Technology

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

Published

1 year ago

October 31, 2024

Strong progress on the strategic priorities announced last quarter centered on synergies, digitization, advanced analytics, network expansion and wireless, as well as transforming our radio business.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 Inc. (TSX: CGO) (“Cogeco” 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.

“While competitive dynamics in the radio advertising market remain challenging, many of Cogeco Media’s radio stations remained high in the ratings again this quarter. Furthermore, our digital advertising solutions continue to provide a growing contribution to our overall revenue.

“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

768,656

766,652

0.3

(1.0)

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

371,216

351,925

5.5

4.2

Profit for the period

81,437

90,521

(10.0)

Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation

19,248

29,234

(34.2)

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation (2)(3)

25,562

33,006

(22.6)

Cash flows from operating activities

326,723

284,370

14.9

Free cash flow (1)(2)

143,055

87,274

63.9

63.4

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

199,966

120,202

66.4

65.5

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

156,577

207,434

(24.5)

Net capital expenditures (2)(4)

154,570

178,481

(13.4)

(14.7)

Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (2)

97,659

145,553

(32.9)

(34.1)

Diluted earnings per share

1.99

1.87

6.4

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (2)(3)

2.65

2.12

25.0

Operating results

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 ended on August 31, 2024:

Revenue remained stable at $768.7 million. On a constant currency basis(2), revenue decreased by 1.0% due to a decline in revenue in the American telecommunications segment and in the media activities, 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.Revenue in the media activities decreased by 10.1% as competitive dynamics in the radio advertising market remain challenging.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 5.5% to $371.2 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 $81.4 million, of which $19.2 million, or $1.99 per diluted share, was attributable to owners of the Corporation compared to $90.5 million, $29.2 million, and $1.87 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 $15.2 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 and lower financial expense.Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation(3) was $25.6 million, or $2.65 per diluted share(3), compared to $33.0 million, or $2.12 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 $154.6 million, a decrease of 13.4% compared to $178.5 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures(2) were $152.3 million, a decrease of 14.7% 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 $97.7 million, a decrease of 32.9% compared to $145.6 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects(2) were $96.0 million, a decrease of 34.1% 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.Acquisition of property, plant and equipment decreased by 24.5% to $156.6 million, mainly resulting from lower spending.Free cash flow(1) increased by 63.9%, or 63.4% in constant currency, and amounted to $143.1 million, or $142.6 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 66.4%, or 65.5% in constant currency, and amounted to $200.0 million, or $198.9 million in constant currency.Cash flows from operating activities increased by 14.9% to $326.7 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 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 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 $660 and $735 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. 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

3,074

Adjusted EBITDA

Stable

1,455

Net capital expenditures

$660 to $735

643

Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects

$140 to $190

137

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, 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. 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.

(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

Three months and years ended August 31

2024

2023

(1)

Change

Change in

constant
currency

(2)

(3)

2024

2023

(1)

Change

Change in

constant
currency

(2)

(3)

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

Operations

Revenue

768,656

766,652

0.3

(1.0)

3,073,985

3,081,136

(0.2)

(0.7)

Adjusted EBITDA (3)

371,216

351,925

5.5

4.2

1,454,817

1,432,929

1.5

1.0

Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs (4)

12,177

15,239

(20.1)

63,298

36,245

74.6

Impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill

15,229

—

15,229

88,000

(82.7)

Profit for the period

81,437

90,521

(10.0)

349,381

350,235

(0.2)

Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation

19,248

29,234

(34.2)

96,746

70,630

37.0

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

25,562

33,006

(22.6)

119,048

149,298

(20.3)

Cash flow

Cash flows from operating activities

326,723

284,370

14.9

1,185,150

968,214

22.4

Free cash flow (1)(3)

143,055

87,274

63.9

63.4

475,765

424,083

12.2

12.0

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

199,966

120,202

66.4

65.5

613,159

596,918

2.7

2.4

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

156,577

207,434

(24.5)

664,004

806,237

(17.6)

Net capital expenditures (3)(6)

