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Cogeco Releases its Financial Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2025

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Strong customer momentum driven by solid Internet subscriber growth in Canada and improving subscriber performance in the U.S.Three-year transformation program centered on synergies, digitization, advanced analytics and network expansion, as well as initiatives to transform our radio business, fully underway.On track to launch wireless in Canada over the coming quarters.Adjusted EBITDA(1) grew by 1.4% over last year, while profit for the period increased by 9.8%.Fiscal 2025 financial guidelines maintained.A quarterly dividend of $0.922 per share was declared, representing an 8.0% increase over the prior year.

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 13, 2025 /CNW/ – Today, Cogeco Inc. (TSX: CGO) (“Cogeco” or the “Corporation”) announced its financial results for the first quarter ended November 30, 2024.

“As we enter fiscal 2025 under a new operating model focused on synergies, digital, and analytics, we are already seeing positive developments in many aspects of our business,” said Frédéric Perron, President and CEO. “High-speed Internet subscriber growth remains strong in Canada, subscriber metrics are improving in the U.S, and our preparation for an upcoming Canadian wireless launch is on track.

“Our Canadian telecommunications business recorded solid Internet subscriber growth in both the Cogeco and oxio brands, as well as from the network expansion program in Ontario.

“In the U.S., our financial results were as expected. Our overall product mix continued to improve, driven by demand for higher speed offerings, while efficiency initiatives drove another quarter of solid adjusted EBITDA margin. Furthermore, we recorded improving subscriber trends, including our best performance in Ohio since we acquired the business.

“At Cogeco Media, competitive dynamics in the radio advertising market remain challenging, however, our digital advertising solutions continue to provide a growing contribution to our overall revenue, and we continue to experience strong listener engagement with radio stations remaining at the top of the ratings.

“We have successfully embarked on a three-year transformation program to improve our agility and competitiveness by pursuing new growth initiatives and forging a simpler cost-efficient North American organization. I would like to thank our employees and stakeholders for their continued support.”

Consolidated Financial Highlights

Three months ended November 30

2024

2023

(2)

Change

Change in

constant
currency

(1)

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

$

$

%

%

Revenue

764,960

776,172

(1.4)

(1.8)

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

371,084

366,033

1.4

1.0

Profit for the period

108,396

98,729

9.8

Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation

29,809

34,541

(13.7)

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

27,221

40,038

(32.0)

Cash flows from operating activities

208,655

236,919

(11.9)

Free cash flow (1)(2)

152,451

142,078

7.3

7.2

Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)(2)

174,250

173,738

0.3

0.2

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

153,514

153,789

(0.2)

Net capital expenditures (1)(4)

150,916

146,667

2.9

2.4

Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (1)

129,117

115,007

12.3

11.7

Diluted earnings per share

3.09

2.21

39.8

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)(3)

2.82

2.57

9.7

Operating results

For the first quarter of fiscal 2025 ended on November 30, 2024:

