal to 2% of its total revenue subject to a maximum amount. Since
the maximum amount was reached in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, Cogeco Cable paid no management fees in the
second half of fiscal 2009. For further details, please consult the “Related party transactions” section of the Management’s
discussion and analysi s.
- 19 -
Customer Statistics
(unaudited)
November 30, 2009 Augus t 31, 20 09
Homes passed
Ontario 1,052,470 1,049,818
Québec 518,163 515,327
Canada 1,570,633 1,565,145
Portugal
(1)
905,197 905,129
Total 2,475,830 2,470,274
Homes connected
(2)
Ontario 667,017 658,690
Québec 288,535 285,944
Canada 955,552 944,634
Portugal 268,202 269,022
Total 1,223,754 1,213,656
Revenue-generating units
Ontario 1,526,556 1,483,324
Québec 696,479 676,539
Canada 2,223,035 2,159,863
Portugal 758,988 732,375
Total 2,982,023 2,892,238
Basic Cable service customers
Ontario 604,028 597,651
Québec 269,696 267,154
Canada 873,724 864,805
Portugal 258,918 259,480
Total 1,132,642 1,124,285
High Speed Internet service customers
Ontario 387,497 374,906
Québec 145,061 140,146
Canada 532,558 515,052
Portugal 148,823 143,614
Total 681,381 658,666
Digital Television service customers
Ontario 336,270 326,227
Québec 178,234 172,171
Canada 514,504 498,398
Portugal 118,867 102,753
Total 633,371 601,151
Telephony service customer s
Ontario 198,761 184,540
Québec 103,488 97,068
Canada 302,249 281,608
Portugal 232,380 226,528
Total 534,629 508,136
(1)
The Corporation is currently assessing the number of homes passed.
(2)
Includes Basic Cable service customers and HSI and Telephony service customers who do not subscribe to other cable services.
- 20 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
Three months ended November 30,
(In thousands of dollars, except per share data)
2009 2008
$ $
(restated, see note 1)
Revenue
Service
315,333 297,393
Equipment
2,032 2,045
317,365 299,438
Operating costs
188,418 177,727
Management fees – COGECO Inc.
6,341 5,981
Operating income before amortization
122,606 115,730
Amortization (note 3)
65,565 60,746
Operating income
57,041 54,984
Financial expense (note 4)
16,141 23,394
Income before income taxes
40,900 31,590
Income taxes (note 5)
(15,766)
8,645
Net income
56,666 22,945
Earnings per share (note 6)
Basic
1.17 0.47
Diluted
1.16 0.47
- 21 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)
Three months ended November 30,
(In thousands of dollars)
2009
2008
$
$
(restated, see note 1)
Net income
56,666
22,945
Other comprehensive income
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of
income tax recovery
of $2,141,000 (income tax expense of $3,387,000 in 2008)
(3,769)
25,789
Reclassification to net income of realized losses (gains) on derivative financial instruments
designated as cash flow hedges, net of income tax recovery of $1,007,000 (income tax expense of
$4,323,000 in 2008)
6,479
(28,391)
Unrealized gains on translation of a net investment in self-sustaining foreign subsidiaries
2,726
6,080
Unrealized losses on translation of long-term debts designated as hedges of a net investment in self-
sustaining foreign subsidiaries
(2,091)
(3,359)
3,345
119
Comprehensive income
60,011
23,064
- 22 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)
(unaudited)
Three months ended November 30,
(In thousands of dollars) 2009
2008
$
$
(restated, see note 1)
Balance at beginning, as reported 17,172
297,150
Changes in accounting policies (note 1) (24,279)
(22,726)
Balance at beginning, as restated (7,107)
274,424
Net income 56,666
22,945
Dividends on multiple voting shares (2,197)
(1,883)
Dividends on subordinate voting shares (4,601)
(3,940)
Balance at end 42,761
291,546
- 23 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
(In thousands of dollars)
November 30, 2009
August 31, 2009
$
$
(restated, see note 1)
Assets
Current
