Technology
ICF Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results
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―Margin Expansion Driven by Favorable Business Mix and Higher Utilization―
―GAAP EPS and Non-GAAP EPS1 Include Tax Benefits of $0.25 Per Share―
―Record Business Development Pipeline of $10.6 Billion at Quarter-End―
―2024 Guidance: Adjusting Revenue Range to Account for Lower Pass-Throughs; Raising EPS Ranges to Reflect Margin Expansion and Tax Benefits―
Third Quarter Highlights:
Revenue Increased 3% to $517 Million, Up 6% Excluding DivestituresNet Income Was $33 Million and GAAP EPS Was $1.73, Up 38% Non-GAAP EPS Increased 18% to $2.13EBITDA1 Increased 18% to $58.2 Million; Adjusted EBITDA1 Was $58.5 Million, Up 8%Contract Awards Were $697 Million for a Quarterly Book-to Bill Ratio of 1.35 and a TTM Book-to-Bill Ratio of 1.31
RESTON, Va., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ICF (NASDAQ: ICFI), a global consulting and technology services provider, reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.
Commenting on the results, John Wasson, chair and chief executive officer, said, “This was another quarter of strong performance for ICF. Total revenues increased 3% year-on-year. Revenues from continuing operations increased 6% from last year’s levels, which includes a considerable impact from lower pass-throughs.
“Our Energy, Environment, Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery client market again was a key contributor to our third quarter results, delivering year-on-year revenue growth of 15.3% and accounting for 45.7% of total third quarter revenues, up from 40.8% in the similar period last year. We experienced continued strong demand from our utility clients for a broad range of ICF’s capabilities, including core energy efficiency programs, grid resilience, electrification, decarbonization and flexible load management, all of which have taken on greater importance given recent increases in projected electricity demand, particularly from the growth in data centers. ICF is a market leader with the unique experience, capabilities and scale to assist utility clients across all these areas with analytics, multidisciplinary solutions and program management.
“Favorable mix and higher utilization were key drivers of third quarter margin expansion. Operating margin increased by 250 basis points year-on-year to 8.9%, and Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 50 basis points to 11.3% from 10.8%.
“We ended the third quarter with a record business development pipeline of $10.6 billion, after $697 million in contract awards. Year-to-date contract awards increased 16% from last year’s levels to just over $2.0 billion, of which 63% represented new business wins, indicating how well aligned ICF’s capabilities are with client spending priorities.”
Third Quarter 2024 Results
Third quarter 2024 total revenue was $517.0 million, a 3.1% increase from the $501.5 million reported in the third quarter of 2023, and up 6.0% from last year’s third quarter revenues adjusted for the divestiture of our commercial marketing business lines. Subcontractor and other direct costs were 24.7% of total revenues compared to 27.1% in last year’s third quarter. Operating income was $46.0 million, up 44.3% from $31.9 million last year, and operating margin on revenue expanded to 8.9% from 6.4%. Net income totaled $32.7 million, representing a 37.7% year-on-year increase over the $23.7 million reported in the third quarter of 2023. Diluted EPS was $1.73 per share, up 38.4% from $1.25 reported in the third quarter of 2023, which included $5.2 million, or $0.20 per share, of tax-effected special charges. Third quarter 2024 net income and diluted EPS included incremental tax benefits beyond previous expectations of $0.25 per share. As a result, the company’s effective tax rate was 13.8% in the third quarter.
Non-GAAP EPS increased 17.7% to $2.13 per share, from $1.81 per share reported in the comparable period in 2023. EBITDA was $58.2 million, 18.4% above the $49.2 million reported in the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA increased 7.8% to $58.5 million from $54.3 million for the comparable period in 2023.
Backlog and New Business
Total backlog was $3.9 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2024. Funded backlog was $1.9 billion, or approximately 50% of the total backlog. The total value of contracts awarded in the 2024 third quarter was $696.9 million for a quarterly book-to-bill ratio of 1.35, and trailing twelve-month contract awards totaled $2.0 billion, up 16.0% year-on-year for a book-to-bill ratio of 1.31.
Government Revenue Third Quarter 2024 Highlights
Revenue from government clients was $387.8 million, up 1.1% year-over-year.
U.S. federal government revenue was $282.0 million, an increase of 1.0% compared to the $279.3 million reported in the third quarter of 2023, and was impacted by a year-over-year decrease in subcontractor and other direct costs estimated at $10 million in the quarter. Federal government revenue accounted for 54.5% of total revenue, compared to 55.7% of total revenue in the third quarter of 2023.U.S. state and local government revenue increased 3.0% to $78.9 million, from $76.6 million in the year-ago quarter. State and local government clients represented 15.3% of total revenue, unchanged from the third quarter of 2023.International government revenue was $26.9 million, slightly down from the $27.5 million reported in the year-ago quarter. International government revenue represented 5.2% of total revenue, compared to 5.5% in the third quarter of 2023.
Key Government Contracts Awarded in the Third Quarter 2024
Notable government contract awards won in the third quarter of 2024 included:
Health and Social Programs
A new task order with a value of $40.2 million with a U.S. federal agency to deliver strategic and digital communications and engagement campaigns to combat human trafficking.A contract modification with a value of $33.2 million with a U.S. federal agency to provide stakeholder engagement support services.A new contract with a value of $14.8 million with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide support for CDC’s Needle Exchange Utilization Survey (NEXUS) surveillance project.A new subcontract with a value of $11.2 million to provide information resource support services for the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Office of Neuroscience Communications and Engagement.A new contract with a value of $10.9 million with the U.S. National Institutes of Health to support the National Library of Medicine’s User Services and Collections Division cross-functional initiatives, including advancing GenAI projects and other programming and technical development activities.A new contract with a value of $9.7 million with the U.S. Department of Education to provide capacity-building services to state, regional and local education agencies.
Disaster Management and Mitigation
A contract extension with a value of $38.5 million with a U.S. state land agency to provide disaster recovery and mitigation grant management services.A new contract with a value of $10.5 million with the government of a U.S. territory to provide a comprehensive array of services to support compliance with federal and local disaster management regulations related to its hurricane recovery efforts.
IT Modernization
A new contract with a value of $69.9 million with the government of a U.S. territory to design, build and implement a new geospatial data management system.A new task order under a blanket purchase agreement with a value of $8.9 million with a U.S. federal agency to provide data center modernization services.