154,570

178,481

(13.4)

(14.7)

642,747

702,913

(8.6)

(9.0)

Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (3)

97,659

145,553

(32.9)

(34.1)

505,353

530,078

(4.7)

(5.1)

Per share data (7)

Earnings per share

Basic

2.02

1.89

6.9

8.63

4.53

90.5

Diluted

1.99

1.87

6.4

8.55

4.51

89.6

Adjusted diluted (3)(5)

2.65

2.12

25.0

10.52

9.53

10.4

Dividends per share

0.854

0.731

16.8

3.416

2.924

16.8

(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 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 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)

(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

77,746

363,854

Total assets

9,773,739

9,869,778

Long-term debt

Current

370,108

43,325

Non-current

4,594,057

5,045,672

Net indebtedness (1)

4,957,594

4,817,113

Equity attributable to owners of the Corporation

810,437

925,863

Return on equity (2)

11.1 %

7.7 %

(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 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. 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 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. 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 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’s non-IFRS Accounting Standards ratios.

Specified non-IFRS Accounting Standards measure

Used in the component of the following non-IFRS Accounting Standards ratio

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

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

constant
currency

Actual

constant
currency

Revenue

768,656

(9,731)

758,925

766,652

0.3

(1.0)

Operating expenses

397,440

(5,234)

392,206

414,727

(4.2)

(5.4)

Adjusted EBITDA

371,216

(4,497)

366,719

351,925

5.5

4.2

Free cash flow (1)

143,055

(462)

142,593

87,274

63.9

63.4

Net capital expenditures

154,570

(2,254)

152,316

178,481

(13.4)

(14.7)

(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

constant
currency

Actual

constant
currency

Revenue

3,073,985

(15,024)

3,058,961

3,081,136

(0.2)

(0.7)

Operating expenses

1,619,168

(8,121)

1,611,047

1,648,207

(1.8)

(2.3)

Adjusted EBITDA

1,454,817

(6,903)

1,447,914

1,432,929

1.5

1.0

Free cash flow (1)

475,765

(932)

474,833

424,083

12.2

12.0

Net capital expenditures

642,747

(3,340)

639,407

702,913

(8.6)

(9.0)

(1)

Canadian telecommunications segment

Three months ended August 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

constant
currency

Actual

constant
currency

Revenue

378,702

—

378,702

375,754

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

constant
currency

Actual

constant
currency

Revenue

1,510,506

—

1,510,506

1,489,915

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

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

constant
currency

Actual

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

constant
currency

Actual

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

19,248

29,234

96,746

70,630

Impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill

15,229

—

15,229

88,000

Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs

12,177

15,239

63,298

36,245

Loss on debt extinguishment (1)

—

16,880

—

Tax impact for the above items

(7,173)

(3,832)

(25,151)

(27,770)

Non-controlling interest impact for the above items

(13,919)

(7,635)

(47,954)

(17,807)

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation

25,562

33,006

119,048

149,298

(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

326,723

284,370

1,185,150

968,214

Changes in other non-cash operating activities

(44,264)

(12,970)

(58,459)

102,422

Income taxes paid

6,124

2,190

4,890

91,968

Current income taxes

(682)

(5,523)

(20,995)

(31,973)

Interest paid

74,150

66,544

275,283

243,321

Financial expense

(64,461)

(71,198)

(286,672)

(255,010)

Loss on debt extinguishment (2)

—

16,880

—

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

2,257

3,212

9,336

12,672

Net capital expenditures (3)

(154,570)

(178,481)

(642,747)

(702,913)

Proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment (1)

594

1,037

3,381

2,653

Repayment of lease liabilities

(2,816)

(1,907)

(10,282)

(7,271)

Free cash flow (1)

143,055

87,274

475,765

424,083

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)

199,966

120,202

613,159

596,918

(1)

(2)

Included within financial expense.

