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Cogeco Releases its Financial Results for the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024

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New operating model focused on customer experience and operational excellence to power future growth.Expanded our customer value proposition with Breezeline Mobile launched across most of Breezeline’s U.S. broadband footprint.Revenue increased by 1.3% compared to the same period last year to $777.2 million, reflecting revenue growth at Cogeco Connexion and stable revenue at Breezeline, in line with expectations.Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $369.8 million increased by 4.0% over last year.Profit for the period amounted to $75.3 million, an increase of $42.0 million, of which $19.0 million was attributable to owners of the Corporation.Earnings per share on a diluted basis rose to $1.97 from a loss of $2.22 in the third quarter of fiscal 2023, while adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)(3) rose by 24.3% to $3.02, which excludes the impact of last year’s pre-tax non-cash impairment charges, restructuring and certain other costs.Free cash flow(1) amounted to $89.3 million, a decrease of 16.9% compared to last year reflecting restructuring costs recognized during the quarter, while cash flow from operating activities increased by 18.3% to $335.1 million due to the timing of certain working capital items. Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects(1) decreased by 18.3% to $113.7 million.Cogeco maintains its fiscal 2024 financial guidelines.A quarterly dividend of $0.854 per share was declared, representing a 16.8% increase over the prior year.

MONTRÉAL, July 11, 2024 /CNW/ – Today, Cogeco Inc. (TSX: CGO) (“Cogeco” or the “Corporation”) announced its financial results for the third quarter ended May 31, 2024.

“We demonstrated solid performance again in the third quarter of 2024, with revenue growth and healthy expansion of our adjusted EBITDA margin due to an improving product mix, combined with an acceleration of our efforts to drive operational efficiency,” said Frédéric Perron, President and CEO. “In the third quarter, we implemented the initial steps of a new operating model designed to deliver future growth and increase our focus on customer experience and operational excellence.

“Growth in our Canadian telecommunications business was driven by the ongoing expansion of our Internet subscriber base under our Cogeco Connexion and oxio brands. We continue to be impressed by oxio’s performance and its robust adoption by consumers and are cascading our learnings from this digital brand across our organization.

“In the U.S., we rolled out Breezeline Mobile across most of our footprint, which will provide an even stronger incentive for new and existing customers to bundle their digital services with us. In addition, our Internet-first strategy and persistent endeavors to drive operational efficiency helped deliver adjusted EBITDA growth over last year.

“At Cogeco Media, our innovative digital solutions and multi-platform digital content helped generate another quarter of audio sales growth. These gains were driven by strong listener engagement across many of our stations, including at 98.5 Montréal, which remained stalwart in the spring 2024 Numeris ratings as Canada’s most listened to radio station.

“Lastly, the new operating model and transformation we began during the quarter will allow us to sustain our growth, take our competitive agility to new heights, better serve our customers, and continue to build a strong culture where our colleagues thrive and succeed. We expect it to result in significant value creation for Cogeco over the coming years as the benefits of the transformation are realized.”

Consolidated Financial Highlights

Three months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

Change in

constant
currency

(1)

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except % and per share data) (unaudited)

$

$

%

%

Revenue

777,249

767,603

1.3

1.0

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

369,786

355,459

4.0

3.8

Profit for the period

75,285

33,314

Profit (loss) for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation

18,960

(34,473)

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation (1)(3)

29,102

37,921

(23.3)

Cash flows from operating activities

335,126

283,180

18.3

Free cash flow (1)

89,276

107,379

(16.9)

(16.8)

Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)

113,709

139,210

(18.3)

(18.3)

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

172,404

190,121

(9.3)

Net capital expenditures (1)(2)

169,754

170,258

(0.3)

(0.7)

Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (1)

145,321

138,427

5.0

4.6

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

1.97

(2.22)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)(3)

3.02

2.43

24.3

Operating results

For the third quarter of fiscal 2024 ended on May 31, 2024:

Revenue increased by 1.3% to $777.2 million. On a constant currency basis(1), revenue increased by 1.0% driven by revenue growth in the Canadian telecommunications segment, while revenue remained stable in the American telecommunications segment, as explained below.Canadian telecommunications’ revenue increased by 2.2%, mostly driven by the cumulative effect of high-speed Internet service additions over the past year as well as the Niagara Regional Broadband Network acquisition (“NRBN”) completed on February 5, 2024.American telecommunications’ revenue remained stable as reported and in constant currency, mainly resulting from a higher revenue per subscriber and a better product mix resulting from customers subscribing to increasingly fast Internet speeds, offset by lower video subscriptions and a lower Internet subscriber base over the past year, with an increasing proportion of customers only subscribing to Internet services.Revenue in the media activities increased by 3.3%.Adjusted EBITDA increased by 4.0% to $369.8 million. On a constant currency basis, adjusted EBITDA increased by 3.8%, mainly due to higher adjusted EBITDA in both the American and Canadian telecommunications segments, as explained below, and lower corporate costs primarily due to the timing of certain operating expenses.American telecommunications adjusted EBITDA increased by 4.5%, or 3.9% in constant currency, mostly due to lower operating expenses driven by cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies.Canadian telecommunications adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.9%, mainly due to revenue growth, partly offset by higher sales and other operating expenses to drive subscriber growth.Profit for the period amounted to $75.3 million, of which $19.0 million, or $1.97 per diluted share, was attributable to owners of the Corporation compared to a profit of $33.3 million, and a loss of $34.5 million, or $2.22 per diluted share, respectively, in the comparable period of fiscal 2023. The increases in profit for the period and profit attributable to owners of the Corporation resulted mainly from last year’s non-cash impairment charges of $88 million related to the radio operations and higher adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by higher restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization expense and income tax expense.Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation(3) was $29.1 million, or $3.02 per diluted share(3), compared to $37.9 million, or $2.43 per diluted share, last year. The increase of adjusted diluted earnings per share over last year reflects the benefit of the Corporation’s repurchase and cancellation of shares.Net capital expenditures were $169.8 million, a decrease of 0.3% compared to $170.3 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures(1) were $169.1 million, a decrease of 0.7% compared to last year, mainly due to lower spending in the American telecommunications segment as expected due to the timing of network expansion projects, partly offset by higher purchases of customer premise equipment and other capital spending related to fibre-to-the-home network expansions in the Canadian telecommunications segment.Excluding network expansion projects, net capital expenditures were $145.3 million, an increase of 5.0% compared to $138.4 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects(1) were $144.8 million, an increase of 4.6% compared to last year.Fibre-to-the-home network expansion projects continued in both Canada and the United States, with homes passed additions close to 44,000(4) during the first nine months of fiscal 2024.Acquisition of property, plant and equipment decreased by 9.3% to $172.4 million, mainly resulting from lower spending.Free cash flow decreased by 16.9%, or 16.8% in constant currency, and amounted to $89.3 million as reported and in constant currency, mainly due to higher restructuring costs. Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects decreased by 18.3% as reported and in constant currency, and amounted to $113.7 million.Cash flows from operating activities increased by 18.3% to $335.1 million, mostly due to the timing of payments of trade and other payables and the collection of trade accounts receivable, lower income taxes paid and higher adjusted EBITDA.Cogeco maintains its fiscal 2024 financial guidelines as issued on November 1, 2023.At its July 11, 2024 meeting, the Board of Directors of Cogeco declared a quarterly eligible dividend of $0.854 per share, an increase of 16.8% compared to $0.731 per share in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2023.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA and net capital expenditures are total of segments measures. Constant currency basis, adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation, net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects, free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects are non-IFRS financial measures. Change in constant currency and adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-IFRS ratios. These indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more information on these financial measures, please consult the “Non-IFRS and other financial measures” section of this press release.

(2)

Net capital expenditures exclude non-cash acquisitions of right-of-use assets and the purchases, and related borrowing costs, of spectrum licences, and are presented net of government subsidies, including the utilization of those received in advance.

(3)

Excludes the impact of non-cash impairment charges and acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs, net of tax and non-controlling interest.

(4)

Organic growth calculated by excluding additions resulting from acquisitions.

Financial highlights

Three and nine months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

Change in

constant
currency

(1)

(2)

2024

2023

Change

Change in

constant
currency

(1)

(2)

(In thousands of Canadian dollars,
except % and per share data)

$

$

%

%

$

$

%

%

Operations

Revenue

777,249

767,603

1.3

1.0

2,305,329

2,314,484

(0.4)

(0.6)

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

369,786

355,459

4.0

3.8

1,083,601

1,081,004

0.2

Acquisition, integration, restructuring
  and other costs (3)

46,634

11,377

51,121

21,006

Impairment of goodwill and
  intangible assets

88,000

88,000

Profit for the period

75,285

33,314

267,944

259,714

3.2

Profit (loss) for the period
  attributable to owners of the
  Corporation

18,960

(34,473)

77,498

41,396

87.2

Adjusted profit attributable to
  owners of the Corporation (2)(4)

29,102

37,921

(23.3)

