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Cogeco Communications Announces Private Offering of $275 Million 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes

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/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S./

MONTRÉAL, Feb. 22, 2024 /CNW/ – Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA) (“Cogeco Communications” or the “Corporation”) announced today that it has priced an offering of $275 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior unsecured notes due February 27, 2029 (the “Notes”).

The Notes are being offered through an agency syndicate consisting of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and CIBC World Markets Inc., as lead agents and joint bookrunners, National Bank Financial Inc., as co-lead manager, and Desjardins Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch Canada Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., MUFG Securities (Canada), Ltd., TD Securities Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., and Casgrain & Company Limited, as co-managers.

The offering is expected to close on or about February 27, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. Cogeco Communications intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay existing indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes.

The Notes will be direct and unsubordinated unsecured debt obligations of Cogeco Communications and will rank equally and pari passu with all other unsecured senior indebtedness of Cogeco Communications.

The Notes have been assigned a provisional rating of “BB (high)” from DBRS Limited (Morningstar DBRS) with a “Stable” trend and Cogeco Communications expects that the Notes will receive a rating of “BB+” from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. The Notes are being offered in Canada on a private placement basis in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus requirements under applicable securities legislation.

The Notes have not been and will not be qualified for sale to the public under applicable securities laws in Canada and, accordingly, any offer and sale of the Notes in Canada will be made on a basis which is exempt from the prospectus requirements of such securities laws. The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under, or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of, the U.S. Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful to do so.

About Cogeco Communications Inc.

Rooted in the communities it serves, Cogeco Communications Inc. is a growing competitive force in the North American telecommunications sector, serving 1.6 million residential and business customers. Through its business units Cogeco Connexion and Breezeline, Cogeco Communications provides Internet, video and phone services in Canada as well as in thirteen states in the United States. Cogeco Communications Inc.’s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA). 

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to Cogeco Communications’ 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 completion of the offering on terms acceptable to Cogeco Communications and the use of proceeds therefrom are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including expected growth, results of operations, purchase price allocation, tax rates, weighted average cost of capital, performance and business prospects and opportunities, which Cogeco Communications believes are reasonable as of the current date. 

Refer in particular to the “Corporate objectives and strategies” and “Fiscal 2024 financial guidelines” sections of the Corporation’s 2023 annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) and the “Corporate objectives and strategies” section of the first quarter of fiscal 2024 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 Cogeco Communications, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what Cogeco Communications currently expects. These factors include risks such as general market conditions, competitive risks (including changing competitive ecosystems and disruptive competitive strategies adopted by our competitors), business risks, regulatory risks, technology risks (including cybersecurity), financial risks (including variations in currency and interest rates), our substantial indebtedness and the restrictions on our businesses imposed by the terms of our debt, economic conditions (including inflation pressuring revenue, reduced consumer spending and increasing costs), talent management risks (including highly competitive market for limited pool of digitally skilled employees), human-caused and natural threats to the Corporation’s network (including increased frequency of extreme weather events with the potential to disrupt operations), infrastructure and systems, community acceptance risks, ethical behavior risks, ownership risks, litigation risks and public health and safety, many of which are beyond Cogeco Communications’ control. 

For more exhaustive information on these risks and uncertainties, the reader should refer to the “Uncertainties and main risk factors” section of the Corporation’s 2023 annual MD&A and first quarter of fiscal 2024 MD&A. The closing of the offering is subject to general market and other conditions and there can be no assurance that the offering will be completed or that the terms of the offering will not be modified. 

These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Cogeco Communications and future events and results may vary significantly from what management currently foresees. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information contained in this press release and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent Cogeco Communications’ expectations as of the date of this press release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. While management may elect to do so, the Corporation is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) and does not undertake to update or alter this information at any particular time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Information:
Patrice Ouimet
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Cogeco Communications Inc.
(514) 764-4600
patrice.ouimet@cogeco.com

Troy Crandall
Head, Investor Relations
Cogeco Communications Inc.
(514) 764-4600
troy.crandall@cogeco.com

SOURCE Cogeco Communications Inc.

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BUTLER NATIONAL CORPORATION ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2027 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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– Revenue increased 53% to $30.8 million   – Operating income increased 59% to $7.4 million

– Net income increased 43% to $5.3 million  – Earnings per share increased to $0.08 from $0.06

NEW CENTURY, Kan., Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Butler National Corporation (OTCQX: BUKS), a leader in the growing global market for aircraft modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and a recognized provider of gaming management services, announces its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2027. The Company will host a conference call on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM Central Time to review these results.