(3)

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

156,577

207,434

664,004

806,237

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

154,570

178,481

642,747

702,913

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

81,437

90,521

349,381

350,235

Income taxes

14,262

17,827

61,808

78,379

Financial expense

64,461

71,198

286,672

255,010

Impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill

15,229

—

15,229

88,000

Depreciation and amortization

183,650

157,140

678,429

625,060

Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs

12,177

15,239

63,298

36,245

Adjusted EBITDA

371,216

351,925

1,454,817

1,432,929

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

constant
currency

Actual

constant
currency

Net capital expenditures

154,570

(2,254)

152,316

178,481

(13.4)

(14.7)

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

97,659

(1,678)

95,981

145,553

(32.9)

(34.1)

Years ended August 31

2024

2023

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

constant
currency

Actual

constant
currency

Net capital expenditures

642,747

(3,340)

639,407

702,913

(8.6)

(9.0)

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

505,353

(2,560)

502,793

530,078

(4.7)

(5.1)

Free cash flow

Three months ended August 31

2024

2023

(1)

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

constant
currency

Actual

constant
currency

Free cash flow (1)

143,055

(462)

142,593

87,274

63.9

63.4

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)

199,966

(1,038)

198,928

120,202

66.4

65.5

(1)

Years ended August 31

2024

2023

(1)

Change

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)

Actual

Foreign
exchange
impact

constant
currency

Actual

constant
currency

Free cash flow (1)

475,765

(932)

474,833

424,083

12.2

12.0

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)

613,159

(1,712)

611,447

596,918

2.7

2.4

(1)

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 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:

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

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

Local – Toronto: 1 289 514-5100

Toll Free – North America: 1 800 717-1738

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

SOURCE Cogeco Inc.

Technology

Penn Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia team awarded Breakthrough Prize for developing gene therapy for inherited blindness

Published

8 minutes ago

April 18, 2026

LOS ANGELES, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Their discovery started with a group of blind dogs living at a vet school. Now, the work has been awarded the prestigious Breakthrough Prize at the “Oscars of Science.”

Today, Jean Bennett, MD, PHD, and Albert Maguire, MD, both emeritus professors of Ophthalmology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and Katherine High, MD, an emeritus professor of Pediatrics and the founding director of the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), received the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for their work in developing the first FDA-approved gene therapy for an inherited condition, which dramatically improves sight in people with a form of blindness called Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA).

Their work blazed a trail for the more than 140 gene therapy trials for retinal conditions, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, diseases that collectively impact about 30 million people in the US. Eighty more trials are currently underway.

“Even 20 years ago, treating people with gene therapy was seen by some as an impossibility,” said Jonathan Epstein, MD, dean of the Perelman School of Medicine and executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System. “But this group of incredible physician-scientists persisted and created something that is providing sight to people who would have been completely blind as early as kindergarten. Their belief in the power of life-changing science has led to breathtaking results and richly deserved global recognition.”

The Breakthrough Prizes are called the “Oscars of Science” for their high-profile celebration of research and support from celebrities spanning numerous areas of pop culture. Created in 2012 by Sergey Brin, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, Yuri and Julia Milner, and Anne Wojcicki, the prizes are given out in five categories including Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics, and Math, each with an accompanying $3 million award.

This year’s accolade now means that nine Penn-affiliated researchers have received the Breakthrough Prize, tied for the most with Harvard University. The prior Penn Medicine award winners are Carl June, PhD (2024), Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, and Katalin Karikó, PhD (2022), and Virginia M.Y. Lee, PhD (2019). Additionally, Penn faculty members Charles Kane, PhD, and Eugene Mele, PhD, won the prize for Physics in 2019. Mathew Madhavacheril, PhD, an assistant professor of Physics and Astronomy in Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences, also received recognition at this year’s Breakthrough Prize ceremony when he was honored with the New Horizons in Physics award, given to researchers early in their careers.

“Science is rarely a straight path, and those who make the most profound discoveries are resilient and persistent, overcoming obstacles along the way,” said J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, president of the University of Pennsylvania. “That is exactly what I see in this year’s awardees, and it has been true of all our remarkable faculty who have been recognized for scientific breakthroughs. Whether they are discovering what lies beneath Alzheimer’s Disease, curing cancer by engineering a patients’ own immune cells, or reversing blindness—they have persisted with imagination and rigor. Their steadfastness has pushed the boundaries of what medicine can achieve.”

