Cogeco Announces Q3 2025 Financial Results and Canadian Wireless Launch

Globe and Mail

16-07-2025

Continued strength in Canadian Internet customer growth.
Canadian wireless launch underway, with a first cohort of users already on the service and expansion into 12 Canadian markets over the coming weeks.
Updated fiscal 2025 financial guidelines reflect lower revenue, stable adjusted EBITDA, lower net capital expenditures and higher free cash flow compared to previously issued financial guidelines.
MONTRÉAL , July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Cogeco Inc. (TSX: CGO) ("Cogeco" or the "Corporation") announced its financial results for the third quarter ended May 31, 2025.
"Our financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 were notable for our strong Canadian Internet subscriber loading, efficiencies-driven margin expansion and significant free cash flow," stated Frédéric Perron, President and CEO. "We are deeply excited to ramp up our wireless customer base in Canada over the coming weeks, adding to our prior launch of a similar service in the U.S. last year. Wireless will become a powerful tool to retain and grow our North American wireline customer base over time.
"We already have a first cohort using the wireless service and are progressively expanding to cover 12 Canadian markets ( Alma , Magog , Rimouski , Saint-Georges , Saint-Hyacinthe , Saint-Sauveur and Trois-Rivières in Québec, and Brockville , Chatham , Cobourg , Cornwall and Welland in Ontario ) over the coming weeks, in anticipation of a full geographic deployment in the fall season.
"We continued to solidly grow our Canadian Internet customer base for yet another quarter. While we experienced higher-than-usual customer losses in the U.S., this was partially caused by a few temporary factors. We are implementing several go-to-market enhancements as part of our transformation, and are confident that our U.S. customer trends will improve as these initiatives are executed over the coming quarters.
"At Cogeco Media, while radio advertising continues to face a challenging market, revenue increased during the quarter, helped in part by ongoing growth of our digital advertising solutions and strong listener engagement. Our leading radio stations have continued to achieve strong market share in their target markets from recent audience surveys."
Operating results
For the third quarter of fiscal 2025 ended on May 31, 2025:
Revenue decreased by 2.4% to $758.5 million . On a constant currency basis (2), revenue decreased by 3.9%, mainly explained as follows:
American telecommunications' revenue decreased by 3.5%, or 6.6% 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.
Canadian telecommunications' revenue decreased by 1.8%, mainly due to a lower revenue per customer as a result of a decline in video and wireline phone service subscribers as an increasing proportion of customers subscribe to Internet-only services, as well as a competitive pricing environment, partly offset by the cumulative effect of high-speed Internet service additions over the past year.
Revenue in the media activities increased by 4.4%, helped in part by ongoing growth of our digital advertising solutions and strong listener engagement.
Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 0.5% to $367.8 million . On a constant currency basis, adjusted EBITDA decreased by 2.0% mainly due to lower revenue in both the American and Canadian telecommunications segments, offset in part by lower operating expenses driven by cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies across the Corporation as a result of our ongoing three-year transformation program.
American telecommunications' adjusted EBITDA decreased by 0.5%, or 3.7% in constant currency.
Canadian telecommunications' adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1.5%, or 1.3% in constant currency.
Profit for the period amounted to $74.0 million , of which $20.5 million , or $2.13 per diluted share, was attributable to owners of the Corporation compared to $75.3 million , $19.0 million , and $1.97 per diluted share, respectively, in the comparable period of fiscal 2024. The decreases in profit for the period resulted mainly from higher depreciation and amortization expense, financial expense and income tax expense, as well as non-cash pre-tax impairment charges of $2.6 million , mostly related to assets under construction write-offs, and lower adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by lower acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs. The increase in profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation reflected a higher proportional decrease in the profit for the period attributable to non-controlling interest.
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation (3) was $23.1 million , or $2.40 per diluted share (3), compared to $29.1 million , or $3.02 per diluted share, last year.
Net capital expenditures were $125.8 million , a decrease of 25.9% compared to $169.8 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures (2) were $123.6 million , a decrease of 27.2% compared to last year, mainly due to operational efficiencies, lower spending in the Canadian telecommunications segment, partially due to the timing of certain initiatives, as well as lower spending in the American telecommunications segment, mostly due to lower construction activity.
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects were $13.3 million ( $13.2 million in constant currency) compared to $24.4 million in the same period of the prior year. Excluding network expansion projects, net capital expenditures were $112.5 million , a decrease of 22.6% compared to $145.3 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (2) were $110.4 million , a decrease of 24.0% compared to last year.
Fibre-to-the-home network expansion projects continued, mostly in Canada , with the addition of close to 9,500 homes passed during the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment decreased by 26.8% to $126.2 million , mainly resulting from lower spending.
Free cash flow (1) increased by 63.6%, or 61.9% in constant currency, and amounted to $147.5 million , or $146.0 million in constant currency (2), mainly due to lower net capital expenditures and acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs, offset in part by higher financial expense and current income taxes, as well as lower adjusted EBITDA. Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1) increased by 40.3%, or 38.9% in constant currency, and amounted to $160.8 million , or $159.2 million in constant currency.
Cash flows from operating activities increased by 19.8% to $401.4 million , mostly due to higher cash from other non-cash operating activities, and lower income taxes paid, partly offset by higher interest paid.
At its July 15, 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.
FISCAL 2025 REVISED FINANCIAL GUIDELINES