Cash and cash equivalents (note 11 b)) 17,477
39,458
Accounts receivable 63,392
60,051
Income taxes receivable 25,255
4,700
Prepaid expenses 15,542
14,337
Future income tax assets 4,934
4,275
126,600
122,821
Fixed assets 1,308,488
1,302,238
Deferred charges 23,902
24,052
Intangible assets (note 7) 1,021,241
1,022,434
Goodwill (note 7) 149,615
153,695
Derivative financial instruments
4,236
Future income tax assets 2,308
1,436
2,632,154
2,630,912
Liabilities and Shareholders’ equity
Liabilities
Current
Bank indebtedness 44,336
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 174,043
244,173
Income tax liabilities 761
41,020
Deferred and prepaid revenue 36,059
33,877
Current portion of long-term debt (note 8) 44,661
44,674
Future income tax liabilities 20,209
320,069
363,744
Long-term debt (note 8) 1,018,589
1,009,788
Derivative financial instruments 3,842
2,168
Deferred and prepaid revenue and other liabilities 12,918
12,900
Pension plan liabilities and accrued employees benefits 3,454
3,113
Future income tax liabilities 214,039
231,815
1,572,911
1,623,528
Shareholders’ equity
Capital stock (note 9) 990,061
990,061
Treasury shares (1,744)
Contributed surplus 5,239
4,849
Retained earnings (deficit) 42,761
(7,107)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (note 10) 22,926
19,581
1,059,243
1,007,384
2,632,154
2,630,912
- 24 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Three months ended November 30,
(In thousands of dollars)
2009
2008
$
$
(restated, see note 1)
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income
56,666
22,945
Adjustments for:
Amortization (note 3)
65,565
60,746
Amortization of deferred transaction costs and discounts on long-term debt
748
648
Future income taxes (note 5)
6,421
2,700
Stock-based compensation
459
56
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
98
223
Other
272
299
130,229
87,617
Changes in non-cash operating items (note 11 a))
(133,847)
(63,136)
(3,618)
24,481
Cash flow from investing activities
Acquisition of fixed assets (note 11 c))
(65,016)
(65,667)
Increase in deferred charges
(3,064)
(3,214)
Other
20
16
(68,060)
(68,865)
Cash flow from financing activities
Increase in bank indebtedness
44,336
21,631
Net increase under the term facility
14,916
8,297
Issuance of long-term debt, net of discounts and transaction costs
254,771
Repayment of long-term debt and settlement of derivative financial instruments
(1,215)
(239,734)
Issue of subordinate voting shares
278
Acquisition of treasury shares (note 9)
(1,744)
Dividends on multiple voting shares
(2,197)
(1,883)
Dividends on subordinate voting shares
(4,601)
(3,940)
49,495
39,420
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies
202
687
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(21,981)
(4,277)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
39,458
36,371
Cash and cash equivalents at end
17,477
32,094
See supplemental cash flow information in note 11.
- 25 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
1. Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, prepared in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), present fairly the financial position of
Cogeco Cable Inc. (“the Corporation”) as at November 30, 2009 and August 31, 2009 as well as its results of
operations and its cash flows for the three month periods ended November 30, 2009 and 2008.
While management believes that the disclosures presented are adequate, these unaudited interim consolidated
financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with Cogeco Cable Inc.’s annual consolidated financial
statements for the year ended August 31, 2009. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements follow the
same accounting policies as the most recent annual consolidated financial statements, except for the adoption of the
new accounting policies described below.