Revenue decreased by 1.4% to $765.0 million. On a constant currency basis(1), revenue decreased by 1.8% due to a decline in revenue in the American telecommunications segment and in the media activities, while revenue remained stable in the Canadian telecommunications segment.American telecommunications’ revenue decreased by 2.6%, or 3.4% in constant currency, mainly due to a decline in our subscriber base, especially for entry-level services, and to a higher proportion of customers subscribing to Internet-only services. The decline was offset in part by a better product mix.Revenue in the media activities decreased by 7.8% as competitive dynamics in the radio advertising market remain challenging.Canadian telecommunications’ revenue remained stable, mainly driven by the cumulative effect of high-speed Internet service additions over the past years, including from network expansion projects, as well as from the Niagara Regional Broadband Network acquisition completed on February 5, 2024, offset by an overall decline in video and wireline phone service subscribers as an increasing proportion of customers subscribe to Internet-only services.Adjusted EBITDA increased by 1.4% to $371.1 million. On a constant currency basis, adjusted EBITDA increased by 1.0%, mainly due to higher adjusted EBITDA in the Canadian telecommunications segment and lower corporate costs driven by initiatives undertaken in relation to the strategic wireless partnerships announced in August, offset in part by lower revenue in the media activities, while adjusted EBITDA remained stable in the American telecommunications segment.Canadian telecommunications adjusted EBITDA increased by 1.6% as reported and in constant currency, mostly due to lower operating expenses driven by lower technology licensing costs and the timing of certain operating expenses, a $2.6 million gain on disposals of certain property, plant and equipment, as well as cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies.American telecommunications adjusted EBITDA remained stable as reported and in constant currency, driven by cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies, offset by lower revenue.Profit for the period amounted to $108.4 million, of which $29.8 million, or $3.09 per diluted share, was attributable to owners of the Corporation compared to $98.7 million, $34.5 million, and $2.21 per diluted share, respectively, in the comparable period of fiscal 2024. The increase in profit for the period resulted mainly from a lower financial expense due in part to last year’s pre-tax $16.9 million non-cash loss on debt extinguishment recognized following a US$1.6 billion refinancing in September 2023, a pre-tax $13.8 million non-cash gain recognized during the first quarter of fiscal 2025 in connection with a sale and leaseback transaction of a building in Ontario, and higher adjusted EBITDA. The increase was partly offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense and higher income tax expense. The decrease in profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation mainly reflected the impact of the reduced ownership in Cogeco Communications following a share repurchase transaction in December 2023.Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation(3) was $27.2 million, or $2.82 per diluted share(3), compared to $40.0 million, or $2.57 per diluted share, last year. The increase of adjusted diluted earnings per share over last year reflects the benefit of last year’s December’s share buyback transaction.Net capital expenditures were $150.9 million, an increase of 2.9% compared to $146.7 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures(1) were $150.2 million, an increase of 2.4% compared to last year, mainly due to higher spending in the American telecommunications segment mostly due to the timing of certain initiatives, offset in part by lower spending in the Canadian telecommunications segment, also mainly due to the timing of certain initiatives and lower purchases of customer premise equipment.Excluding network expansion projects, net capital expenditures were $129.1 million, an increase of 12.3% compared to $115.0 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects(1) were $128.4 million, an increase of 11.7% compared to last year, mainly due to the same factors as above.Fibre-to-the-home network expansion projects continued in both Canada and the United States, with the addition of close to 9,500 homes passed during the first quarter of fiscal 2025.Acquisition of property, plant and equipment amounted to $153.5 million and remained stable compared to last year.Free cash flow(2) increased by 7.3%, or 7.2% in constant currency, and amounted to $152.5 million, or $152.2 million in constant currency(1), mainly due to net proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment, including net proceeds amounting to $16.5 million received in connection with a sale and leaseback transaction of a building in Ontario, offset in part by higher current income taxes and net capital expenditures. Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects(2) amounted to $174.3 million, or $174.0 million in constant currency, and remained stable compared to the same period of the prior year.Cash flows from operating activities decreased by 11.9% to $208.7 million, mostly due to lower cash from other non-cash operating activities, due in part to the timing of grants received in connection with network expansion projects and the collection of trade accounts receivable, and higher income taxes paid, partly offset by higher adjusted EBITDA.Cogeco maintains its fiscal 2025 financial guidelines as issued on October 31, 2024.At its January 13, 2025 meeting, the Board of Directors of Cogeco declared a quarterly eligible dividend of $0.922 per share, an increase of 8.0% compared to $0.854 per share in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2024

 

____________

(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 Accounting Standards measures. Change in constant currency 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.

(2)

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, which includes proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions. 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.

(3)

Excludes the impact of acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs (gains) (which includes the non-cash gain on sale and leaseback transactions recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2025), and the non-cash loss on debt extinguishment recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 (all 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.

Financial highlights

Three months ended November 30

2024

2023

(1)

Change

Change in

constant
currency

(2)

(3)

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

$

$

%

%

Operations

Revenue

764,960

776,172

(1.4)

(1.8)

Adjusted EBITDA (3)

371,084

366,033

1.4

1.0

Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs (gains) (4)

(9,648)

3,265

Profit for the period

108,396

98,729

9.8

Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation

29,809

34,541

(13.7)

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation (3)(5)

27,221

40,038

(32.0)

Cash flow

Cash flows from operating activities

208,655

236,919

(11.9)

Free cash flow (1)(3)

152,451

142,078

7.3

7.2

Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)(3)

174,250

173,738

0.3

0.2

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

153,514

153,789

(0.2)

Net capital expenditures (3)(6)

150,916

146,667

2.9

2.4

Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (3)

129,117

115,007

12.3

11.7

Per share data (7)

Earnings per share

Basic

3.13

2.23

40.4

Diluted

3.09

2.21

39.8

Adjusted diluted (3)(5)

2.82

2.57

9.7

Dividends per share

0.922

0.854

8.0

(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, which includes proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions. Proceeds from sale and leaseback and other disposals of property, plant and equipment amounted to $19.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 ($0.3 million for the same period of fiscal 2024). 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 period denominated in US dollars at the foreign exchange rate of the comparable period of the prior year. For the three-month period ended November 30, 2023, the average foreign exchange rate used for translation was 1.3654 USD/CDN.