93,486

116,292

(19.6)

Cash flow

Cash flows from operating activities

335,126

283,180

18.3

858,427

683,844

25.5

Free cash flow (2)

89,276

107,379

(16.9)

(16.8)

329,923

335,193

(1.6)

(1.7)

Free cash flow, excluding network
  expansion projects (2)

113,709

139,210

(18.3)

(18.3)

410,406

475,100

(13.6)

(13.8)

Acquisition of property, plant and
  equipment

172,404

190,121

(9.3)

507,427

598,803

(15.3)

Net capital expenditures (2)(5)

169,754

170,258

(0.3)

(0.7)

488,177

524,432

(6.9)

(7.1)

Net capital expenditures, excluding
   network expansion projects (2)

145,321

138,427

5.0

4.6

407,694

384,525

6.0

5.8

Per share data (6)

Earnings (loss) per share

Basic

1.99

(2.22)

6.58

2.65

Diluted

1.97

(2.22)

6.52

2.64

Adjusted diluted (2)(4)

3.02

2.43

24.3

7.87

7.41

6.2

Dividends per share

0.854

0.731

16.8

2.562

2.193

16.8

(1)

Key performance indicators presented on a constant currency basis are obtained by translating financial results from the current period denominated in US dollars at the foreign exchange rate of the comparable period of the prior year. For the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2023, the average foreign exchange rates used for translation were 1.3562 USD/CDN and 1.3513 USD/CDN, respectively.

(2)

Adjusted EBITDA and net capital expenditures are total of segments measures. Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation, free cash flow, free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects and net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects are non-IFRS financial measures. Change in constant currency and adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-IFRS ratios. These indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more information on these financial measures, please consult the “Non-IFRS and other financial measures” section of this press release.

(3)

For the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2024, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs were mostly related to restructuring costs recognized during the third quarter of fiscal 2024. For the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2023, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs resulted mostly from costs related to the integration of past acquisitions and from a $3.3 million retroactive adjustment recognized during the third quarter, in addition to a $5.1 million adjustment recognized during the second quarter following the Copyright Board preliminary conclusions on the redetermination of the 2014-2018 royalty rates, of which $4.2 million was reversed during the second quarter of fiscal 2024 following the Copyright Board decision issued in January 2024.

(4)

Excludes the impact of non-cash impairment charges, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs, and gains/losses on debt modification and/or extinguishment, net of tax and non-controlling interest.

(5)

Net capital expenditures exclude non-cash acquisitions of right-of-use assets and the purchases, and related borrowing costs, of spectrum licences, and are presented net of government subsidies, including the utilization of those received in advance.

(6)

Per multiple and subordinate voting share.

 

As at

May 31, 2024

August 31, 2023

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

$

$

Financial condition

Cash and cash equivalents

55,135

363,854

Total assets

9,878,343

9,869,778

Long-term debt

Current

79,403

43,325

Non-current

5,026,116

5,045,672

Net indebtedness (1)

5,127,971

4,817,113

Equity attributable to owners of the Corporation

811,526

925,863

(1)

Net indebtedness is a capital management measure. For more information on this financial measure, please consult the “Non-IFRS and other financial measures” section of the Corporation’s MD&A for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to Cogeco Inc.’s (“Cogeco” or the “Corporation”) future outlook and anticipated events, business, operations, financial performance, financial condition or results and, in some cases, can be identified by terminology such as “may”; “will”; “should”; “expect”; “plan”; “anticipate”; “believe”; “intend”; “estimate”; “predict”; “potential”; “continue”; “foresee”, “ensure” or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Particularly, statements relating to the Corporation’s financial guidelines, future operating results and economic performance, objectives and strategies are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including expected growth, results of operations, purchase price allocation, tax rates, weighted average cost of capital, performance and business prospects and opportunities, which Cogeco believes are reasonable as of the current date. Refer in particular to the “Corporate objectives and strategies” section of the Corporation’s 2023 annual MD&A and of the fiscal 2024 third-quarter MD&A, and the “Fiscal 2024 financial guidelines” section of the Corporation’s 2023 annual MD&A for a discussion of certain key economic, market and operational assumptions we have made in preparing forward-looking statements. While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Corporation, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what Cogeco currently expects. These factors include risks such as general market conditions, competitive risks (including changing competitive ecosystems and disruptive competitive strategies adopted by our competitors), business risks, regulatory risks, technology risks (including cybersecurity), financial risks (including variations in currency and interest rates), economic conditions (including inflation pressuring revenue, reduced consumer spending and increasing costs), talent management risks (including highly competitive market for limited pool of digitally skilled employees), human-caused and natural threats to the Corporation’s network (including increased frequency of extreme weather events with the potential to disrupt operations), infrastructure and systems, community acceptance risks, ethical behavior risks, ownership risks, litigation risks and public health and safety, many of which are beyond the Corporation’s control. Moreover, the Corporation’s radio operations are significantly exposed to advertising budgets from the retail industry, which can fluctuate due to changing economic conditions. For more exhaustive information on these risks and uncertainties, the reader should refer to the “Uncertainties and main risk factors” section of the Corporation’s 2023 annual MD&A and of the fiscal 2024 third-quarter MD&A. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Cogeco and future events and results may vary significantly from what management currently foresees. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information contained in this press release and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent Cogeco’s expectations as of the date of this press release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. While management may elect to do so, the Corporation is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) and does not undertake to update or alter this information at any particular time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 