Goodwill and intangible assets
In February 2008, the CICA issued Section 3064, Goodwill and intangible assets, replacing Section 3062, Goodwill
and other intangible assets and Section 3450, Research and development costs. The new Section established
standards for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of goodwill subsequent to its initial
recognition and of intangible assets by profit-oriented enterprises. Standards concerning goodwill remained
unchanged from the standards included in the previous Section 3062. The new Section was applicable to interim and
annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008, with retroactive
application. The adoption of Section 3064 eliminated the deferral of new service launch costs which are now
recognized as an expense when they are incurred. Reconnect and additional services activation costs are capitalized
up to an amount not exceeding the revenue generated by the reconnect activity. Consequently, the Corporation
adjusted opening retained earnings on a retroactive basis and the prior period comparative figures have been
restated. The adoption of this new section had the following impacts on the Corporation’s consolidated financial
statements:
Consolidated statement of income
Three months ended November 30, 2008
Increase (decrease) $
Operating costs 3,993
Amortization of deferred charges (3,176)
Future income tax expense (211)
Net income (606)
Consolidated balance shee ts
August 31, 2009 September 1, 2008
Increase (decrease) $ $
Deferred charges (34,491) (32,325)
Future income tax liabilities (10,212) (9,599)
Retained earnings (deficit) (24,279) (22,726)
- 26 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
2. Segmented Information
The Corporation’s activities are comprised of Cable Television, High Speed Internet (“HSI”), Telephony and other
telecommunications services. The Corporation considers its Cable Television, HSI, Telephony and other
telecommunications activities as a single operating segment. The Corporation’s activities are carried out in Canada
and in Europe.
The principal financi al information per business segment is pre sente d in the table below:
Canada Europe Consolidated
Three months ended November 30, 2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
$
$
$
$
$
$
(restated)
(restated)
(restated)
Revenue 264,360
237,374
53,005
62,064
317,365
299,438
Operating costs 145,589
136,477
42,829
41,250
188,418
177,727
Management fees COGECO Inc. 6,341
5,981
6,341
5,981
Operating income before amortization 112,430
94,916
10,176
20,814
122,606
115,730
Amortization 45,414
40,204
20,151
20,542
65,565
60,746
Operating income (loss) 67,016
54,712
(9,975)
272
57,041
54,984
Financial expense (revenue) 15,875
23,405
266
(11)
16,141
23,394
Income taxes (17,218)
10,177
1,452
(1,532)
(15,766)
8,645
Net income (loss) 68,359
21,130
(11,693)
1,815
56,666
22,945
Total assets
(1)
2,277,280
2,262,639
354,874
368,273
2,632,154
2,630,912
Fixed assets
(1)
1,022,353
1,011,767
286,135
290,471
1,308,488
1,302,238
Intangible assets
(1)
1,021,241
1,022,434
1,021,241
1,022,434
Goodwill
(1)
116,243
116,243
33,372
37,452
149,615
153,695
Acquisition of fixed assets
(2)
52,148
55,751
13,009
10,855
65,157
66,606
(1)
At November 30, 2009 and August 31, 2009.
(2)
Includes capital leases that are excluded from the consolidated statements of cash flows.
- 27 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
3. Amortization
Three months ended November 30,
2009 2008
$ $
(restated)
Fixed assets 61,565 54,270
Deferred charges 2,807 2,607
Intangible assets 1,193 3,869
65,565 60,746
4. Financial expense
Three months ended November 30,
2009 2008
$ $
Interest on long-term debt 15,819 20,027
Foreign exchange losses (gains) (488) 3,784
Amortization of deferred transaction costs 407 407
Other 403 (824)
16,141 23,394
5. Income Taxes
Three months ended November 30,
2009 2008
$ $
(restated)
Current (22,187) 5,945
Future 6,421 2,700
(15,766) 8,645
- 28 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
5. Income Taxes (continued)
The following table provides the reconciliation between Canadian statutory federal and provincial income taxes and
the consolidated income tax expense:
Three months ended November 30,
2009 2008
$ $
(restated)
Income before income taxes 40,900 31,590
Combined income tax rate 31.51 % 32.56 %
Income taxes at combined income tax rate 12,888 10,285
Adjustment for losses or income subject to lower or higher tax rates
(2,378) (227)
Decrease in future income taxes as a result of decrease in substantively
enacted tax rates
(29,782)
Utilization of pre-acquisition tax losses 4,432
Income taxes arising from non-deductible expenses 203 77
Effect of foreign income tax rate differences 247 (1,604)
Other (1,376) 114
Income taxes at effective income tax rate (15,766) 8,645
6. Earnings per Share
The following table provides the recon ciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:
Three months ended November 30,
2009 2008
$ $
(restated)
Net income 56,666 22,945
Weighted average number of multiple voting and subordinate voting shares outstanding 48,550,216 48,523,769
Effect of dilutive stock options
(1)
81,872 212,875
Effect of dilutive incentive share units 8,310
Weighted average number of diluted multiple voting and subordinate voting shares outstanding 48,640,398 48,736,644
Earnings per share
Basic 1.17 0.47
Diluted 1.16 0.47
(1)
For the three month period ended November 30, 2009, 269,857 stock options (109,497 in 2008) were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per
share as the exercise price of the options was greater than the average share price of the subordinate voting shares.