(3)

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 Accounting Standards measures. Change in constant currency 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 ended November 30, 2024, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs (gains) were mostly related to a $13.8 million non-cash gain recognized in connection with a sale and leaseback transaction of a building in Ontario. For the three-month period ended November 30, 2023, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs were mostly related to configuration and customization costs related to cloud computing and other arrangements.

(5)

Excludes the impact of acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs (gains), 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

November 30, 2024

August 31, 2024

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

$

$

Financial condition

Cash and cash equivalents

92,841

77,746

Total assets

10,025,750

9,773,739

Long-term debt

Current

351,728

370,108

Non-current

4,752,299

4,594,057

Net indebtedness (1)

5,072,740

4,957,594

Equity attributable to owners of the Corporation

844,428

810,437

(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 three-month period ended November 30, 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 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 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. Moreover, the Corporation’s radio operations are significantly exposed to advertising budgets from the retail industry, which can fluctuate due to increased competition and 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 fiscal 2024 annual MD&A and of the fiscal 2025 first-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-month period ended November 30, 2024, the Corporation’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the same period prepared in accordance with IFRS® Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS Accounting Standards”) and the Corporation’s fiscal 2024 Annual Report.

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. 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 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 three-month period ended November 30, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The following non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures are used as a component of Cogeco’s 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

Financial measures presented on a constant currency basis for the three-month period ended November 30, 2024 are translated at the average foreign exchange rate of the comparable period of the prior year, which was 1.3654 USD/CDN.

Constant currency basis and foreign exchange impact reconciliation

Consolidated

Three months ended November 30

2024

2023

(1)

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
|impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Revenue

764,960

(2,723)

762,237

776,172

(1.4)

(1.8)

Operating expenses

393,876

(1,440)

392,436

410,139

(4.0)

(4.3)

Adjusted EBITDA

371,084

(1,283)

369,801

366,033

1.4

1.0

Free cash flow (1)

152,451

(204)

152,247

142,078

7.3

7.2

Net capital expenditures

150,916

(687)

150,229

146,667

2.9

2.4

(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, which includes proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions. Comparative figures were restated to conform to the current presentation.

Canadian telecommunications segment

Three months ended November 30

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Revenue

377,266

377,266

376,448

0.2

0.2

Operating expenses

177,788

(97)

177,691

180,094

(1.3)

(1.3)

Adjusted EBITDA

199,478

97

199,575

196,354

1.6

1.6

Net capital expenditures

74,161

(120)

74,041

87,836

(15.6)

(15.7)

American telecommunications segment

Three months ended November 30

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

In

constant
currency

Actual

Actual

In

constant
currency

$

$

$

$

%

%

Revenue

361,429

(2,723)

358,706

371,241

(2.6)

(3.4)

Operating expenses

182,617

(1,344)

181,273

193,071

(5.4)

(6.1)

Adjusted EBITDA

178,812

(1,379)

177,433

178,170

0.4

(0.4)

Net capital expenditures

73,727

(563)

73,164

55,853

32.0

31.0

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation

Three months ended November 30

2024

2023

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

$

$

Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation

29,809

34,541

Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs (gains)

(9,648)

3,265

Loss on debt extinguishment (1)

16,880

Tax impact for the above items

199

(5,333)

Non-controlling interest impact for the above items

6,861

(9,315)

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation

27,221

40,038

(1)

Included within financial expense.