All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Corporation’s MD&A for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2024, the Corporation’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the same periods prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and the Corporation’s 2023 Annual Report.

Non-IFRS and other financial measures

This press release includes references to non-IFRS and other financial measures used by Cogeco. These financial measures are reviewed in assessing the performance of Cogeco and used in the decision-making process with regard to its business units.

Reconciliations between non-IFRS and other financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures are provided below. Certain additional disclosures for non-IFRS and other financial measures used in this press release have been incorporated by reference and can be found in the “Non-IFRS and other financial measures” section of the Corporation’s MD&A for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The following non-IFRS financial measures are used as a component of Cogeco’s non-IFRS ratios.

Specified non-IFRS financial measures

Used in the component of the following non-IFRS ratios

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the         Corporation

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

Constant currency basis

Change in constant currency

Financial measures presented on a constant currency basis for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2024 are translated at the average foreign exchange rate of the comparable periods of the prior year, which were 1.3562 USD/CDN and 1.3513 USD/CDN, respectively.

Constant currency basis and foreign exchange impact reconciliation

Consolidated

Three months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except
  percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Revenue

777,249

(1,802)

775,447

767,603

1.3

1.0

Operating expenses

407,463

(934)

406,529

412,144

(1.1)

(1.4)

Adjusted EBITDA

369,786

(868)

368,918

355,459

4.0

3.8

Free cash flow

89,276

50

89,326

107,379

(16.9)

(16.8)

Net capital expenditures

169,754

(622)

169,132

170,258

(0.3)

(0.7)

 

Nine months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except
  percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Revenue

2,305,329

(5,293)

2,300,036

2,314,484

(0.4)

(0.6)

Operating expenses

1,221,728

(2,887)

1,218,841

1,233,480

(1.0)

(1.2)

Adjusted EBITDA

1,083,601

(2,406)

1,081,195

1,081,004

0.2

Free cash flow

329,923

(470)

329,453

335,193

(1.6)

(1.7)

Net capital expenditures

488,177

(1,086)

487,091

524,432

(6.9)

(7.1)

Canadian telecommunications segment

Three months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except
   percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Revenue

381,877

381,877

373,743

2.2

2.2

Operating expenses

180,204

(31)

180,173

177,794

1.4

1.3

Adjusted EBITDA

201,673

31

201,704

195,949

2.9

2.9

Net capital expenditures

91,093

(258)

90,835

84,415

7.9

7.6

 

Nine months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except
  percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Revenue

1,131,804

1,131,804

1,114,161

1.6

1.6

Operating expenses

535,018

(159)

534,859

521,534

2.6

2.6

Adjusted EBITDA

596,786

159

596,945

592,627

0.7

0.7

Net capital expenditures

285,274

(218)

285,056

281,036

1.5

1.4

American telecommunications segment

Three months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except
  percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Revenue

368,706

(1,802)

366,904

368,042

0.2

(0.3)

Operating expenses

190,327

(887)

189,440

197,273

(3.5)

(4.0)

Adjusted EBITDA

178,379

(915)

177,464

170,769

4.5

3.9

Net capital expenditures

72,782

(349)

72,433

82,923

(12.2)

(12.7)

 

Nine months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except
  percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Revenue

1,096,969

(5,293)

1,091,676

1,126,570

(2.6)

(3.1)

Operating expenses

574,070

(2,716)

571,354

607,237

(5.5)

(5.9)

Adjusted EBITDA

522,899

(2,577)

520,322

519,333

0.7

0.2

Net capital expenditures

191,490

(854)

190,636

236,422

(19.0)

(19.4)

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation

Three months ended May 31

Nine months ended May 31

2024

2023

2024

2023

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

$

$

$

$

Profit (loss) for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation

18,960

(34,473)

77,498

41,396

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

88,000

88,000

Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs

46,634

11,377

51,121

21,006

Loss on debt extinguishment (1)

16,880

Tax impact for the above items

(12,337)

(21,386)

(17,978)

(23,938)

Non-controlling interest impact for the above items

(24,155)

(5,597)

(34,035)

(10,172)

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation

29,102

37,921

93,486

116,292

(1)       Included within financial expense.