“Developing cell and gene therapies has long been a top priority for our organization,” said Madeline Bell, CHOP’s CEO. “This breakthrough is the result of decades of investment and collaboration, and reflects our commitment to translating scientific discoveries into therapies that will transform patients’ lives. It has paved the way for many more cell and gene therapy innovations and has given hope to families around the world.”

“They can see!”

Bennett and Maguire met and married during medical school in the 1980s. It was then that they both became intrigued by the concept of genetic therapy, the practice of replacing a mutated or faulty gene with a functional copy, and started dreaming of treating inherited forms of blindness with the technique, which at that time remained the stuff of science fiction.

It was “like thinking you wanted to go to the moon in 1950,” Maguire said many years later.

Both Bennett and Maguire joined Penn’s Scheie Eye Institute in the 1990s and began working on their ideas with lab mice. They learned that the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine housed a group of blind dogs who had a condition similar to the human disease: Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). People born with a mutation on the RPE65 gene have poor vision starting at birth and often progress rapidly to complete blindness, usually by their 20s, but sometimes in early childhood.

The pair developed a therapy that used a virus as a transport, carrying a piece of DNA into cells that would then correct the faulty, blindness-causing proteins formed by the bad gene. The idea: Once the proteins were set right, some sight might return. First, they tested the therapy by injecting it into a single eye in each of three dogs.

It wasn’t long until they knew whether it worked. Bennett recalls receiving an excited phone call from a technician at the lab, who exclaimed, “They can see!”

Sure enough, the dogs were twirling around, using their treated eyes to see. Before treatment, the dogs had bumped and tripped through an obstacle course set up to test their sight. After the full treatment, the course was an easy task for the dogs.

A knock on the door

In parallel with Bennett and Maguire’s dreams of gene therapy, High was also working to bring the field forward. Like Bennett and Maguire, she had achieved long-term reversal of a serious genetic disease in a dog model: In her case, for hemophilia, a life-threatening bleeding disorder. High had advanced these studies from success in dogs to initial clinical trials in humans, delivering the donated gene into skeletal muscle and the liver.

The work was promising, but the human immune response to the gene delivery vessel—which was derived from a virus in the same way Bennett and Maguire’s therapy was—prevented sustained benefits from the therapeutic gene. At the same time, companies and investors, discouraged by high profile negative events, began to turn away from gene therapy. Progress stalled.

But with support from CHOP, High founded the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics (CCMT) in 2004. She recruited experts in all aspects of clinical gene therapy, including specialized knowledge in the manufacturing and release of gene therapy vectors, which are the particles that deliver a healthy copy of a defective gene to patients.

After vector production was set up at CHOP, High went to Bennett’s office and knocked on the door with a proposition to start a clinical trial in humans. In 2007, Maguire, who was then a surgeon in Pediatric Ophthalmology at CHOP, administered an injection of the experimental therapy at CHOP into a clinical trial participant – a 26-year-old woman—for the first time. Her twin, with the same condition, received the treatment shortly after.

When the team assessed the treatment of the 37 eligible participants from the original clinical trials, 72 percent reported the maximum possible improvement in a test of low-light conditions, which simulates night vision. Amid these, many reported improved peripheral and central vision, too. One patient, who could only detect changes in light, was suddenly able to navigate walking through Philadelphia at night, unaided, and could make out the clock on City Hall. Another patient was able to see a star for the first time in her life just six days after the procedure.

In 2017, the therapy—by then manufactured by Spark Therapeutics, a spinout from CHOP, and called Luxturna—received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It became the first FDA approval of a genetic therapy for an inherited disease. Today, hundreds of people around the world have successfully received the treatment.