- 29 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
November 30, 2009 August 31, 2009
$ $
Customer relationships 31,689 32,882
Customer base
989,552 989,552
1,021,241 1,022,434
Goodwill
149,615 153,695
1,170,856 1,176,129
a) Intangible assets
During the first three months, intangible assets variations were as follows:
Customer
relationships
Customer
base
Total
$ $ $
Balance as at August 31, 2009 32,882 989,552 1,022,434
Amortization (1,193) (1,193)
Balance as at November 30, 2009 31,689 989,552 1,021,241
b) Goodwill
During the first three months, goodwill variation was as follows:
$
Balance as at August 31, 2009 153,695
Recognition of pre-acquisition tax losses (4,432)
Foreign currency translation adjustment 352
Balance as at November 30, 2009 149,615
On November 25, 2009, the Corporation’s subsidiary, Cabovisão-Televisão por Cabo, S.A., received approval to its
request for preservation of tax losses for the years preceeding the 2006 taxation year. Accordingly, the recognition of
these pre-acquisition tax losses in the three month period ended November 30, 2009, has reduced goodwill by
approximately $4.4 million.
- 30 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
8. Long-Term Debt
Maturity
Interest rate November 30, 2009 August 31, 2009
% $
$
Parent company
Term Facility
Term loan – €78,413,625 2011
1.19
(1)(2)
123,949
122,674
Term loan – €17,358,700 2011
1.19
(1)(2)
27,423
27,142
Revolving loan – €40,000,000 2011
1.19
(1)
63,408
62,792
Revolving loan 2011
2.25 15,000
Senior Secured Notes Series B 2011
7.73 174,582
174,530
Senior Secured Notes
Series A – US$190 million 2015
7.00 199,169
206,606
Series B 2018
7.60 54,584
54,576
Senior Secured Debentures Series 1 2014
5.95 296,922
296,860
Senior Unsecured Debenture 2018
5.94 99,791
99,786
Subsidiaries
Obligations under capital leases 2013
6.73 – 9.93 8,422
9,496
1,063,250
1,054,462
Less current portion 44,661
44,674
1,018,589
1,009,788
(1)
Interest rate on debt as at November 30, 2009, including stamping fees.
(2)
On January 21, 2009, the Corporation entered into a swap agreement with a financial institution to fix the floating benchmark interest rate with respect to
the Euro-denominated Term Loan facilities for a notional amount of €111.5 million. The interest swap rate to hedge the Term Loans has been fixed at
2.08% until their maturity on July 28, 2011. The notional value of the swap will decrease in line with the amortization schedule of the Term Loans. In
addition to the interest swap rate of 2.08%, the Corporation will continue to pay the applicable margin on these Term Loans in accordance with the Term
Facility.
- 31 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
9. Capital Stock
Authorized, an unlimited number
Class A Preference shares, without voting rights, redeemable by the Corporation and retractable at the option of the
holder at any time at a price of $1 per share, carrying a cumulative preferential cash dividend at a rate of 11% of the
redemption price per year.
Class B Preference shares, without voting rights, could be i ssue d in series.
Multiple voting shares, 10 votes per share.
Subordinate voting shares, 1 vote per share.