Historical selected financial data related to all operations:

(In thousands, except shares and per share data)

Three Months Ended July 31

2026

2025

Revenue

$         30,781

$       20,125

Operating Income

$           7,424

$         4,667

Net Income

$           5,265

$         3,685

Weighted Average Shares – Diluted

63,954,343

66,922,924

Earnings Per Share

$             0.08

$           0.06

Selected Balance Sheet data

(In thousands)

As of

July 31, 2026

As of

April 30, 2026

Total Assets

$         139,520

$       141,842

Current Liabilities

$           25,762

$         31,419

Long-term Liabilities

$           27,458

$         28,445

Stockholders’ Equity

$           86,300

$         81,978

Management Comments

Adam Sefchick, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Butler National Corporation, commented on the results stating, “Butler National delivered record first-quarter earnings in fiscal 2027. These results reflect the dedication of our employees, the continued execution of our strategic initiatives, and our focus on operational efficiency across the organization. Revenue increased 53% to $30.8 million, operating income increased 59% to $7.4 million, and net income increased 43% to $5.3 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2026.

Importantly, our significant revenue growth translated into continued strong profitability, with operating margin increasing to 24% compared to 23% in the prior-year quarter. Earnings per share increased to $0.08 from $0.06, reflecting improved operating performance during the quarter. We also continued our disciplined approach to capital allocation, including ongoing share repurchases and investments in our businesses.

Within our Aerospace Products segment, strong performance from both Avcon Aircraft Modifications and Butler National-Tempe contributed significantly to our results, while Aerospace Products backlog reached a record $51.1 million. At Avcon, we achieved several significant milestones, including the successful completion and delivery of two Challenger 605/650 modification projects that included our recently approved STC for the under-fuselage radome/pod and rails for mounting of sensors. In addition, Avcon completed a complex special mission systems integration project, delivering a CASA CN-235 aircraft upgraded with a new sensor package that included a new Avcon-designed custom workstation. The project demonstrates Avcon’s expanding capabilities beyond structural aircraft modification to provide more comprehensive special mission systems integration solutions, while creating opportunities for derivative products and potential follow-on installations. Special Mission Electronics (Tempe) continued to experience strong customer demand and increasing production volumes.

The increased sales of Avcon aircraft modification kits for customer installation also contributed to revenue and margin performance during the quarter. These included Cessna Caravan camera port modification kits, as well as Avcon rails and Special Mission Pod kits for the King Air. Kit sales remain an important part of our strategy to leverage Avcon’s engineering and certification capabilities while expanding our geographic reach.

These results reflect the continued execution of strategic initiatives implemented over the last several years, including investments in new product development, manufacturing capabilities, and operational efficiency. We remain focused on customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and disciplined growth.”

Jeffrey Yowell, Executive Chairman, commented: “Butler National’s strong first-quarter results demonstrate the continued momentum across our businesses and the effectiveness of the strategy we have been executing. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank our employees for their continued dedication to serving our customers and executing at a high level every day.

As Butler National enters its next chapter of leadership and growth, the Board and management team remain focused on maintaining stability and continuing to execute the Company’s strategic and operational priorities. While the Board conducts its search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer, we remain confident in Adam and our experienced leadership team and their ability to continue advancing the business.

Our objective remains to build upon the momentum already established across Butler National by investing in our capabilities, improving operational execution and pursuing disciplined opportunities for long-term growth and shareholder value creation.”

Stockholders’ equity increased 5% during the first quarter of fiscal 2027 while long-term liabilities declined 3%. During the first quarter of fiscal 2027, we repurchased 246,996 shares of our outstanding common stock for cash under our share repurchase program and as part of our ongoing capital allocation strategy.

Business Segment Highlights

Aerospace Products:

Revenue from the Aerospace Products segment increased 92% to $21.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2027 compared to $11.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The increase in revenue was primarily driven by a $10.7 million increase in aircraft modification activity and a $0.7 million increase in the sales of Special Mission Electronics, partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in Aircraft Avionics. Aircraft Modifications experienced higher activity across multiple programs, including increased work on larger and more complex special mission aircraft projects, as well as repeat modifications utilizing previously developed STCs.