A celebration of decades of work

Today’s celebration in Los Angeles marks a celebratory milestone in roughly 40 years of work led by Bennett, Maguire, and High that has inspired others in the now vibrant field of gene therapy. In fact, a treatment stemming from High’s original work with hemophilia received FDA approval in 2024.

“We always just did what we thought you were supposed to do if you were a doctor: Find treatments for diseases,” said Maguire. “Both my father and Jean’s worked in science, and it seemed normal to try to push the envelope.”

“I think the only surprise for us was that things worked out so well,” Bennett said. “For every success, there are usually so many failures. That’s just the nature of science. But our team hit on something that has helped so many people and helped progress the field, and we’re really grateful for our part in that.”

High described the journey between the start of her collaboration with Bennett and Maguire in 2005 and the FDA approval in 2017 as “an arduous one.”

“At times, it seemed that the number of obstacles we needed to overcome to reach regulatory approval was never-ending,” High said. “Working without the benefit of the guidelines and precedents we now have today, we sought to solve each day’s problems so that the program would have a tomorrow. It was a bold and uncertain investment of time, effort, and resources. Few were willing to take on the risks, but it ultimately paid off, and it helped build the foundation of modern gene therapy.”

About Penn Medicine:
Penn Medicine is one of the world’s leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, excellence in patient care, and community service.

The organization consists of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Penn’s Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine, founded in 1765 as the nation’s first medical school.

The Perelman School of Medicine is consistently among the nation’s top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with more than $588 million awarded in the 2024 fiscal year. Home to a proud history of “firsts,” Penn Medicine teams have pioneered discoveries that have shaped modern medicine, including CAR T cell therapy for cancer and the Nobel Prize-winning mRNA technology used in COVID-19 vaccines.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System cares for patients in facilities and their homes stretching from the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania to the New Jersey shore. UPHS facilities include the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Chester County Hospital, Doylestown Health, Lancaster General Health, Princeton Health, and Pennsylvania Hospital—the nation’s first hospital, chartered in 1751. Additional facilities and enterprises include Penn Medicine at Home, GSPP Rehabilitation, Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, and Princeton House Behavioral Health, among others.

Penn Medicine is a $13.7 billion enterprise powered by more than 50,000 talented faculty and staff.

About Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia:
A non-profit, charitable organization, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, the hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. The institution has a well-established history of providing advanced pediatric care close to home through its CHOP Care Network, which includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care and surgical centers, urgent care centers, and community hospital alliances throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. CHOP also operates the Middleman Family Pavilion and its dedicated pediatric emergency department in King of Prussia, the Behavioral Health and Crisis Center (including a 24/7 Crisis Response Center) and the Center for Advanced Behavioral Healthcare, a mental health outpatient facility. Its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit www.chop.edu .

Media Contacts:

CHOP PR Contact:
Ashley Moore
Moorea1@chop.edu
267-426-6071

Penn Medicine PR Contact:
Frank Otto
Frank.Otto@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
267-693-2999

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SOURCE Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Technology

Haloid Solutions Expands Access to Radio Equipment by Offering Flexible Financing and Leasing Solutions Named HaloidFLEX

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2026

NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As part of Haloid Solutions’ long-term commitment to helping businesses and municipalities acquire critical communications equipment despite budgetary constraints, Haloid now offers specialized financing and leasing programs through its HaloidFLEX program.

Designed to ensure that companies and governments have the equipment they need without costly capital expenditures outlays, HaloidFLEX offers financing for equipment purchased directly from manufacturers or local radio dealers. HaloidFLEX financing offers zero percent and low-interest options as well as predictable monthly payments for qualified buyers. HaloidFLEX clients can even opt to incorporate extended support services and protections into their financing to prepare for accidents, theft, or equipment losses. This gives companies peace of mind with one low monthly payment.

For organizations that don’t want or need to own equipment long-term, the HaloidFLEX leasing program offers similar benefits with potential tax advantages. Companies can lease brand new equipment and upgrade or return it at lease-end as needed. For companies seeking flexible options – or those that are interested in upgrading to the latest technology as it becomes available – leasing makes perfect sense.