Free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects reconciliations

Three months ended November 30

2024

2023

(1)

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

$

$

Cash flows from operating activities

208,655

236,919

Changes in other non-cash operating activities

80,652

58,495

Income taxes paid

15,048

2,903

Current income taxes

(15,126)

(8,042)

Interest paid

63,816

65,038

Financial expense

(67,798)

(84,294)

Loss on debt extinguishment (2)

16,880

Amortization of deferred transaction costs and discounts on long-term debt (2)

1,532

2,691

Net capital expenditures (3)

(150,916)

(146,667)

Proceeds from sale and leaseback and other disposals of property, plant and equipment (1)

19,622

255

Repayment of lease liabilities

(3,034)

(2,100)

Free cash flow (1)

152,451

142,078

Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects

21,799

31,660

Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)

174,250

173,738

(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, which includes proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions. 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 November 30

2024

2023

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

$

$

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

153,514

153,789

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

(2,598)

(7,122)

Net capital expenditures

150,916

146,667

Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

Three months ended November 30

2024

2023

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

$

$

Profit for the period

108,396

98,729

Income taxes

27,336

19,381

Financial expense

67,798

84,294

Depreciation and amortization

177,202

160,364

Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs (gains)

(9,648)

3,265

Adjusted EBITDA

371,084

366,033

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

Net capital expenditures

Three months ended November 30

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

150,916

(687)

150,229

146,667

2.9

2.4

Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects

21,799

(16)

21,783

31,660

(31.1)

(31.2)

Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects

129,117

(671)

128,446

115,007

12.3

11.7

Free cash flow

Three months ended November 30

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)

152,451

(204)

152,247

142,078

7.3

7.2

Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects

21,799

(16)

21,783

31,660

(31.1)

(31.2)

Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)

174,250

(220)

174,030

173,738

0.3

0.2

(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, which includes proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions. Comparative figures were restated to conform to the current presentation.

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.

Cogeco Inc. is a North American leader in the telecommunications and media sectors. Through Cogeco Communications Inc., 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. Through Cogeco Media, we operate 21 radio stations in Canada, primarily in the province of Québec, as well as a news agency. We take pride in our strong presence in the communities we serve and in our commitment to a sustainable future. Both Cogeco Inc.’s and Cogeco Communications Inc.’s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGO and CCA).

For information:

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

Media
Claudja Joseph
Director, Communications & DEI
Cogeco Inc.
Tel.: 514 764-4600
claudja.joseph@cogeco.com

Conference  Call:

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

A live audio webcast of the analyst 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 5 to 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.

The conference call will be followed, at 11:30 a.m., by the annual meeting of shareholders of each company, which will be held this year in hybrid mode. 

via live webcast at: https://my.400.lumiconnect.com/r/participant/live-meeting/400-608-173-827in-person at: Lumi Experience Montreal, 1250 René-Lévesque West, Suite 3610 (36th floor)

 

SOURCE Cogeco Inc.

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Lightspeed Transforms The Retail Experience With New Mobile Selling Application

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Selling on Lightspeed Scanner gives sales associates the power to close sales on the move; improving the customer experience and eliminating the friction of in-store line up’s

MONTREAL, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. (NYSE: LSPD) (TSX: LSPD) (“Lightspeed”), the one-stop commerce platform empowering merchants to provide the best omnichannel experiences, introduces a new game-changing feature for retailers designed to eliminate the frustration of long lines and interrupted shopping experiences by enabling sales associates to complete purchases where the customer is. Selling on Lightspeed Scanner – available on iPhone, is the latest Lightspeed innovation helping retailers create a more customized, frictionless experience for their customers.

With 39% of shoppers citing great customer service as the top reason they’re willing to spend more–according to Lightspeed’s State of Retail 2024 Reportthis enhancement addresses two common pain points in retail: long wait times and inefficient service.

“This launch marks a pivotal moment for retailers,” said Dax Dasilva, CEO of Lightspeed. “By closing the sale directly with the customer—no lines, no disruptions—retailers are meeting shoppers’ needs for speed and personalization, all while creating moments of delight that turn transactions into lasting relationships.”

Research shows that 42% of shoppers would be open to VIP shopping experiences such as skipping lines and personalized shopping recommendations. By empowering sales associates to serve customers end-to-end, Lightspeed helps retailers overcome challenges, ensuring that the shopping experience is fast, flexible, personalized and frictionless.

The new Lightspeed Scanner feature transforms traditional in-store shopping by allowing retailers to:

Queue busting: Streamline the shopping experience by letting customers check out where they are, avoiding the frustration of queuing at registers.Maximize associate impact: Equip sales teams with the tools to offer personalized consultations, check inventory, and process transactions without leaving the customer’s side.Sell seamlessly in any environment: Extend seamless service to diverse selling environments like pop-ups, events, or large retail spaces, offering flexibility and convenience.