Revenue also benefited from increased sales of modification kits for field installation, including Cessna Caravan camera port modification kits and Avcon rails and Special Mission Pod kits for the King Air, among others. Additionally, Avcon completed and delivered two Special Mission Challenger 605/650 modification projects that included our recently approved STC for the under-fuselage radome/pod and rails for mounting of sensors.

Aerospace Products operating income increased 91% compared to the prior-year quarter, while the segment maintained an operating margin of approximately 25% despite the significant increase in revenue and activity.

Butler National-Tempe continued to experience strong demand for its specialized electronic control systems and defense-related products, including deliveries of M134 minigun gun control units. Special Mission Electronics revenue increased $0.7 million during the quarter, supported by increased production activity, additional customer orders and production efficiencies.

Professional Services:

Revenue from the Professional Services segment increased 3% to $9.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2027 compared to $8.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026.

Traditional casino gaming revenue increased $0.4 million due to increased patron spending. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in sports wagering revenue through the DraftKings sports wagering platform, which decreased to $1.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2026, compared to $1.3 million for the three months ended July 31, 2025. Non-gaming revenue at Boot Hill Casino increased slightly to $1.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2026, compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended July 31, 2025. The Company continues to pursue initiatives designed to increase visitation and enhance the entertainment offerings at Boot Hill Casino & Resort, including the development of the adjacent Glo Hotel property by a local hospitality provider.

Backlog:

As of July 31, 2026, Aerospace Products backlog totaled a record $51.1 million. Backlog represents contracted business that meets the Company’s criteria for inclusion and includes orders that may not be completed within the next fiscal year. The timing of revenue recognition can vary based on customer schedules, aircraft availability, engineering and regulatory requirements, material availability and other factors.

Conference Call:

What: Butler National Corporation First Quarter Fiscal 2027 Financial Results Conference Call

When: Friday, September 11, 2026 – 10:00 AM Central Time

How: Live via phone by dialing:

800 325 1307 – Toll-Free

858 244 1252 – Toll (international)

Passcode: 565658

Participants to the conference call should call in at least 5 minutes prior to the start time. An audio recording of the conference call will be made available on the Butler National Corporation website Investor Page (https://butlernational.com/investing/) following the call until October 11, 2026. Shareholders are encouraged to submit questions in advance through the Company’s investor relations website.

Our Business:

Butler National Corporation operates in the Aerospace and Professional Services business segments. The Aerospace Products segment includes the design, manufacture, sale and service of structural modifications, design, integration and installation of electronic equipment, systems and technologies that enhance aircraft operations, and the design, manufacture and sale of defense related articles. Additionally, we operate FAA Repair Stations. Companies in Aerospace Products concentrate on products and services for Learjet, Challenger, Textron Beechcraft King Air, and Cessna turboprop aircraft. Butler National-Tempe designs and manufactures robust electronic controls and cabling. The Professional Services segment includes the management of a gaming, dining and entertainment facility in Dodge City, Kansas. Boot Hill Casino and Resort features approximately 500 slot machines, 15 table games and a DraftKings branded sportsbook.

Forward-Looking Information:

Statements made in this press release, reports and proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), communications to stockholders, and oral statements made by representatives of the Company that are not historical in nature, or that state the Company’s or management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements may often be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “could,” “should,” “will,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “goal,” “forecast,” “plan,” “guidance” or “estimate” or the negative of these words, variations thereof or similar expressions. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. It is important to note that any such performance and actual results, financial condition or business, could differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences, many of which are outside of our control, include, but are not limited to: (i) customer concentration risk; (ii) dependence on government spending; (iii) government shutdown; (iv) industry specific business cycles; (v) regulatory hurdles in the launch of new products; (vi) loss of key personnel, including executive officers; (vii) the geographic location of our casino; (viii) fixed-price contracts; (ix) international sales; (x) changing U.S. trade policy and impacts of tariffs; (xi) need to acquire hangar space for substantial growth; (xii) future acquisitions; (xiii) supply chain and labor issues; (xiv) customer demand; (xv) insurance costs and insufficient insurance for aircraft modifications; (xvi) cyber security threats; (xvii) fraud, theft and cheating at our casino; (xviii) dependence on third-party platforms to offer sports wagering; (xix) outside factors influence the profitability of sports wagering and legacy gaming; (xx) change of control restrictions; (xxi) significant and expensive governmental regulation across our industries; (xxii) U.S. Government action with respect to contracts; (xxiii) failure by the Company or its stockholders to maintain applicable gaming licenses; (xxiv) evolving political and legislative initiatives in gaming; (xxv) extensive and increasing taxation of gaming revenues; (xxvi) changes in regulations of financial reporting; (xxvii) the availability of financing; (xxviii) potential impairment losses; (xxix) marketability restrictions of our common stock; (xxx) the possibility of a reverse-stock split; (xxxi) market competition by larger competitors; (xxxii) acts of terrorism and war; (xxxiii) climate change, inclement weather and natural disasters; (xxxiv) rising inflation; (xxxv) failure of risk management; (xxxvi) effectiveness of internal controls; and (xxxvii) other factors discussed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings the Company makes with the SEC from time to time.