One of the added benefits of each program is that HaloidFLEX allows clients to bundle services and protections that would normally be billed separately. Accidental damage, theft, and loss protections can be put in place, so that there’s never a lapse in communication if a radio fails. Extended warranties are also available upon request, so companies can customize their financing and protection to fit their budget and safeguard their equipment simultaneously.

According to a Haloid Solutions spokesperson, “Bundling expenses simply makes sense. It reduces the need for multiple policies and flexes with organizations to ensure critical communication equipment is available when needed while guaranteeing that the company’s investment is protected for the life of the equipment.”

HaloidFLEX financing and leasing programs are available to qualified businesses and municipalities nationwide. To learn more or request a customized quote, visit HaloidSolutions.com.

About Haloid Solutions

Haloid Solutions is the go-to resource for U.S. businesses and municipalities in search of financing and leasing for two-way radios, walkie talkies, communications equipment, accessories, and services. Focused on reliability, affordability, and performance, Haloid strives to equip professionals in all communication-based industries with the resources they need most.

For more information about Haloid Solutions, or details about the HaloidFLEX financing or leasing programs, please visit https://haloidsolutions.com/collections/lmr-radio-financing-and-leasing-and-subscription-low-cost-payment-options-for-2-way-radio-equipment or contact us on our website.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/haloid-solutions-expands-access-to-radio-equipment-by-offering-flexible-financing-and-leasing-solutions-named-haloidflex-302746527.html

SOURCE HALOID SOLUTIONS

Technology

CAS Holdings Appoints Patrick McDermott as Chief Executive Officer

Published

4 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Leadership Transition Positions CAS Holdings for Continued Growth and Customer-Focused Innovation

FRANKLIN, Mass., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CAS Holdings, a leader in industrial automation distribution, engineering, and integration, is pleased to announce that Patrick McDermott has been named Chief Executive Officer.

McDermott previously served as President and Chief Revenue Officer, where he played a key role in driving growth across the organization, strengthening customer relationships, and leading teams with a clear focus on execution and results.

In his new role as CEO, McDermott will lead CAS Holdings into its next phase of growth, building on the company’s strong foundation and continued commitment to delivering value to customers, partners, and employees.

“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO at CAS Holdings,” said McDermott. “Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team, support our customers, and help drive the growth of our organization. I’m excited to build on that momentum as we move into our next chapter.”

CAS Holdings, through its divisions including iAutomation and RND Automation, delivers a full spectrum of industrial automation solutions – from product distribution and technical support to custom machine building and system integration. Serving OEM machine builders and end-users, the company brings deep expertise in motion control, robotics, and vision, along with value-added capabilities such as kitting, sub-assembly, panel building, and turnkey automation systems, acting as an extension of its customers’ engineering and production teams.

McDermott’s leadership will focus on advancing CAS Holdings’ strategic initiatives, strengthening its market position, and continuing to deliver innovative automation solutions that support customers across a wide range of industries.

“We have a strong foundation, a talented team, and a clear direction. I’m looking forward to what we’ll accomplish together,” McDermott said. “Our focus remains on supporting our customers with responsive, local expertise, strong supplier partnerships, and the engineering and production capabilities they rely on to keep their operations running and growing.”

About Complete Automation Solutions Holdings

Complete Automation Solutions Holdings (CAS Holdings) is dedicated to empowering industrial automation companies, including those in the packaging industry, to achieve optimal efficiency and success. With a diverse portfolio encompassing industrial distribution, panel building and assembly, system integration, and robotics, CAS Holdings provides comprehensive packaging machines and solutions tailored to meet industry needs. The company prioritizes strong partnerships, expert engineering, and innovative solutions, ensuring sustainable practices and continuous improvement. CAS Holdings envisions a future where its transformative automation solutions redefine industry standards and drive growth. Committed to transparency and collaboration, CAS Holdings aims to be the most trusted partner in the automation sector.

Press Contact:

Erika Jacques
508-838-8012
http://www.iautomation.com/

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SOURCE CAS Holdings, Inc.