Free cash flow reconciliation

Three months ended May 31

Nine months ended May 31

2024

2023

2024

2023

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

$

$

$

$

Cash flows from operating activities

335,126

283,180

858,427

683,844

Changes in other non-cash operating activities

(73,787)

(20,729)

(14,195)

115,392

Income taxes paid (received)

3,502

19,166

(1,234)

89,778

Current income taxes

(3,390)

(5,828)

(20,313)

(26,450)

Interest paid

65,253

64,507

201,133

176,777

Financial expense

(67,109)

(64,300)

(222,211)

(183,812)

Loss on debt extinguishment (1)

16,880

Amortization of deferred transaction costs and discounts on long-term debt (1)

2,329

3,353

7,079

9,460

Net capital expenditures (2)

(169,754)

(170,258)

(488,177)

(524,432)

Repayment of lease liabilities

(2,894)

(1,712)

(7,466)

(5,364)

Free cash flow

89,276

107,379

329,923

335,193

(1)

Included within financial expense.

(2)

Net capital expenditures exclude non-cash acquisitions of right-of-use assets and the purchases, and related borrowing costs, of spectrum licences, and are presented net of government subsidies, including the utilization of those received in advance.

Net capital expenditures reconciliation

Three months ended May 31

Nine months ended May 31

2024

2023

2024

2023

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

$

$

$

$

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

172,404

190,121

507,427

598,803

Subsidies received in advance recognized as a reduction of the cost of
   property, plant and equipment during the period

(2,650)

(19,863)

(19,250)

(74,371)

Net capital expenditures

169,754

170,258

488,177

524,432

Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

Three months ended May 31

Nine months ended May 31

2024

2023

2024

2023

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

$

$

$

$

Profit for the period

75,285

33,314

267,944

259,714

Income taxes

11,172

2,271

47,546

60,552

Financial expense

67,109

64,300

222,211

183,812

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

88,000

88,000

Depreciation and amortization

169,586

156,197

494,779

467,920

Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs

46,634

11,377

51,121

21,006

Adjusted EBITDA

369,786

355,459

1,083,601

1,081,004

Net capital expenditures and free cash flow excluding network expansion projects reconciliations

Net capital expenditures

Three months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except
   percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Net capital expenditures

169,754

(622)

169,132

170,258

(0.3)

(0.7)

Net capital expenditures in connection with
  network expansion projects

24,433

(53)

24,380

31,831

(23.2)

(23.4)

Net capital expenditures, excluding network
  expansion projects

145,321

(569)

144,752

138,427

5.0

4.6

 

Nine months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except
  percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Net capital expenditures

488,177

(1,086)

487,091

524,432

(6.9)

(7.1)

Net capital expenditures in connection with
  network expansion projects

80,483

(204)

80,279

139,907

(42.5)

(42.6)

Net capital expenditures, excluding network
  expansion projects

407,694

(882)

406,812

384,525

6.0

5.8

Free cash flow

Three months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except
  percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Free cash flow

89,276

50

89,326

107,379

(16.9)

(16.8)

Net capital expenditures in connection with
  network expansion projects

24,433

(53)

24,380

31,831

(23.2)

(23.4)

Free cash flow, excluding network expansion
  projects

113,709

(3)

113,706

139,210

(18.3)

(18.3)

 

Nine months ended May 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except
  percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Free cash flow

329,923

(470)

329,453

335,193

(1.6)

(1.7)

Net capital expenditures in connection with
  network expansion projects

80,483

(204)

80,279

139,907

(42.5)

(42.6)

Free cash flow, excluding network expansion
  projects

410,406

(674)

409,732

475,100

(13.6)

(13.8)

Additional information

Additional information relating to the Corporation is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Corporation’s website at corpo.cogeco.com.

About Cogeco Inc.