The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time, except as expressly required by federal securities laws.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

David Drewitz, Public Relations

david@rankoutlaw.com

www.rankoutlaw.com

Ph (972) 814-5723

Butler National Corporation Investor Relations

Ph (913) 780-9595

THE WORLDWIDE WEB:
Please review www.butlernational.com for pictures of our products and details about Butler National Corporation and its subsidiaries.

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SOURCE Butler National Corporation

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Payroc Wins Four Global Cards & Payments Innovation Awards 2026

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Global recognition highlights Payroc’s payments technology, innovation, and industry leadership

TINLEY PARK, Ill., Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Payroc, a global payment-processing acquirer and technology platform, today announced that it has been named a winner in four categories in The Digital Banker’s Global Cards & Payments Innovation Awards 2026, recognizing the company’s technology, payments expertise, and continued innovation across the global payments industry.

Payroc received the following awards:

Best Payments Gateway ProviderBest POS & In-Store Payments Solution ProviderOutstanding Implementation of Payments Initiatives by a TeamPayments Professional of the Year: Jim Oberman

The Global Cards & Payments Innovation Awards recognize organizations and individuals shaping the future of the payments industry. The awards program is run by The Digital Banker, a global financial services publication and research and awards organization focused on banking, payments, fintech, and financial technology.

“Winning four Global Cards & Payments Innovation Awards is a tremendous recognition of what we have built at Payroc and, more importantly, the people behind it,” said Jim Oberman, Payroc CEO. “These awards reflect the success of our strategy to combine innovative technology and deep payments expertise with an unwavering focus on our partners and their customers.”

The “Best Payments Gateway Provider” award recognizes Payroc’s multi-region payment gateway built for merchants, independent software vendors (ISVs), SaaS platforms, independent sales organizations and enterprise channel partners. The “Best POS & In-Store Payments Solution Provider” award recognizes the company’s capabilities in enabling seamless card-present and in-store payment experiences for merchants and partners. The “Outstanding Implementation of Payments Initiatives by a Team” award recognizes the people behind Payroc’s payments technology. Finally, Jim Oberman’s selection as “Payments Professional of the Year” recognizes his leadership at Payroc and contributions to the broader payments industry.

The Global Cards & Payments Innovation Awards will be presented during a virtual gala on September 10, 2026.

About Payroc
Founded in 2003, Payroc WorldAccess, LLC, is a global payments ecosystem that helps businesses accept payments and optimize commerce. Payroc ranks among the top merchant acquirers in North America, processing more than $125 billion in card volume annually and operating across 47 regions with direct connections to the major card networks. Its proprietary full-stack technology supports vertically tailored card-present, card-not-present, and omnichannel solutions for software providers, financial institutions, and merchants of all sizes. With a focus on innovation, scalability, and award-winning support, Payroc makes payments seamless and drives growth for partners worldwide. For more information, visit payroc.com.

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SOURCE Payroc

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BRICS: Building Bridges

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BEIJING, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China Daily:

President Xi Jinping has called for strengthening the foundation, momentum and impact of greater BRICS cooperation and delivering more practical benefits to the peoples. In recent years, China has advocated enhancing BRICS cooperation, delivering tangible results through concrete action. From doctors gaining new skills to businesses finding new markets and young people discovering new opportunities, BRICS cooperation is building bridges across borders, connecting people, markets and opportunities, and opening new pathways to shared development.

More on X:

https://x.com/XisMoments/status/2098232562548359430

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brics-building-bridges-302876356.html

SOURCE China Daily

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