Climate, Energy and Environment
A single-award recompete blanket purchase agreement with a ceiling of $75 million with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water to provide environmental, economic, regulatory and evaluation services to the agency’s critical water programs.A recompete blanket purchase agreement with a ceiling of $40.0 million with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration to provide technical, engineering, publications, marketing and professional support services.
Commercial Revenue Third Quarter 2024 Highlights
Commercial revenue was $129.2 million, compared to $118.1 million reported in the third quarter of 2023; up 23.7% compared to revenues of $104.5 million excluding divestitures in 2023.
Commercial revenue accounted for 25.0% of total revenue compared to 23.5% of total revenue in the 2023 third quarter.Energy markets revenue, which includes energy efficiency programs, increased 24.6% and represented 86.7% of commercial revenue.
Key Commercial Contracts Awarded in the Third Quarter of 2024
Notable commercial awards won in the third quarter of 2024 included:
A contract modification with a mid-Atlantic U.S. utility to continue to provide program implementation services for its residential energy efficiency portfolio.A contract modification with a multinational energy company to prepare environmental impact statements for the company’s offshore wind projects.A new contract with an international renewable energy company to prepare an environmental impact statement for its offshore wind project.A new contract with a Midwestern U.S. utility to provide program implementation services for its residential energy efficiency program.A new contract with a Midwestern U.S. electric and gas utility to provide program implementation services for its residential energy efficiency program.A new contract with a Midwestern U.S. utility to provide demand-side management programs for both market rate and disadvantaged communities for its residential energy efficiency portfolio.A contract modification with a mid-Atlantic U.S. utility to continue to provide program implementation services for its energy efficiency programs.
Dividend Declaration
On October 31, 2024, ICF declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share, payable on January 10, 2025, to shareholders of record on December 6, 2024.
Summary and Outlook
“Continued favorable business mix and utilization metrics, together with the incremental tax benefits of approximately $0.25 per share, have led us to increase the midpoint of our earnings per share guidance for full year 2024 by $0.35. Our revised guidance for GAAP EPS is in the range of $6.05 to $6.15, excluding special charges, and Non-GAAP EPS is expected to range from $7.40 to $7.50, representing year-on-year growth of 14.6% at the midpoint. We have adjusted our full year 2024 revenue guidance range to $2.0 billion to $2.03 billion from $2.03 billion to $2.10 billion to reflect an estimated $50 million reduction in expected pass-throughs. This primarily impacts revenue comparisons for our Health and Social Programs client market with no meaningful impact on margins. Based on our strong cash flow to date, we reaffirm our guidance for full year 2024 operating cash flow of approximately $155 million.
“Our forward-looking metrics support our confidence in continued growth for ICF as we enter 2025. We have a strong multiyear backlog, a record business development pipeline and a consistent track record of new business wins. We are experiencing robust demand from commercial clients for our energy and environment expertise and related implementation and technology capabilities. We have excellent credentials in disaster management, resilience and mitigation work to assist state and local governments with recovery after storms, flooding and wildfires, as well as with their future resilience planning. The large majority of our federal government work is in areas that have bipartisan support, particularly IT modernization, which remains an area of priority spending. And importantly, our people are fully engaged in achieving the objectives and missions of our clients, which underpins our confidence in ICF’s future growth potential,” Mr. Wasson concluded.
1 Non-GAAP EPS, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measurements. A reconciliation of all non-GAAP measurements to the most applicable GAAP number is set forth below. Special charges are items that were included within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income but are not indicative of ongoing performance and have been presented net of applicable U.S. GAAP taxes. The presentation of non-GAAP measurements may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies.
About ICF
ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.
Caution Concerning Forward-looking Statements
Statements that are not historical facts and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may concern our current expectations about our future results, plans, operations and prospects and involve certain risks, including those related to the government contracting industry generally; our particular business, including our dependence on contracts with U.S. federal government agencies; and our ability to acquire and successfully integrate businesses. These and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those indicated in forward-looking statements that are included in the “Risk Factors” section of our securities filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date hereof, and we specifically disclaim any obligation to update these statements in the future.
Note on Forward-Looking Non-GAAP Measures
The company does not reconcile its forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, due to the variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections and because not all of the information necessary for a quantitative reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures (such as the effect of share-based compensation or the impact of future extraordinary or non-recurring events like acquisitions) is available to the company without unreasonable effort. For the same reasons, the company is unable to estimate the probable significance of the unavailable information. The company provides forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures that it believes will be achievable, but it cannot accurately predict all of the components of the adjusted calculations, and the U.S. GAAP financial measures may be materially different than the non-GAAP financial measures.
Investor Contacts:
Lynn Morgen, ADVISIRY PARTNERS, lynn.morgen@advisiry.com +1.212.750.5800
David Gold, ADVISIRY PARTNERS, david.gold@advisiry.com +1.212.750.5800
Company Information Contact:
Lauren Dyke, ICF, lauren.dyke@ICF.com +1.571.373.5577
ICF International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue
$ 516,998
$ 501,519
$ 1,523,463
$ 1,484,886
Direct costs
325,047
323,504
964,911
961,473
Operating costs and expenses:
Indirect and selling expenses
132,816
131,553
389,001
381,808
Depreciation and amortization
4,820
5,917
15,303
19,052
Amortization of intangible assets
8,291
8,644
24,873
27,154
Total operating costs and expenses
145,927
146,114
429,177
428,014
Operating income
46,024
31,901
129,375
95,399
Interest, net
(7,195)
(10,557)
(23,136)
(30,146)
Other (expense) income
(899)
2,736
767
1,501
Income before income taxes
37,930
24,080
107,006
66,754
Provision for income taxes
5,251
340
21,399
6,304
Net income
$ 32,679
$ 23,740
$ 85,607
$ 60,450
Earnings per Share:
Basic
$ 1.74
$ 1.26
$ 4.57
$ 3.22
Diluted
$ 1.73
$ 1.25
$ 4.53
$ 3.19
Weighted-average Shares:
Basic
18,760
18,815
18,752
18,795
Diluted
18,910
18,974
18,915
18,958
Cash dividends declared per common share
$ 0.14
$ 0.14
$ 0.42
$ 0.42
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(951)
(4,053)
(610)
(2,236)
Comprehensive income, net of tax
$ 31,728
$ 19,687
$ 84,997
$ 58,214
ICF International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures (2)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Reconciliation of Revenue, Adjusted for Impact of Exited Business