Issued
November 30, 2009 August 31, 2009
$ $
15,691,100 multiple voting shares 98,346 98,346
32,867,426 subordinate voting shares 891,715 891,715
990,061 990,061
Stock-based plans
The Corporation offers, for the benefit of its employees and those of its subsidiaries, an Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and a Stock Option Plan for certain executives, which are described in the Corporation’s annual consolidated
financial statements. During the three months of 2010, the Corporation granted 63,695 stock options
(133,381 in 2008) with an exercise price of $31.82 ($34.46 in 2008) of which 33,266 stock options (29,711 in 2008)
were granted to COGECO Inc.’s employees. During the first three months of 2010, the Corporation charged COGECO
Inc. an amount of $115,000 ($12,000 in 2008) with regards to the Corporation’s options granted to COGECO Inc.’s
employees. As a result, a compensation expense of $222,000 ($89,000 in 2008) was recorded for the three month
period ended November 30, 2009.
The weighted average fair value of stock options granted for the three month period ended November 30, 2009 was
$8.11 ($8.96 in 2008) per option. The weighted average fair value of each option granted was estimated at the grant
date for purposes of determining stock-based compensation expense using the binomial option pricing model based
on the following assumptions:
2009 2008
% %
Expected dividend yield
1.49 1.40
Expected volatility
29 29
Risk-free interest rate
2.67 4.22
Expected life in years
4.8 4.0
- 32 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
9. Capital Stock (continued)
At November 30, 2009, the Corporation had outstanding stock options providing for the subscription of 770,042
subordinate voting shares. These stock options can be exercised at various prices ranging from $7.05 to $49.82 and
at various dates up to October 29, 2019.
Effective October 29, 2009, the Corporation established a senior executive and designated employee incentive share
unit plan. According to the plan, senior executives and designated employees periodically receive a given number of
units (“Incentive Share Units”) which entitle the participant to receive subordinate voting shares of the Corporation
after three years less one day from the date of grant. During the first three months of 2010, the Corporation granted
55,094 Incentive Share Units of which 9,981 Incentive Share Units were granted to COGECO Inc.’s employees. The
Corporation establishes the value of the compensation related to the Incentive Share Units granted based on the fair
value of the Corporation’s subordinate voting shares at the date of grant and a compensation expense is recognized
over the vesting period, which is three years. A Trust was created for the purpose of purchasing these shares on the
stock market in order to guard against stock price fluctuation. The Corporation instructed the trustee to purchase
55,094 subordinate voting shares of the Corporation on the stock market. These shares were purchased for a cash
consideration aggregating $1,744,000 and are held in trust for the participants until they are fully vested. The Trust,
considered as a variable interest entity, is consolidated in the Corporation’s financial statements with the value of the
acquired shares presented as treasury shares in reduction of capital stock. A compensation expense of $44,000 was
recorded for the three month period ended November 30, 2009 related to this plan. During the first three months of
2010, the Corporation charged COGECO Inc. an amount of $9,000 with regard to the Corporation’s Incentive Share
Units granted to COGECO Inc.’s employees.
The Corporation also offers a deferred share unit plan (“DSU Plan”) which is described in the Corporation’s annual
consolidated financial statements. During the first quarter, the Corporation did not award any deferred share units to
the participants in connection with the DSU Plan. A compensation expense of $69,000 (reduction of expense of
$45,000 in 2008) was recorded for the three month period ended November 30, 2009 for the liability related to this
plan.
10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Translation of a net
investment in self-
sustaining foreign
subsidiaries
Cash flow hedges
Total
$ $ $
Balance as at August 31, 2009 23,610 (4,029) 19,581
Other comprehensive income 635 2,710 3,345
Balance as at November 30, 2009 24,245 (1,319) 22,926
- 33 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
11. Statements of Cash Flows
a) Changes in non-cash operating items
Three months ended November 30,
2009 2008
$ $
Accounts receivable (3,252) (1,565)
Income taxes receivable (20,531) (3,833)
Prepaid expenses (1,174) 1,397
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (70,809) (43,459)
Income tax liabilities (40,279) (16,902)
Deferred and prepaid revenue and other liabilities 2,198 1,226
(133,847) (63,136)
b) Cash and cash equivalents
November 30, 2009 August 31, 2009
$ $
Cash 7,173 23,760
Cash equivalents
(1)
10,304 15,698
17,477 39,458
(1)
Term deposit of €6,500,000, 0.30%, maturing on December 4, 2009 (€10,000,000, 0.67%, maturing on September 14, 2009 at August 31, 2009).