“The new selling function on Lightspeed Scanner for X-Series with Tap to Pay has given our team peace of mind,” says Cody Coleman, Owner of Do It Yourself Pest and Weed.

It provides a backup that is ready when the unexpected occurs, without the added cost of additional hardware. Plus, we now have the flexibility to quickly add an additional register when it gets busy in the store.”

Lightspeed has consistently demonstrated its commitment to transforming the retail experience through innovation. With each new product launch, Lightspeed empowers retailers with tools designed for modern challenges. Recent advancements, like Retail Insights, improved inventory management through real-time tracking, and the enhanced Homebase integration offering a seamless solution for employee and time management, showcase Lightspeed’s drive to push boundaries.

Lightspeed is not just adapting to the future of retail but contributing to its design, ensuring customers can stay ahead in a dynamic market.

Retailers eager to enhance their operations and reimagine their in-store experience can visit this page for more information.

About Lightspeed

Powering the businesses that are the backbone of the global economy, Lightspeed’s one-stop commerce platform helps merchants innovate to simplify, scale, and provide exceptional omnichannel customer experiences. Our cloud commerce solution transforms and unifies online and physical operations, multichannel sales, expansion to new locations, global payments, financial solutions, and connection to supplier networks.

Founded in Montréal, Canada in 2005, Lightspeed is dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange (NYSE: LSPD) (TSX: LSPD). With teams across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, the company serves retail, hospitality, and golf businesses in over 100 countries.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may include forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”), including information regarding Lightspeed’s partnerships, product offerings and planned product roadmap. Forward-looking statements are statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions and are identified by words such as “will”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates” or similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Such statements are based on current expectations of Lightspeed’s management and inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including economic factors. A number of risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, including, among other factors, those risk factors identified in our most recent Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Information Form, and in our other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available under our profiles on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully when making decisions with respect to Lightspeed’s subordinate voting shares and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and, while forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that Lightspeed considers reasonable, actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by Lightspeed. Except as may be expressly required by applicable law, Lightspeed does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Lightspeed Commerce Inc.

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DSFederal Awarded OASIS+ GWAC IDIQ Contract

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The Women-Owned Small Business will offer its full range of services in the Management and Advisory, and Technology and Engineering domains

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DSFederal, a leading provider of data science and digital solutions, is pleased to announce its award of the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (“OASIS+”) Governmentwide Acquisition Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (“GWAC ID/IQ”) contract. Under this contract, DSFederal will be eligible to provide its services within the Management & Advisory, and Technology & Engineering domains.

“This award reflects DSFederal’s reputation for providing trusted, effective, and innovative solutions that help meet and solve the growing demands and challenges of Federal clients through vehicles like OASIS+” said Sophia Parker, Owner & CEO of DSFederal. 

Expanded Opportunities to Make a Positive Impact

Recipients of the OASIS+ GWAC contract are eligible to provide a wide range of services to Federal agencies within their respective domains. DSFederal’s inclusion in the contract’s Unrestricted, Small Business, and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) pools will enable the company to offer critical services in multiple areas.

Management and Advisory: DSFederal will provide consulting and advisory services to Federal agency operations, leveraging business intelligence, interactive dashboards, and data-driven decision making to enhance overall performance and efficiency.Technology and Engineering: DSFederal will deliver advanced technology solutions and support, including IT support services (ITSS) and Drupal web development, driving innovation and enabling the modernization of Federal systems and infrastructures.

This award reflects DSFederal’s commitment to providing effective, data-driven solutions that meet the unique needs of the Federal government. With its technical expertise combined with a successful history of delivering federal project solutions, DSFederal is well-positioned to support a wide range of federal initiatives across both established and emerging areas.

For more information about DSFederal, please visit: https://www.dsfederal.com/.

About DSFederal

DSFederal provides transformative technical solutions and strategic support for the Federal Government and for HHS. Our highly specialized data science team, deep public health expertise combined with a broad technology skillset and partnerships with innovative organizations in the private sector help us to connect the dots between data and people, delivering impactful insights with real-life applications.