Rooted in the communities it serves, Cogeco Inc. is a growing competitive force in the North American telecommunications and media sectors, serving 1.6 million residential and business subscribers. Its Cogeco Communications Inc. subsidiary provides Internet, video and wireline phone services in Canada, and in thirteen states in the United States under the Cogeco Connexion, oxio and Breezeline brand names. Breezeline also offers wireless services in most of the U.S. states in which it operates. Through Cogeco Media, it owns and operates 21 radio stations primarily in the province of Québec as well as a news agency. Cogeco’s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGO). The subordinate voting shares of Cogeco Communications Inc. are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA).

For information:
Investors 
Troy Crandall
Head, Investor Relations
Cogeco Inc.
Tel.: 514 764-4600
troy.crandall@cogeco.com

Media 
Youann Blouin
Director, Media Relations & Strategic Communications
Cogeco Inc.
Tel.: 514 297-2853
youann.blouin@cogeco.com                                                

Conference Call:     

Friday, July 12th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)

A live audio of the analyst conference call will be available on both the Investor Relations and the Events and Presentations pages on Cogeco’s website. Financial analysts will be able to access the live conference call and ask questions. Media representatives may attend as listeners only. A recording of the conference call will be available on Cogeco’s website for a three-month period.

Please use the following dial-in number to access the conference call 10 minutes before the start of the conference:

Local – Toronto: 1 289 514-5100

Toll Free – North America: 1 800 717-1738

To join this conference call, participants are required to provide the operator with the name of the company hosting the call, that is, Cogeco Inc. or Cogeco Communications Inc.

SOURCE Cogeco Inc.

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American Doctors Return From Medical Mission In Conflict-Affected Syria

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Doctors treated life-threatening conditions, provided specialized care, and delivered critical training to local healthcare providers.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, 24 Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) volunteer doctors from the United States returned from a week-long medical mission to northwest Syria, where they provided life-saving medical care and specialized training to local healthcare providers. From September 15-20, 2024, the volunteer physicians conducted a wide range of medical interventions, including complex cardiac procedures, oncological and retina surgeries, pediatrics subspecialty clinics and intensive care consultations, impacting thousands of lives in a region devastated by conflict and last year’s disastrous earthquake.

SAMS Member and group leader of the mission, Dr. Bassel Atassi, an oncologist of Chicago, who completed the week-long mission in northwest Syria, shared, “During our mission, we carried out 277 surgeries and provided 1,367 consultations. Our focus was not only on treating patients but also on training local doctors in pathology, cardiology, and oncology and other essential practices to help them treat and local refugees. The knowledge transfer was crucial in ensuring that the impact of our work extends far beyond our time on the ground”

“This mission represents the unwavering commitment of our volunteers to provide life-saving care in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable,” said SAMS’ President Dr. Mufaddal Hamadeh. “We are proud of the medical impact made and the meaningful training and collaboration with local healthcare providers that will continue to benefit the region long after our departure. The resilience and courage of the people we serve inspire us to continue our vital work in Syria and beyond.”

The mission included a diverse array of medical services and training initiatives aimed at bolstering local healthcare capacity. Highlights included:

Pediatric and Adult Cardiology: Conducting echocardiograms, pacemaker implants, and catheter-based interventions for pediatric patients and performing adult cardiac surgeries, including coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgeries.Oncology: Performing major surgeries in urological, gastrointestinal, and gynecological oncology while providing oncological consultations and training at SAMS-supported oncology centers.Specialized Consultations and Procedures: Retinal specialists performed vitrectomies and laser procedures, while intensive care specialists led ICU rounds and critical care consultations.Training and Education: The mission delivered hands-on training, crash courses, and a 2-day Pediatric Scientific Conference, focusing on pediatric specialties, benefiting over 200 general pediatricians in northwest Syria.

Syrians and refugees are still recovering from the earthquake that struck the border area in February 2023, but life is improving thanks to the work of SAMS and its countless volunteers and 2,400 staff in the region—nearly half of whom were displaced by the disaster.

For more information, contact:
Blaine Heck / 201-314-9506 / 383715@email4pr.com

About SAMS:
SAMS is a nonprofit, non-political organization that works on the front lines of crisis relief, providing medical and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable in Syria, its neighboring countries, and beyond. Last year, SAMS provided lifesaving medical services to 3.6 million people. For more information about SAMS, go to www.sams-usa.net.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-doctors-return-from-medical-mission-in-conflict-affected-syria-302255719.html

SOURCE Syrian American Medical Society

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Pyka Secures $40M Series B to Advance Commercialization of Dual-use Autonomous Electric Aircraft

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Funding will accelerate Pyka’s growth and further scale production of its autonomous aircraft for agriculture, defense, and commercial logistics.