Revenue
$ 516,998
$ 501,519
$ 1,523,463
$ 1,484,886
Less: Revenue from exited business (3)
—
(13,565)
—
(59,713)
Total Revenue, Adjusted for Impact of Exited Business
$ 516,998
$ 487,954
$ 1,523,463
$ 1,425,173
Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (4)
Net income
$ 32,679
$ 23,740
$ 85,607
$ 60,450
Interest, net
7,195
10,557
23,136
30,146
Provision for income taxes
5,251
340
21,399
6,304
Depreciation and amortization
13,111
14,561
40,176
46,206
EBITDA
58,236
49,198
170,318
143,106
Impairment of long-lived assets (5)
—
2,912
—
3,806
Acquisition and divestiture-related expenses (6)
139
1,779
205
4,685
Severance and other costs related to staff realignment (7)
449
595
1,184
4,455
Charges for facility consolidations and office closures (8)
—
2,220
—
2,579
Pre-tax gain from divestiture of a business (9)
(298)
(2,425)
(2,013)
(2,425)
Total Adjustments
290
5,081
(624)
13,100
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 58,526
$ 54,279
$ 169,694
$ 156,206
Net Income Margin Percent on Revenue (10)
6.3 %
4.7 %
5.6 %
4.1 %
EBITDA Margin Percent on Revenue (11)
11.3 %
9.8 %
11.2 %
9.6 %
Adjusted EBITDA Margin Percent on Revenue (11)
11.3 %
10.8 %
11.1 %
10.5 %
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Diluted EPS (4)
U.S. GAAP Diluted EPS
$ 1.73
$ 1.25
$ 4.53
$ 3.19
Impairment of long-lived assets
—
0.15
—
0.20
Acquisition and divestiture-related expenses
0.01
0.09
0.01
0.25
Severance and other costs related to staff realignment
0.02
0.03
0.06
0.23
Expenses related to facility consolidations and office closures (12)
—
0.12
0.04
0.14
Pre-tax gain from divestiture of a business
(0.02)
(0.13)
(0.11)
(0.13)
Amortization of intangibles
0.44
0.46
1.31
1.43
Income tax effects of the adjustments (13)
(0.05)
(0.16)
(0.26)
(0.50)
Non-GAAP Diluted EPS
$ 2.13
$ 1.81
$ 5.58
$ 4.81
(2) These tables provide reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most applicable GAAP numbers. While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures may be useful in evaluating our financial information, they should be considered supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may define similarly titled non-GAAP measures differently and, accordingly, care should be exercised in understanding how we define these measures.
(3) Revenue from the exited U.K. commercial marketing business (June 30, 2023), U.S. commercial marketing business (September 11, 2023), and Canadian mobile text aggregation business (November 1, 2023). Subcontractor and other direct costs from the exited business are approximately 15.0% and 31.1% of revenue of the exited business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.
(4) Reconciliations of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Non-GAAP Diluted EPS were calculated using numbers as reported in U.S. GAAP.
(5) Represents impairment charges recorded in the first and third quarters of 2023 of $0.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively, of an intangible asset associated with the exit of our commercial marketing business in the U.K. and operating lease right-of-use assets.
(6) These are primarily third-party costs related to acquisitions and potential acquisitions, integration of acquisitions, and separation of discontinued businesses or divestitures.
(7) These costs are mainly due to involuntary employee termination benefits for our officers, and employees who have been notified that they will be terminated as part of a business reorganization or exit.
(8) These are exit costs associated with terminated leases or full office closures that we either (i) will continue to pay until the contractual obligations are satisfied but with no economic benefit to us, or (ii) paid upon termination and ceasing to use the leased facilities.
(9) Pre-tax gain related to the 2023 divestiture of our U.S. commercial marketing business which include contingent gains realized in the first and the third quarter of 2024.
(10) Net Income Margin Percent on Revenue was calculated by dividing net income by revenue.
(11) EBITDA Margin Percent and Adjusted EBITDA Margin Percent on Revenue were calculated by dividing the non-GAAP measure by the corresponding revenue.
(12) These are exit costs related to actual office closures (previously included in Adjusted EBITDA) and accelerated depreciation related to fixed assets for planned office closures.
(13) Income tax effects were calculated using the effective tax rate, adjusted for certain discrete items, if any, of 13.8% and 21.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 20.0% and 23.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
ICF International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 6,911
$ 6,361
Restricted cash
724
3,088
Contract receivables, net
212,412
205,484
Contract assets
237,742
201,832
Prepaid expenses and other assets
24,785
28,055
Income tax receivable
10,541
2,337
Total Current Assets
493,115
447,157
Property and Equipment, net
71,299
75,948
Other Assets:
Goodwill
1,221,437
1,219,476
Other intangible assets, net
70,030
94,904
Operating lease – right-of-use assets
122,543
132,807
Other assets
49,754
41,480
Total Assets
$ 2,028,178
$ 2,011,772
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt
$ 13,750
$ 26,000
Accounts payable
121,093
134,503
Contract liabilities
17,176
21,997
Operating lease liabilities
21,204
20,409
Finance lease liabilities
2,590
2,522
Accrued salaries and benefits
91,103
88,021
Accrued subcontractors and other direct costs
55,600
45,645
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
85,274
79,129
Total Current Liabilities
407,790
418,226
Long-term Liabilities:
Long-term debt
405,396
404,407
Operating lease liabilities – non-current
160,926
175,460
Finance lease liabilities – non-current
11,922
13,874
Deferred income taxes
5,982
26,175
Other long-term liabilities
59,845
56,045
Total Liabilities
1,051,861
1,094,187
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.001; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
—
—
Common stock, par value $.001; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 24,138,735 and 23,982,132 shares issued at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 18,762,710 and 18,845,521 shares outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
24
24
Additional paid-in capital
436,671
421,502
Retained earnings
852,835
775,099
Treasury stock, 5,376,025 and 5,136,611 shares at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
(300,718)
(267,155)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(12,495)
(11,885)
Total Stockholders’ Equity
976,317
917,585
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$ 2,028,178
$ 2,011,772
ICF International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands)
2024
2023
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income
$ 85,607
$ 60,450
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit losses
3,176
691
Deferred income taxes and unrecognized income tax benefits
(16,957)
(3,533)
Non-cash equity compensation
12,494
10,134
Depreciation and amortization
40,177
46,207
Gain on divestiture of a business
(2,009)
(4,302)
Other operating adjustments, net
2,206
2,563
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:
Net contract assets and liabilities
(40,155)
(52,010)
Contract receivables
(9,634)
12,087
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(434)
11,893
Operating lease assets and liabilities, net
(3,065)
3,897
Accounts payable
(13,402)
(13,333)
Accrued salaries and benefits
2,889
(8,521)
Accrued subcontractors and other direct costs
9,660
(3,353)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
16,979
(18,727)
Income tax receivable and payable
(9,574)
450
Other liabilities
(1,774)
959
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
76,184
45,552
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Payments for purchase of property and equipment and capitalized software
(15,559)
(17,876)
Payments for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
—
(32,664)
Proceeds from divestiture of a business