c) Other information
Three months ended November 30,
2009 2008
$ $
Fixed asset acquisitions through capital leases 141 939
Financial expense paid 20,938 21,497
Income taxes paid 38,624 26,686
- 34 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
12. Employees Future Benefits
The Corporation and its Canadian subsidiaries offer their employees contributory defined benefit pension plans, a
defined contribution pension plan or a collective registered retirement savings plan, which are described in the
Corporation’s annual consolidated financial statements. The total expenses rel ated to these plans are as follows:
Three months ended November 30,
2009 2008
$ $
Contributory defined benefit pension plans 377 346
Defined contribution pension plan and collective registered
retirement savings plan
1,095
896
1,472 1,242
13. Financial and Capital Management
a) Financial management
Management’s objectives are to protect Cogeco Cable Inc. and its subsidiaries against material economic exposures
and variability of results, and against certain financial risks including credit risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk and
foreign exchange risk.
Credit risk
Credit risk represents the risk of financial loss for the Corporation if a customer or counterparty to a financial asset
fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Corporation is exposed to credit risk arising from the derivative financial
instruments, cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable, the maximum exposure of which is
represented by the carrying amounts reported on the balance sheet.
Credit risk from the derivative financial instruments arises from the possibility that counterparties to the cross-currency
swap and interest rate swap agreements may default on their obligations in instances where these agreements have
positive fair values for the Corporation. The Corporation reduces this risk by completing transactions with financial
institutions that carry a credit rating equal to or superior to its own credit rating. The Corporation assesses the
creditworthiness of the counterpa rties in order to minimize the risk of counterparties default under the agreements. At
November 30, 2009, management believes that the credit risk relating to its swaps is minimal, since the lowest credit
rating of the counterparties to the agreements i s “A”.
Cash and cash equivalents consist mainly of highly liquid investments, such as money market deposits. The
Corporation has deposited the cash and cash equivalents with reputable financial institutions, from which
management believes the risk of loss to be remote.
- 35 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
13. Financial and Capital Management (continued)
The Corporation is also exposed to credit risk in relation to its trade accounts receivable. In the current global
economic environment, the Corporation’s credit exposure is higher but it is difficult to predict the impact this could
have on the Corporation’s account receivable balances. To mitigate such risk, the Corporation continuously monitors
the financial condition of its customers and reviews the credit history or worthiness of each new major customer. At
November 30, 2009, no customer balance represents a significant portion of the Corporation’s consolidated trade
receivables. The Corporation establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on specific credit risk of its
customers by examining such factors as the number of overdue days of the customer’s balance outstanding as well
as the customer’s collection history. The Corporation believes that its allowance for doubtful accounts is sufficient to
cover the related credit risk. The Corporation has credit policies in place and has established various credit controls,
including credit checks, deposits on accounts and advance billing, and has also established procedures to suspend
the availability of services when customers have fully ut ilized approved credit limits or have violated existing payment
terms. Since the Corporation has a large and diversified clientele dispersed throughout its market area in Canada and
Portugal, there is no significant concentration of credit risk. The following table provides further details on the
Corporation’s accounts receivable balances:
November 30, 2009 August 31, 2009
$ $
Trade accounts receivable 72,224 67,848
Allowance for doubtful accounts
(15,784) (16,399)
56,440 51,449
Other accounts receivable
6,952 8,602
63,392 60,051
The following table provides further details on trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts.
Trade accounts receivable past due is defined as amount outstanding beyond normal credit terms and conditions for
the respective customers. A large portion of the Corporation’s customers are billed in advance and are required to pay
before their services are rendered. The Corporation considers amount outstanding at the due date as trade accounts
receivable past due.