ALAMEDA, Calif., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pyka, an electric aviation technology leader that designs and manufactures large-scale autonomous electric aircraft, today announced a $40M Series B raise. The funding round was led by Obvious Ventures, with participation from both new and existing investors, including Piva Capital, Prelude Ventures, Metaplanet Holdings, and Y Combinator.

Pyka is rapidly commercializing autonomous electric aircraft by applying its technology to many of the world’s most critical flight missions, including agricultural crop protection, commercial cargo transportation, and defense logistics.

“This accomplishment is a significant milestone for Pyka,” said Michael Norcia, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Pyka. “We are designing, developing, and commercializing autonomous electric aircraft at a pace that few companies have been able to achieve. With commercial production well underway, and our aircraft deployed with customers on multiple continents, we are extremely proud of the progress we’ve made as a company thus far. This round of funding brings us one step closer to unlocking autonomous electric flight for society.”

The company currently produces the largest commercially-approved uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) in the United States and maintains active commercial operations across the U.S., Central America, and Brazil. Pyka’s portfolio of customers includes key players in the agriculture, commercial cargo, and defense logistics value chains, such as Dole, Embraer, Sierra Nevada Company, Heinen Brothers Agra Services, and Skyports Drone Services. In early 2024, Pyka delivered three aircraft to the United States Air Force as part of the Agility Prime program.

The new investment will accelerate Pyka’s growth across its dual-use product line. On the commercial side, it will support further investment in Pyka’s domestic manufacturing capabilities, boost production of its Pelican Spray and Pelican Cargo products, and enable expanded operations with both U.S. and international customers. Additionally, the Series B funds will advance the development of new capabilities to support contested logistics operations for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied partners.

“From the beginning, Pyka was focused on getting into the air and getting into business with commercial operations. Their cost-effective mindset and discipline caught our attention,” said Andrew Beebe, Managing Director at Obvious Ventures. “And what got us really excited was the passion of the team and their mission-driven focus on electrifying aviation and decarbonizing one of the worst offenders in the world.”

Pyka’s family of products includes Pelican Spray, a 1,320-lb, fully autonomous, and 100% electric aircraft designed for complex agricultural operations. The aircraft combines best-in-class spray precision and chemical drift reduction technologies to provide safe, clean, and cost-effective crop protection at scale. Pelican Spray is the largest FAA-approved UAS for agricultural operations and the most productive spray UAS on the Market.

Additionally, Pyka produces Pelican Cargo, the world’s first large-scale autonomous electric cargo aircraft capable of heavy-payload, long-range, and off-airport operation. The 100% electric aircraft can transport up to 400 lbs over a range of 200 miles. Pyka has partnered with Sierra Nevada Company to introduce RUMRUNNER, a modified edition of Pelican Cargo, to customers within the U.S. Department of Defense for sustainment in contested logistics operations.

All of Pyka’s products incorporate its proprietary autonomous flight engine and all-electric propulsion system to enable operations in the world’s most complex environments without putting human operators in harm’s way, at unprecedented cost savings to customers.

About Pyka:

Pyka is defining the future of safe, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective aviation with autonomous electric airplanes for crop protection and cargo delivery. Pyka’s proprietary technology includes autonomous flight control software, flight computers, high energy density batteries, advanced electric propulsion systems, and carbon composite airframes. Learn more at www.flypyka.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pyka-secures-40m-series-b-to-advance-commercialization-of-dual-use-autonomous-electric-aircraft-302255688.html

SOURCE Pyka

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#PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2024 Surpasses Goal by Raising over €610.000 for Street Child to Develop Secondary Schools in Sierra Leone

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PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 23, 2024 /CNW/ — Plume completed its fourth annual #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge (#PSCC24) – a 5-stage 824 km route from Zurich, Switzerland to Venice, Italy that took place from September 2-6, 2024. The #PSCC is a fundraiser to benefit #PlumeStrong, Plume’s social impact initiative with a mission to empower communities worldwide through meaningful initiatives that promote health, education, equality, efficiency, sustainability, technological innovation, and security. #PlumeStrong envisions a world where more individuals, particularly children, have access to education, resources, and opportunities.

During the five-day ride through the iconic mountain passes of Switzerland and Italy, Plume employees and corporate partners were joined by #PlumeStrong Ambassadors Tadej Pogačar, a three-time Tour de France winner, Urška Žigart, a Slovenian professional racing cyclist, currently riding for the Liv AlUla Jayco WorldTeam, Scott Ogden, English Grand Prix motorcycle racer currently competing in the 2024 Moto3 World Championship for MLav Racing, and Marko Baloh, Guinness & WUCA World Record Holder and elite ultra-cyclist and coach. 