1,985
47,151
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
(13,574)
(3,389)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Advances from working capital facilities
917,953
972,266
Payments on working capital facilities
(930,043)
(995,244)
Proceeds from other short-term borrowings
43,735
25,394
Repayments of other short-term borrowings
(53,280)
(18,845)
Receipt of restricted contract funds
1,275
6,412
Payment of restricted contract funds
(3,586)
(7,042)
Dividends paid
(7,880)
(7,903)
Net payments for stock issuances and share repurchases
(30,995)
(20,601)
Other financing, net
(1,777)
(1,501)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
(64,598)
(47,064)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
174
(213)
Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
(1,814)
(5,114)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, Beginning of Period
9,449
12,968
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, End of Period
$ 7,635
$ 7,854
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
$ 24,388
$ 29,173
Income taxes
$ 50,382
$ 12,604
ICF International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Schedule (14)
Revenue by client markets
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Energy, environment, infrastructure, and disaster recovery
46 %
41 %
46 %
40 %
Health and social programs
38 %
42 %
38 %
42 %
Security and other civilian & commercial
16 %
17 %
16 %
18 %
Total
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
Revenue by client type
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
U.S. federal government
55 %
56 %
55 %
55 %
U.S. state and local government
15 %
15 %
16 %
16 %
International government
5 %
5 %
5 %
5 %
Total Government
75 %
76 %
76 %
76 %
Commercial
25 %
24 %
24 %
24 %
Total
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
Revenue by contract mix
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Time-and-materials
43 %
41 %
42 %
41 %
Fixed-price
46 %
45 %
46 %
45 %
Cost-based
11 %
14 %
12 %
14 %
Total
100 %
100 %
100 %
100 %
(14) As is shown in the supplemental schedule, we track revenue by key metrics that provide useful information about the nature of our operations. Client markets provide insight into the breadth of our expertise. Client type is an indicator of the diversity of our client base. Revenue by contract mix provides insight in terms of the degree of performance risk that we have assumed.
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SOURCE ICF
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PLEASANTON, Calif., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DermRays is excited to announce a groundbreaking addition to its product line aimed specifically at male users. Set to launch in the summer of 2025, the new men’s hair removal device will feature an entirely new design and upgraded functionalities tailored to meet the unique grooming needs of men. This innovative product reflects DermRays’ commitment to enhancing user experience and providing effective solutions for a diverse customer base.
As more men express interest in hair removal, DermRays has taken proactive steps based on customer feedback to develop this cutting-edge device. This decision marks a significant breakthrough in the at-home laser hair removal market, ensuring that men can achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of their own homes.
In addition to this exciting news, DermRays is also currently running a Thanksgiving promotion from November 1-10th, 2024, offering $120 OFF sitewide. This special event allows customers to explore the range of DermRays products while enjoying substantial savings.
Stay tuned for further updates on the upcoming men’s hair removal device, and don’t miss out on the Thanksgiving promotion, where you can take advantage of these incredible offers and start your journey toward smoother skin. DermRays remains dedicated to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting the standard for effective, at-home laser hair removal solutions.
Media Contact:
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SOURCE DermRays
Technology
LianLian Global Partners with Cyberport to Offer a Rapid, Secure, and Cost-Effective Global Payment Experience
Published
2 hours agoon
November 1, 2024By
HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The 2024 edition of Hong Kong FinTech Week, a premier financial technology event in Asia, was held on October 28 at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong.
LianLian Global, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed Lianlian DigiTech, participated in the event as a Gold Sponsor and as a representative of the digital technology industry. The company showcased its pioneering solutions and innovative offerings in the global payment sector to an international audience.
At the outset of the conference, Lianlian unveiled its groundbreaking LianLian Global Accounts Service (LGAS). Designed for international trade merchants in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and beyond, LGAS provides a unified account for managing multi-currency funds and seamlessly addressing the complexities of global receipts.
LGAS enables merchants to receive sales payments in multiple currencies directly into their local accounts, eliminating the need for numerous international bank accounts. This guarantees rapid, secure, and cost-effective fund transfers, significantly reducing operational expenses and enhancing international competitiveness.
Lianlian’s LGAS revolutionizes the conventional approach to foreign trade receipts by introducing a unified account for global fund management. The innovative solution not only improves cost-efficiency and accelerates payment speeds but also enhances security and compliance. With over 60 payment service licenses and qualifications, along with its proprietary anti-money laundering and fraud prevention systems, Lianlian further bolsters the safety and reliability of international transactions.
LianLian Global also announced its recent membership in the Cyberport Technology Network (CTN). As a part of the Cyberport community, Lianlian will work with the platform to offer exclusive discounts of up to HK$900,000 to CTN members during FinTech Week. These discounts apply to a range of products and services, including Lianlian’s recently launched B2B receipt solution, LGAS. This initiative allows Cyberport community members to access Lianlian’s payment solutions at reduced rates.
Lianlian stands as a prominent leader in the realm of cross-border trade, offering an integrated digital solution that caters to the diverse needs of its clients. This comprehensive package encompasses a wide array of services, including collection, payment processing, merchant services, currency conversion, digital marketing, and operational support. By facilitating seamless access to both domestic and international funding channels, Lianlian effectively addresses the challenges faced by cross-border e-commerce entities, foreign traders, service providers, platforms, and institutions as they scale internationally, particularly in areas related to financial transactions and account management.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/lianlian-global-partners-with-cyberport-to-offer-a-rapid-secure-and-cost-effective-global-payment-experience-302293553.html
SOURCE LianLian Global
Technology
Cogeco Communications Releases its Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2024
Published
3 hours agoon
October 31, 2024By
Strong progress on the strategic priorities announced last quarter centered on synergies, digitization, advanced analytics, network expansion and wireless.Successfully completed the combination of our Canadian and U.S. telecommunications teams.Signed strategic partnerships to enable an upcoming launch of wireless services in Canada, in a capital-efficient manner as an MVNO.Met or exceeded all financial guidelines set for fiscal 2024; issuing fiscal 2025 financial guidelines.Increasing quarterly eligible dividend by 8.0% to $0.922 per share.