November 30, 2009 August 31, 2009
$ $
Net trade accounts receivable not past due 42,131 39,892
Net trade accounts receivable past due
14,309 11,557
56,440 51,449
- 36 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
13. Financial and Capital Management (continued)
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due. The
Corporation manages liquidity risk through the management of its capital structure and access to different capital
markets. It also manages liquidity risk by continuously monitoring actual and projected cash flows to ensure sufficient
liquidity to meet its obligations when due. At November 30, 2009, the available amount of the Corporation’s Term
Facility was $593.9 million. Management believes that the committed Term Facility will, until its maturity in July 2011,
provide sufficient liquidity to manage its long-term debt maturities and support working capital requi rements.
The following table summa rize s the contractual maturities of the financial liabilities and related capital amounts:
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Thereafter Total
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
Bank indebtedness 44,336 44,336
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 174,043 174,043
Long-term debt
(1)
56,434 173,793 175,000 300,000 355,564 1,060,791
Derivative financial instruments
Cash outflows (Canadian dollar) 201,875 201,875
Cash inflows (Canadian dollar
equivalent of US dollar)
(200,564)
(200,564)
Obligations under capital leases
(2)
2,873 3,313 2,298 889 35 9,408
277,686 177,106 177,298 889 300,035 356,875 1,289,889
(1)
Principal excluding obligations under capital leases.
(2)
Including interest.
The following table is a summary of interest payable on long-term debt (excluding interest on capital leases) that are
due for each of the next five years and thereafter, based on the principal amount and interest rate prevailing on the
current debt at November 30, 2009 and their respective maturities:
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Thereafter Total
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
Interest payments on long-term debt 43,554 57,425 44,260 42,005 37,543 53,054 277,841
Interest payments on derivative
financial instruments
14,081 17,473 14,614 14,614 14,614 15,831 91,227
Interest receipts on derivative financial
instruments
(11,841) (15,241) (14,039) (14,039) (14,039) (15,209) (84,408)
45,794 59,657 44,835 42,580 38,118 53,676 284,660
- 37 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
13. Financial and Capital Management (continued)
Interest rate risk
The Corporation is exposed to interest rate risks for both fixed interest rate and oating interest rate instruments.
Fluctuations in interest rates will have an effect on the valuation and collection or repayment of these instruments. At
November 30, 2009, all of the Corporation’s long-term debt was at fixed rate, except for the Corporation’s Term
Facility. However, on January 21, 2009, the Corporation entered into a swap agreement with a financial institution to
fix the floating benchmark interest rate with respect to the Euro-denominated Term Loan facilities for a notional
amount of €111.5 million. The interest swap rate to hedge the Term Loans has been fixed at 2.08% until their maturity
on July 28, 2011. The notional value of the swap will decrease in line with the amortization schedule of the Term
Loans. In addition to the interest swap rate of 2.08%, the Corporation will continue to pay the applicable margin on
these Term Loans in accordance with the Term Facility. The Corporation elected to apply cash flow hedge accounting
on this derivative financial instrument. The sensitivity of the Corporation’s annual financial expense to a variation of
1% in the interest rate applicable to the Term Facility is approximately $0.8 million based on the current debt at
November 30, 2009 and taking into consideration the effect of the interest rate swap agreement.
Foreign exchange risk
The Corporation is exposed to foreign exchange risk related to its long-term debt denominated in US dollars. In order
to mitigate this risk, the Corporation has established guidelines whereby currency swap agreements can be used to fix
the exchange rates applicable to its US dollar denominated long-term debt. All such agreements are exclusively used
for hedging purposes. Accordingly, on October 2, 2008, the Corporation entered into cross-currency swap agreements
to set the liability for interest and principal payments on its US$190 million Senior Secured Notes Series A issued on
October 1, 2008. These agreements have the effect of converting the US interest coupon rate of 7.00% per annum to
an average Canadian dollar interest rate of 7.24% per annum. The exchange rate applicable to the principal portion of
the debt has been fixed at $1.0625. The Corporation elected to apply cash flow hedge accounting on these derivative
financial instruments.