Together, #PSCC24 and its supporters raised over €610,000 surpassing the initiative’s original target of €550,000. Recently, #PlumeStrong and its charity partner Street Child announced that the money raised during the #PSCC24 will be used to benefit Street Child’s work in Sierra Leone. The initial goal was to develop 15 rural secondary schools, providing quality education to over 1,500 children annually, teacher training, and the establishment of a community agriculture project to help sustain the school. Due to the excess funds already raised, #PlumeStrong and Street Child are now expanding the project to develop an additional 5 schools bringing the total number to 20.

Fahri Diner

“I am so proud of what the #PlumeStrong team achieved, said Fahri Diner, Founder and CEO of Plume. “We set a goal for this year’s ride and once again exceeded it. The #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2024 (#PSCC24) was indeed a serious ‘challenge’ and not just a social ride – everyone who participated should feel an incredible sense of accomplishment. And more importantly, it was a successful fundraiser to help Street Child to provide additional educational opportunities for children. As is cycling, this was a beautifully orchestrated team effort, and we are so grateful for the commitment of our people, sponsors, partners, support teams and everyone who donated to the #PSCC24. On behalf of all of us at Plume, a big THANK YOU to all.”

Lucinda Dannatt

“We are thrilled by the success of the #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2024, which has exceeded the initial fundraising goal, said Lucinda Dannatt, Director, Policy & Development and Co-Founder at Street Child. “Thanks to the incredible dedication of #PlumeStrong and its supporters, Street Child can now develop an additional 5 secondary schools, bringing the total to 20 schools and ensuring that at least 2,000 children in Sierra Leone will have the opportunity to receive a quality education. A huge thank you to everyone who braved the 800 km of mountain passes or supported us through donations and sponsorships. Your commitment has made this remarkable achievement possible.”

Tadej Pogačar

“Participating in the #PlumeStrong challenge is a point of pride in my life, and I am thrilled to have ridden again with #PlumeStrong,” said Tadej Pogačar. “I recognize the importance of giving back to those in need and this cycling challenge is one of my favorite ways to do so. The money being raised today will impact those in Sierra Leone and beyond, and I’m honored to be part of this great effort.”

Urška Žigart

“It’s a privilege to be a part of this incredible community of individuals all focused on providing opportunities to communities around the world,” said Urška Žigart. “Becoming a #PlumeStrong Ambassador is a milestone for me, made sweeter by the fact that we’re building a bridge to the cycling world. I look forward to participating in these challenges for years to come.”

Watch the #PSCC24 recap video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2mPn2VA_nI 

Media queries:
Plume: corporatecomms@plume.com
Street Child: ben.weich@street-child.org 

About Plume
Plume is the creator of the world’s first SaaS experience platform for communications service providers (CSPs) and their subscribers, deployed in more than 60 million locations globally. As the only open and hardware-independent, cloud-controlled solution, Plume enables the rapid delivery of new services for smart homes, small businesses and beyond, at massive scale. On the front end, Plume delivers self-optimizing, adaptive WiFi, cybersecurity, access, parental controls and more. CSPs get robust data- and AI-driven back-end applications for unprecedented visibility, insights, support, operations and marketing. Plume leverages OpenSync®, an open-source framework that comes pre-integrated and supported on the leading silicon, CPE and platform SDKs.

Visit plume.com, plume.com/homepass, plume.com/workpass, plume.com/uprise, and opensync.io.

Follow Plume on LinkedIn and Instagram

© 2024 Plume Design, Inc. All rights reserved. Adaptive, Advanced loT Protection, Concierge, Flow, Harvest, Haystack, HomePass, OpenSync, Plume, Plume Adaptive WiFi, Plume IQ, Powered by Plume, Signal, SuperPod, WorkPass, Work From Here, WorldPass, and the Plume and OpenSync Logos, among others, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plume Design, Inc. See trademark guidelines.

About Street Child
Street Child is one of the world’s fastest-growing international children’s charities, established in 2008. Street Child works to ensure children are safe, in school and learning even, and especially, in low resource environments and emergencies. The charity works with an expanding network of local organisations and a focus on the power and purpose of inspirational local level organisations sits at the heart of all they do – and has done so since the first partnership in Sierra Leone in 2008.

Today Street Child works in over 25 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.  

Learn more

Follow Street Child on LinkedIn and X

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plumestrong-cycling-challenge-2024-surpasses-goal-by-raising-over-610-000-for-street-child-to-develop-secondary-schools-in-sierra-leone-302255700.html

SOURCE Plume Design, Inc.

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