MONTRÉAL, Oct. 31, 2024 /CNW/ – Today, Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA) (“Cogeco Communications” or the “Corporation”) announced its financial results for the fourth quarter ended August 31, 2024 and is issuing its fiscal 2025 financial guidelines.
“Fiscal 2024 has been a year of tremendous progress for Cogeco,” said Frédéric Perron, President and CEO. “Over the last six months alone, we set clear priorities to achieve sustainable growth, launched wireless in the U.S., assembled the building blocks to launch wireless in Canada as an MVNO, successfully combined our Canadian and U.S. organizations and refreshed our executive team. The recently completed restructuring, which simplified our operating model, was the first phase of a structured three-year program. We are now in a position to accelerate our digital capabilities, drive bundling across wireline and wireless, and continue to optimize our operations for ongoing growth and value creation.
“Our Canadian telecommunications business continued to perform well in Q4, driven by growth of our Internet subscriber base through Cogeco Connexion, oxio, and our network expansion program. We’re particularly excited about our oxio brand’s performance as its digital model has not only become a growth engine for the organization, but has also become a model for key transformation initiatives within the Corporation more broadly.
“In the U.S., the launch of Breezeline Mobile provides customers even more compelling reasons to bundle their services with us. Our Internet-led strategy and focus on operational efficiency contributed to another quarter of strong margin growth.
“Over the past year, we have maintained our balanced approach to allocating capital to growth initiatives including network expansion, product improvements, and a capital-light approach to growing wireless services in both countries, as well as returning capital through an increased dividend and share buybacks, all while progressively reducing our leverage. We will continue with our balanced approach in fiscal 2025 and with that, we are delighted to announce an increase in our quarterly dividend per share to $0.922.”
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Three months ended August 31
2024
2023
(1)
Change
Change in
constant
currency
(2)
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except % and per share data) (unaudited)
$
$
%
%
Revenue
747,751
743,397
0.6
(0.7)
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
370,418
351,300
5.4
4.2
Adjusted EBITDA margin (2)
49.5 %
47.3 %
Profit for the period
85,484
91,797
(6.9)
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation
81,958
86,499
(5.2)
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation (2)(3)
99,054
97,175
1.9
Cash flows from operating activities
319,177
281,326
13.5
Free cash flow (1)(2)
148,189
88,953
66.6
66.1
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)(2)
205,100
121,881
68.3
67.4
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
154,260
205,570
(25.0)
Net capital expenditures (2)(4)
152,253
176,617
(13.8)
(15.1)
Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (2)
95,342
143,689
(33.6)
(34.8)
Capital intensity (2)
20.4 %
23.8 %
Capital intensity, excluding network expansion projects (2)
12.8 %
19.3 %
Diluted earnings per share
1.94
1.95
(0.5)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (2)(3)
2.35
2.19
7.3
Operating results
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 ended on August 31, 2024:
Revenue increased by 0.6% to $747.8 million. On a constant currency basis(2), revenue decreased by 0.7% due to a decline in revenue in the American telecommunications segment, offset in part by revenue growth in the Canadian telecommunications segment, as explained below.American telecommunications’ revenue decreased by 2.3% in constant currency (remained stable as reported), mainly due to a decline in its subscriber base, especially for entry-level services, and a higher proportion of customers subscribing to Internet-only services. The decline was offset in part by higher revenue per subscriber and a better product mix resulting from improving subscriber metrics.Canadian telecommunications’ revenue increased by 0.8%, mostly driven by the cumulative effect of high-speed Internet service additions over the past year, including from network expansion projects, as well as the Niagara Regional Broadband Network acquisition completed on February 5, 2024.Adjusted EBITDA increased by 5.4% to $370.4 million. On a constant currency basis, adjusted EBITDA increased by 4.2%, mainly due to higher adjusted EBITDA in both the Canadian and American telecommunications segments, driven by cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies across the Corporation as a result of our ongoing transformation program, in addition to revenue growth in the Canadian telecommunications segment.Canadian telecommunications adjusted EBITDA increased by 3.8%, or 4.0% in constant currency.American telecommunications adjusted EBITDA increased by 5.2%, or 2.4% in constant currency.Profit for the period amounted to $85.5 million, of which $82.0 million, or $1.94 per diluted share, was attributable to owners of the Corporation compared to $91.8 million, $86.5 million, and $1.95 per diluted share, respectively, in the comparable period of fiscal 2023. The decreases in profit for the period and profit attributable to owners of the Corporation resulted mainly from higher depreciation and amortization expense and non-cash pre-tax impairment charges of $14.9 million recognized during the quarter mostly in relation to strategic partnerships to facilitate the development of wireless services in Canada under a capital-light operating model, partly offset by higher adjusted EBITDA, lower financial expense and lower acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs.Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation(3) was $99.1 million, or $2.35 per diluted share(3), compared to $97.2 million, or $2.19 per diluted share, last year. The increase of adjusted diluted earnings per share over last year reflects the benefit of the Corporation’s share buybacks.Net capital expenditures were $152.3 million, a decrease of 13.8% compared to $176.6 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures(2) were $150.0 million, a decrease of 15.1% compared to last year, mainly resulting from lower spending due to the timing of network expansion projects in both the American and Canadian telecommunications segments, in addition to drawdowns of previously accumulated customer premise equipment inventory in the American telecommunications segment.Excluding network expansion projects, net capital expenditures were $95.3 million, a decrease of 33.6% compared to $143.7 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects(2) were $93.7 million, a decrease of 34.8% compared to last year.Fibre-to-the-home network expansion projects continued in both Canada and the United States by adding close to 58,000(5) homes passed during fiscal 2024, of which close to 14,000(5) were in the fourth quarter.Capital intensity was 20.4% compared to 23.8% last year. Excluding network expansion projects, capital intensity was 12.8% compared to 19.3% in the same period of the prior year.Acquisition of property, plant and equipment decreased by 25.0% to $154.3 million, mainly resulting from lower spending.Free cash flow(1) increased by 66.6%, or 66.1% in constant currency, and amounted to $148.2 million, or $147.7 million in constant currency, mainly due to lower net capital expenditures, higher adjusted EBITDA and lower financial expense. Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects(1) increased by 68.3%, or 67.4% in constant currency, and amounted to $205.1 million, or $204.1 million in constant currency.Cash flows from operating activities increased by 13.5% to $319.2 million, mainly from the timing of payments of trade and other payables and higher adjusted EBITDA.At its October 31, 2024 meeting, the Board of Directors of Cogeco Communications declared a quarterly eligible dividend of $0.922 per share, an increase of 8.0% compared to $0.854 per share last year.