The Corporation is also exposed to foreign exchange risk on cash and cash equivalents, bank indebtedness and
accounts payable denominated in US dollars or Euros. At November 30, 2009, cash and cash equivalents
denominated in US dollars amounted to US$2,309,000 (US$5,555,000 at August 31, 2009) while accounts payable
denominated in US dollars amounted to US$4,014,000 (US$14,997,000 at August 31, 2009). At November 30, 2009,
Euro-denominated cash and cash equivalents amounted to €607,000 (bank indebtedness of €299,000 at August 31,
2009) while accounts payable denominated in Euros amounted to €146,000 (€26,000 at August 31, 2009). Due to
their short-term nature, the risk arising from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates is usually not significant. The
impact of a 10% change in the foreign exchange rates (US dollar and Euros) would change financial expense by
approximately $0.1 million.
Furthermore, the Corporation’s net investment in self-sustaining foreign subsidiaries is exposed to market risk
attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily changes in the values of the Canadian dollar
versus the Euro. This risk is mitigated since the major part of the purchase price for Cabovisão-Televisão por Cabo,
S.A. was borrowed directly in Euros. At November 30, 2009, the net investment amounted to €175,302,000
(€183,220,000 at August 31, 2009) while long-term debt denominated in Euros amounted to €135,772,000
(€135,772,000 at August 31, 2009). The exchange rate used to convert the Euro currency into Canadian dollars for
the balance sheet accounts at November 30, 2009 was $1.5852 per Euro compared to $1.5698 per Euro at
August 31, 2009. The impact of a 10% change in the exchange rate of the Euro into Canadian dollars would change
financial expense by approximately $0.5 million and other comprehensive income by approximately $6.3 million.
- 38 -
COGECO CABLE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(amounts in tables are in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and per share data)
13. Financial and Capital Management (continued)
Fair value
Fair value is the amount at which willing parties would accept to exchange a financial instrument based on the current
market for instruments with the same risk, principal and remaining maturity. Fair values are estimated at a specific
point in time, by discounting expected cash flows at rates for debts of the same remaining maturities and conditions.
These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgement, and
therefore, cannot be determined with precision. In addition, income taxes and other expenses that would be incurred
on disposition of these financial instruments are not reflected in the fair values. As a result, the fair values are not
necessarily the net amounts that would be realized if these instruments were settled.
The carrying value of all the Corporation’s financial instruments approximates fair value, except as otherwise noted in
the following table:
November 30, 2009 August 31, 2009
Carrying value Fair value Carrying value Fair value
$ $ $ $
Long-term debt 1,063,250 1,154,307 1,054,462 1,116,829
b) Capital management
The Corporation’s objectives in managing capital are to ensure sufficient liquidity to support the capital requirements
of its various businesses, including growth opportunities. The Corporation manages its capital structure and makes
adjustments in light of general economic conditions, the risk characteristics of the underlying assets and the
Corporation’s working capital requirements. Management of the capital structure involves the issuance of new debt,
the repayment of existing debts using cash generated by operations and the level of distribution to shareholders.
The capital structure of the Corporation is composed of shareholders’ equity, bank indebtedness, long-term debt and
assets or liabilities related to derivative financial instruments.
The provisions under the Term Facility provide for restrictions on the operations and activities of the Corporation.
Generally, the most significant restrictions relate to permitted investments and dividends on multiple and subordinate
voting shares, as well as incurrence and maintenance of certain financial ratios primarily linked to the operating
income before amortization, financial expense and total indebtedness. At November 30, 2009, and August 31, 2009,
the Corporation was in compliance with all of its debt covenants and was not subject to any other externally imposed
capital requirements.
The following table summarizes certain of the key ratios used to monitor and manage the Corporation’s capital
structure:
November 30, 2009 August 31, 2009
(restated)
Net indebtedness
(1)
/ Shareholders’ equity 1.0 1.0
Net indebtedness
(1)
/ Operating income before amortization
(2)
2.1 2.0
Operating income before amortization
(2)
/ Financial expense
(2)
8.2 7.3
(1)
Net indebtedness is defined as the total of bank indebtedness, principal on long-term debt and obligations under derivative financial instruments, less cash
and cash equivalents.
(2)
Calculation based on operating income before amortization for the last twelve month period ended November 30, 2009, and August 31, 2009.