Our firm is ISO 9001, 20001, 27001 certified and CMMI Level 3 for service and development, proving our commitment to consistently high-quality standards and ensuring customer satisfaction. Our highly experienced professionals partner with 50+ federal clients across more than 80 projects. Our people are united by one mission – to improve human life through transformative solutions.

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SOURCE DSFederal

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HOPE Therapeutics™, Inc. and NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:NRXP) Alert Investors to Sanjay Gupta/CNN Program on Ketamine, Featuring Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute Founder Dr. David Feifel

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‘Special K’: The Science & Stigma of Ketamine” on CNN, hosted by Dr. Sanjay GuptaDavid Feifel MD PHD, Founder of Kadima, is a global thought leader in the interventional psychiatry fieldKadima Neuropsychiatry Institute identified as planned HOPE Flagship Clinic pending acquisition closingDr. Feifel is expected to join HOPE as Chief Medical Innovation Officer

MIAMI, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HOPE Therapeutics™, Inc., (“HOPE”), a medical and technology driven company, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“NRx”, and collectively with HOPE, the “Company”) (Nasdaq:NRXP), today alerted investors that Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute’s Founder David Feifel, MD PHD was featured as an expert in a program on ketamine entitled “‘Special K’: The Science & Stigma of Ketamine” on CNN, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. HOPE previously announced that Kadima is identified as the Company’s planned flagship clinic acquisition, upon closing of the transaction.

Dr. Feifel, a global leader in interventional psychiatry, has accepted a future role as Chief Medical Innovation Officer in conjunction with the previously announced planned acquisition of Kadima by HOPE. The acquisition is subject to completion of financial audits and standard closing conditions.

In his comments, Dr. Feifel supported use the of ketamine in appropriate patients but emphasized the need for appropriate psychiatric supervision in a controlled setting – a view that HOPE wholeheartedly shares. This appearance with Dr. Gupta follows his appearance on another of Dr. Gupta’s programs, “The Wild West of Ketamine Treatment” in August of last year.

“The recent, tragic death of Mathew Perry underscores the need for people with depression to have access to psychiatric centers of excellence where they can receive ketamine and other advanced treatments at the highest standard of medical care,” said David Feifel. “I plan to bring this same vision for use of ketamine and other interventional psychiatry treatment methods that made my clinic, Kadima, an industry gold-standard, to the HOPE network, upon joining the Company.”

About HOPE Therapeutics, Inc.
HOPE Therapeutics, Inc. (www.hopetherapeutics.com) is a development stage healthcare delivery company that intends to develop a best-in-class network of interventional  psychiatry clinics to offer ketamine transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and other lifesaving therapies to patients with suicidal depression and related disorders, together with a digital therapeutic-enabled platform designed to augment and preserve the clinical benefit of NMDA-targeted drug therapy.

About NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
NRx Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics based on its NMDA platform for the treatment of central nervous system disorders, specifically suicidal bipolar depression, chronic pain, and PTSD. The Company is developing NRX-101, an FDA-designated investigational Breakthrough Therapy for suicidal treatment-resistant bipolar depression and chronic pain. NRx plans to file an NDA for Accelerated Approval for NRX-101 in patients with bipolar depression and suicidality or akathisia. NRX-101 additionally has potential to act as a non-opioid treatment for chronic pain, as well as a treatment for complicated UTI.

NRx has recently announced initiation of filing a New Drug Application for NRX-100 (IV ketamine) for the treatment of suicidal depression, based on results of well-controlled clinical trials conducted under the auspices of the US National Institutes of Health and newly obtained data from French health authorities, licensed under a data sharing agreement. NRx was awarded Fast Track Designation for development of ketamine (NRX-100) by the US FDA as part of a protocol to treat patients with acute suicidality.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These statements include, among others, statements regarding closing the acquisition of Kadima and obtaining financing necessary to consummate the acquisition. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “look forward,” and other similar expressions among others. These statements relate to future events or to the Company’s future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company’s operations, results of operations, growth strategy, liquidity, Hope Therapeutic’s ability to consummate the acquisitions of providers for its national network, the Company’s ability to raise adequate capital to fund the Hope Therapeutics acquisitions, and the Company’s ability to spin-off Hope Therapeutics. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Except as may be required by applicable law, The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information:
Matthew Duffy
Chief Business Officer, NRx Pharmaceuticals
Co-Chief Executive Officer, HOPE Therapeutics, Inc.
mduffy@nrxpharma.com

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SOURCE NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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