FISCAL 2025 FINANCIAL GUIDELINES
Cogeco Communications released its fiscal 2025 financial guidelines. Fiscal 2025 will be the first year of a three-year transformation program, where investments are made in order to set the Corporation on a path to sustainable growth. On a constant currency basis, the Corporation expects fiscal 2025 revenue to remain stable resulting from a combination of Internet subscriber growth and a decline in video and wireline phone subscriptions. On a constant currency basis, fiscal 2025 adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to remain stable, mainly due to stable revenue as well as stable operating expenses, which are anticipated to benefit from the recent corporate reorganization and other operational improvements, offset by investments into new capabilities as part of a three-year transformation program. Net capital expenditures are anticipated to be between $650 and $725 million, including net investments of approximately $140 to $190 million in growth-oriented network expansions, which will increase the Corporation’s footprint in Canada and the United States. Capital intensity is expected to range between 22% and 24%, or 17% and 19% excluding network expansion projects. Free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects, are expected to decrease between 0% and 10% due to stronger than anticipated free cash flow in fiscal 2024, continued growth-oriented investments, and higher financial expense and current income tax.
October 31, 2024
Projections
(i)
Actual
Fiscal 2025
(constant currency)
(ii)
Fiscal 2024
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except percentages)
$
$
Financial guidelines
Revenue
Stable
2,977
Adjusted EBITDA
Stable
1,442
Net capital expenditures
$650 to $725
638
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects
$140 to $190
137
Capital intensity
22% to 24%
21.4 %
Capital intensity, excluding network expansion projects
17% to 19%
16.8 %
Free cash flow
Decrease of 0% to 10%
(iii)
476
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects
Decrease of 0% to 10%
(iii)
613
(i)
Percentage of changes compared to fiscal 2024.
(ii)
Fiscal 2025 financial guidelines are based on a USD/CDN constant exchange rate of 1.3606 USD/CDN.
(iii)
The assumed current income tax effective rate is approximately 14%.
These financial guidelines, including the various assumptions underlying them, contain forward-looking statements concerning the business outlook for Cogeco Communications, and should be read in conjunction with the “Forward-looking statements” section of this press release.
(1)
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Corporation updated its calculation of free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects, to include proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment. Comparative figures were restated to conform to the current presentation. For further details, please refer to the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards and other financial measures” section of this press release.
(2)
Adjusted EBITDA and net capital expenditures are total of segments measures. Adjusted EBITDA margin and capital intensity are supplementary financial 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 Accounting Standards measures. Change in constant currency, capital intensity, excluding network expansion projects and adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-IFRS Accounting Standards ratios. These indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by IFRS® Accounting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS Accounting Standards”) 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 Accounting Standards and other financial measures” section of this press release.
(3)
Excludes the impact of non-cash impairment charges, and acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs, net of tax and non-controlling interest.
(4)
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.
(5)
Organic growth calculated by excluding additions resulting from acquisitions.
Financial highlights
Change in
constant
currency
Change in
constant
currency
Three months and years ended August 31
2024
2023
(1)
Change
(2) (3)
2024
2023
(1)
Change
(2) (3)
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except % and per share data)
$
$
%
%
$
$
%
%
Operations
Revenue
747,751
743,397
0.6
(0.7)
2,976,524
2,984,128
(0.3)
(0.8)
Adjusted EBITDA (3)
370,418
351,300
5.4
4.2
1,442,314
1,421,066
1.5
1.0
Adjusted EBITDA margin (3)
49.5 %
47.3 %
48.5 %
47.6 %
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs (4)
10,561
15,228
(30.6)
59,731
36,225
64.9
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
14,862
—
—
14,862
—
—
Profit for the period
85,484
91,797
(6.9)
354,132
417,972
(15.3)
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation
81,958
86,499
(5.2)
335,534
392,273
(14.5)
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation (3)(5)
99,054
97,175
1.9
400,431
417,960
(4.2)
Cash flow
Cash flows from operating activities
319,177
281,326
13.5
1,175,219
962,905
22.0
Free cash flow (1)(3)
148,189
88,953
66.6
66.1
476,021
418,056
13.9
13.6
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)(3)
205,100
121,881
68.3
67.4
613,415
590,891
3.8
3.5
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
154,260
205,570
(25.0)
659,090
802,830
(17.9)
Net capital expenditures (3)(6)
152,253
176,617
(13.8)
(15.1)
637,833
699,506
(8.8)
(9.3)
Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (3)
95,342
143,689
(33.6)
(34.8)
500,439
526,671
(5.0)
(5.5)
Capital intensity (3)
20.4 %
23.8 %
21.4 %
23.4 %
Capital intensity, excluding network expansion projects (3)
12.8 %
19.3 %
16.8 %
17.6 %
Per share data (7)
Earnings per share
Basic
1.95
1.95
—
7.87
8.78
(10.4)
Diluted
1.94
1.95
(0.5)
7.83
8.75
(10.5)
Adjusted diluted (3)(5)
2.35
2.19
7.3
9.35
9.32
0.3
Dividends per share
0.854
0.776
10.1
3.416
3.104
10.1
(1)
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Corporation updated its calculation of free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects, to include proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment. Proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment amounted to $0.6 million and $3.4 million for the three-month period and year ended August 31, 2024, respectively ($1.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively, in fiscal 2023). Comparative figures were restated to conform to the current presentation. For further details, please refer to the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards and other financial measures” section of this press release.
(2)
Key performance indicators presented on a constant currency basis are obtained by translating financial results from the current periods denominated in US dollars at the foreign exchange rate of the comparable periods of the prior year. For the three-month period and year ended August 31, 2023, the average foreign exchange rates used for translation were 1.3329 USD/CDN and 1.3467 USD/CDN, respectively.
(3)
Adjusted EBITDA and net capital expenditures are total of segments measures. Adjusted EBITDA margin and capital intensity are supplementary financial 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 Accounting Standards measures. Change in constant currency, capital intensity, excluding network expansion projects and adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-IFRS Accounting Standards ratios. These indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards 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 Accounting Standards and other financial measures” section of this press release.
(4)
For the three-month period and year ended August 31, 2024, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs were mostly related to restructuring costs recognized during the second half of the year, including costs related to the new organizational structure announced in May 2024 and other cost optimization initiatives. For the three-month period and year ended August 31, 2023, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs resulted mostly from costs related to the integration of past acquisitions, as well as acquisition and integration costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of oxio, completed on March 3, 2023, from restructuring costs associated with organizational changes during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 within the Canadian and the American telecommunications segments and from configuration and customization costs related to cloud computing arrangements. Furthermore, a retroactive adjustment of $8.4 million was recognized in fiscal 2023 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.
(5)
Excludes the impact of non-cash impairment charges, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs, and gains/losses on debt modification and/or extinguishment, all net of tax and non-controlling interest.
(6)
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.
(7)
Per multiple and subordinate voting share.
As at
August 31, 2024
August 31, 2023
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except %)
$
$
Financial condition
Cash and cash equivalents
76,335
362,921
Total assets
9,675,009
9,768,370
Long-term debt
Current
361,808
41,765
Non-current
4,448,261
4,979,241
Net indebtedness (1)
4,803,629
4,749,214
Equity attributable to owners of the Corporation
2,979,691
2,957,797
Return on equity (2)
11.3 %
13.7 %
(1)
Net indebtedness is a capital management measure. For more information on this financial measure, please consult the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards and other financial measures” section of the Corporation’s MD&A for the year ended August 31, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
(2)
Return on equity is a supplementary financial measure and is calculated as profit attributable to owners of the Corporation for the year divided by the average of the equity attributable to owners of the Corporation for the year.
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 Communications Inc.’s (“Cogeco Communications” 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 Communications believes are reasonable as of the current date. Refer in particular to the “Corporate objectives and strategy” and “Fiscal 2025 financial guidelines” sections of the Corporation’s Fiscal 2024 annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“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 Communications currently expects. These factors include risks such as general market conditions, competitive risks (including changing competitive and technology ecosystems and disruptive competitive strategies adopted by our competitors), business risks, regulatory risks, tax 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 the highly competitive market for a 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, sustainability and sustainability reporting risks, ethical behavior risks, ownership risks, litigation risks and public health and safety, many of which are beyond the Corporation’s control. 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 Fiscal 2024 annual MD&A. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Cogeco Communications 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 Communications’ 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 MD&A included in the Corporation’s Fiscal 2024 Annual Report, the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto prepared in accordance with IFRS® Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS Accounting Standards”) for the year ended August 31, 2024.
Non-IFRS Accounting Standards and other financial measures
This press release includes references to non-IFRS Accounting Standards and other financial measures used by Cogeco Communications. These financial measures are reviewed in assessing the performance of Cogeco Communications and used in the decision-making process with regard to its business units.
Reconciliations between non-IFRS Accounting Standards and other financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards measures are provided below. Certain additional disclosures for non-IFRS Accounting Standards and other financial measures used in this press release have been incorporated by reference and can be found in the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards and other financial measures” section of the Corporation’s MD&A for the year ended August 31, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The following non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures are used as a component of Cogeco Communications’ non-IFRS Accounting Standards ratios.
Specified non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures
Used in the component of the following non-IFRS Accounting Standards ratios
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
Constant currency basis
Change in constant currency
Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects
Capital intensity, excluding network expansion projects
Financial measures presented on a constant currency basis for the three-month period and year ended August 31, 2024 are translated at the average foreign exchange rate of the comparable periods of the prior year, which were 1.3329 USD/CDN and 1.3467 USD/CDN, respectively.
Constant currency basis and foreign exchange impact reconciliation
Consolidated
Three months ended August 31
2024
2023
(1)
Change
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)
Actual
Foreign
exchange
impact
In
constant
currency
Actual
Actual
In
constant
currency
$
$
$
$
%
%
Revenue
747,751
(9,731)
738,020
743,397
0.6
(0.7)
Operating expenses
372,095
(5,234)
366,861
388,381
(4.2)
(5.5)
Management fees – Cogeco Inc.
5,238
—
5,238
3,716
41.0
41.0
Adjusted EBITDA
370,418
(4,497)
365,921
351,300
5.4
4.2
Free cash flow (1)
148,189
(462)
147,727
88,953
66.6
66.1
Net capital expenditures
152,253
(2,254)
149,999
176,617
(13.8)
(15.1)
(1)
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Corporation updated its free cash flow calculation to include proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment. Comparative figures were restated to conform to the current presentation.
Years ended August 31
2024
2023
(1)
Change
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)
Actual
Foreign exchange impact
In
constant currency
Actual
Actual
In
constant currency
$
$
$
$
%
%
Revenue
2,976,524
(15,024)
2,961,500
2,984,128
(0.3)
(0.8)
Operating expenses
1,513,258
(8,121)
1,505,137
1,544,462
(2.0)
(2.5)
Management fees – Cogeco Inc.
20,952
—
20,952
18,600
12.6
12.6
Adjusted EBITDA
1,442,314
(6,903)
1,435,411
1,421,066
1.5
1.0
Free cash flow (1)
476,021
(932)
475,089
418,056
13.9
13.6
Net capital expenditures
637,833
(3,340)
634,493
699,506
(8.8)
(9.3)
(1)
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Corporation updated its free cash flow calculation to include proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment. Comparative figures were restated to conform to the current presentation.
Canadian telecommunications segment
Three months ended August 31
2024
2023
Change
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)
Actual
Foreign
exchange
impact
In
constant
currency
Actual
Actual
In
constant
currency
$
$
$
$
%
%
Revenue
378,702
—
378,702
375,754
0.8
0.8
Operating expenses
175,688
(288)
175,400
180,183
(2.5)
(2.7)
Adjusted EBITDA
203,014
288
203,302
195,571
3.8
4.0
Net capital expenditures
71,000
(245)
70,755
73,348
(3.2)
(3.5)
Years ended August 31
2024
2023
Change
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)
Actual
Foreign
exchange
impact
In
constant
currency
Actual
Actual
In
constant
currency
$
$
$
$
%
%
Revenue
1,510,506
—
1,510,506
1,489,915
1.4
1.4
Operating expenses
710,706
(447)
710,259
701,717
1.3
1.2
Adjusted EBITDA
799,800
447
800,247
788,198
1.5
1.5
Net capital expenditures
356,274
(463)
355,811
354,384
0.5
0.4
American telecommunications segment
Three months ended August 31
2024
2023
Change
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)
Actual
Foreign
exchange
impact
In
constant
currency
Actual
Actual
In
constant
currency
$
$
$
$
%
%
Revenue
369,049
(9,731)
359,318
367,643
0.4
(2.3)
Operating expenses
185,588
(4,916)
180,672
193,172
(3.9)
(6.5)
Adjusted EBITDA
183,461
(4,815)
178,646
174,471
5.2
2.4
Net capital expenditures
76,238
(2,011)
74,227
100,488
(24.1)
(26.1)
Years ended August 31
2024
2023
Change
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)
Actual
Foreign
exchange
impact
In
constant
currency
Actual
Actual
In
constant
currency
$
$
$
$
%
%
Revenue
1,466,018
(15,024)
1,450,994
1,494,213
(1.9)
(2.9)
Operating expenses
759,658
(7,632)
752,026
800,409
(5.1)
(6.0)
Adjusted EBITDA
706,360
(7,392)
698,968
693,804
1.8
0.7
Net capital expenditures
267,728
(2,865)
264,863
336,910
(20.5)
(21.4)
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation
Three months ended August 31
Years ended August 31
2024
2023
2024
2023
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)
$
$
$
$
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation
81,958
86,499
335,534
392,273
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
14,862
—
14,862
—
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs
10,561
15,228
59,731
36,225
Loss on debt extinguishment (1)
—
—
16,880
—
Tax impact for the above items
(6,648)
(3,829)
(24,109)
(9,370)
Non-controlling interest impact for the above items
(1,679)
(723)
(2,467)
(1,168)
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation
99,054
97,175
400,431
417,960
(1) Included within financial expense.
Free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects reconciliations
Three months ended August 31
Years ended August 31
2024
2023
(1)
2024
2023
(1)
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)
$
$
$
$
Cash flows from operating activities
319,177
281,326
1,175,219
962,905
Changes in other non-cash operating activities
(34,878)
(9,946)
(56,369)
97,851
Income taxes paid
6,526
2,025
5,719
91,673
Current income taxes
(553)
(5,708)
(20,147)
(32,067)
Interest paid
71,695
65,489
266,464
239,648
Financial expense
(61,925)
(70,222)
(277,690)
(251,642)
Loss on debt extinguishment (2)
—
—
16,880
—
Amortization of deferred transaction costs and discounts on long-term debt (2)
2,190
3,195
9,143
12,601
Net capital expenditures (3)
(152,253)
(176,617)
(637,833)
(699,506)
Proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment (1)
594
1,037
3,378
2,651
Repayment of lease liabilities
(2,384)
(1,626)
(8,743)
(6,058)
Free cash flow (1)
148,189
88,953
476,021
418,056
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects
56,911
32,928
137,394
172,835
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)
205,100
121,881
613,415
590,891
(1)
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Corporation updated its calculation of free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects, to include proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment. Comparative figures were restated to conform to the current presentation.
(2)
Included within financial expense.
(3)
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 August 31
Years ended August 31
2024
2023
2024
2023
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)
$
$
$
$
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
154,260
205,570
659,090
802,830
Subsidies received in advance recognized as a reduction of the cost of property, plant and equipment during the period
(2,007)
(28,953)
(21,257)
(103,324)
Net capital expenditures
152,253
176,617
637,833
699,506
Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation
Three months ended August 31
Years ended August 31
2024
2023
2024
2023
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)
$
$
$
$
Profit for the period
85,484
91,797
354,132
417,972
Income taxes
15,225
18,119
62,342
94,761
Financial expense
61,925
70,222
277,690
251,642
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
14,862
—
14,862
—
Depreciation and amortization
182,361
155,934
673,557
620,466
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs
10,561
15,228
59,731
36,225
Adjusted EBITDA
370,418
351,300
1,442,314
1,421,066
Net capital expenditures and free cash flow excluding network expansion projects reconciliations
Net capital expenditures
Three months ended August 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
152,253
(2,254)
149,999
176,617
(13.8)
(15.1)
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects
56,911
(576)
56,335
32,928
72.8
71.1
Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects
95,342
(1,678)
93,664
143,689
(33.6)
(34.8)
Years ended August 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
637,833
(3,340)
634,493
699,506
(8.8)
(9.3)
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects
137,394
(780)
136,614
172,835
(20.5)
(21.0)
Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects
500,439
(2,560)
497,879
526,671
(5.0)
(5.5)
Free cash flow
Three months ended August 31
2024
2023
(1)
Change
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)
Actual
Foreign exchange impact
In
constant currency
Actual
Actual
In
constant currency
$
$
$
$
%
%
Free cash flow (1)
148,189
(462)
147,727
88,953
66.6
66.1
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects
56,911
(576)
56,335
32,928
72.8
71.1
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)
205,100
(1,038)
204,062
121,881
68.3
67.4
(1)
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Corporation updated its calculation of free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects, to include proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment. Comparative figures were restated to conform to the current presentation.
Years ended August 31
2024
2023
(1)
Change
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)
Actual
Foreign exchange impact
In
constant currency
Actual
Actual
In
constant currency
$
$
$
$
%
%
Free cash flow (1)
476,021
(932)
475,089
418,056
13.9
13.6
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects
137,394
(780)
136,614
172,835
(20.5)
(21.0)
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)
613,415
(1,712)
611,703
590,891
3.8
3.5
(1)
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Corporation updated its calculation of free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects, to include proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment. Comparative figures were restated to conform to the current presentation.
Additional information
Additional information relating to the Corporation, including its Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Corporation’s website at corpo.cogeco.com.
About Cogeco Communications Inc.
Cogeco Communications Inc. is a leading telecommunications provider committed to bringing people together through powerful communications and entertainment experiences. We provide world-class Internet, video and wireline phone services to 1.6 million residential and business subscribers in Canada and thirteen states in the United States. We also offer wireless services in most of our U.S. operating territory. Our services are marketed under the Cogeco and oxio brands in Canada, and under the Breezeline brand in the U.S. We take pride in our strong presence in the communities we serve and in our commitment to a sustainable future. Cogeco Communications Inc.’s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA).
For information:
Investors
Troy Crandall
Head, Investor Relations
Cogeco Communications Inc.
Tel.: 514 764-4600
troy.crandall@cogeco.com
Media
Claudja Joseph
Director, Communications & DEI
Cogeco Communications Inc.
Tel.: 514 764-4600
claudja.joseph@cogeco.com
Conference Call:
Friday, November 1st, 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 Communications’ 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 Communications’ 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 Communications Inc.
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