Cogeco has revised its fiscal 2025 financial guidelines as issued on October 31, 2024 for revenue, net capital expenditures and free cash flow. Adjusted EBITDA projections remain the same as previously disclosed. The Corporation expects additional pressure on its revenue, particularly in the United States , driven by increased competition. As part of its three-year transformation program, the Corporation has initiated several cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies across the organization in order to minimize the revenue impact on adjusted EBITDA. Additionally, net capital expenditures are expected to be lower than under the previous financial guidelines, partially resulting from operational efficiencies following the combination of the Canadian and U.S. management teams.
Consequently, compared to fiscal 2024, on a constant currency and consolidated basis, we are lowering Cogeco's revenue projections for fiscal 2025 to a low single digit decline, while adjusted EBITDA is expected to remain stable. In addition, due to some better-than-anticipated transformation-related cost savings and lower expected net capital expenditures, we are increasing the Corporation's free cash flow financial guidelines, from a decrease compared to fiscal 2024 to a stable free cash flow, while reducing net capital expenditures projections.
(1)
Percentage of changes compared to fiscal 2024.
(2)
Fiscal 2025 financial guidelines are based on a USD/CDN constant exchange rate of 1.3606 USD/CDN.
(3)
The assumed current income tax effective rate is approximately 11.5% (14% under the previous financial guidelines).
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, 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.
(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.
Financial highlights
Three and nine months ended May 31
2025
2024
(1)
Change
Change in
constant
currency
(2)
(3)
2025
2024
(1)
Change
Change in
constant
currency
(2)
(3)
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except % and per share data)
$
$
%
%
$
$
%
%
Operations
Revenue
758,527
777,249
(2.4)
(3.9)
2,276,734
2,305,329
(1.2)
(2.8)
Adjusted EBITDA (3)
367,828
369,786
(0.5)
(2.0)
1,095,817
1,083,601
1.1
(0.4)
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs (4)
8,996
46,634
(80.7)
7,992
51,121
(84.4)
Profit for the period
73,962
75,285
(1.8)
258,968
267,944
(3.3)
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation
20,504
18,960
8.1
68,485
77,498
(11.6)
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation (3)(5)
23,146
29,102
(20.5)
70,696
93,486
(24.4)
Cash flow
Cash flows from operating activities
401,375
335,126
19.8
860,110
858,427
0.2
Free cash flow (1)(3)
147,535
90,164
63.6
61.9
412,791
332,710
24.1
23.0
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)(3)
160,820
114,597
40.3
38.9
463,448
413,193
12.2
11.3
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
126,223
172,404
(26.8)
440,072
507,427
(13.3)
Net capital expenditures (3)(6)
125,752
169,754
(25.9)
(27.2)
435,527
488,177
(10.8)
(12.5)
Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (3)
112,467
145,321
(22.6)
(24.0)
384,870
407,694
(5.6)
(7.6)
Per share data (7)
Earnings per share
Basic
2.16
1.99
8.5
7.21
6.58
9.6
Diluted
2.13
1.97
8.1
7.10
6.52
8.9
Adjusted diluted (3)(5)
2.40
3.02
(20.5)
7.33
7.87
(6.9)
Dividends per share
0.922
0.854
8.0
2.766
2.562
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 $2.2 million and $22.7 million for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2025, respectively ($0.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively, for the same periods 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 periods denominated in US dollars at the foreign exchange rates of the comparable periods of the prior year. For the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2024, the average foreign exchange rates used for translation were 1.3628 USD/CDN and 1.3578 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 and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2025, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs were mainly related to additional restructuring costs incurred in connection with certain cost optimization initiatives undertaken, and costs associated with the configuration and customization related to cloud computing and other arrangements. In addition, for the nine-month period ended May 31, 2025, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs were partly offset by a $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. For the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2024, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs were mostly related to restructuring costs recognized during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 in connection with the strategic transformation announced in May 2024.
(5)
Excludes the impact of non-cash impairment charges, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs, and gains/losses on debt modification and/or extinguishment, all net of tax and non-controlling interest.
(6)
Net capital expenditures exclude non-cash acquisitions of right-of-use assets and the purchases, and related borrowing costs, of spectrum licences, and are presented net of government subsidies, including the utilization of those received in advance.
(7)
Per multiple and subordinate voting share.
As at
May 31, 2025
August 31, 2024
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)
$
$
Financial condition
Cash and cash equivalents
245,708
77,746
Total assets
9,966,623
9,773,739
Long-term debt
Current
340,440
370,108
Non-current
4,596,247
4,594,057
Net indebtedness (1)
4,740,446
4,957,594
Equity attributable to owners of the Corporation
853,785
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 and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2025, 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"), and the "Fiscal 2025 revised financial guidelines" section of the fiscal 2025 third-quarter 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, trade tariffs, 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 third-quarter MD&A. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Cogeco and future events and results may vary significantly from what management currently foresees. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information contained in this press release and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent Cogeco's expectations as of the date of this press release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. While management may elect to do so, the Corporation is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) and does not undertake to update or alter this information at any particular time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Corporation's MD&A for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2025, the Corporation's condensed interim consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the same periods 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 and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2025, 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.
Financial measures presented on a constant currency basis for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2025 are translated at the average foreign exchange rate of the comparable periods of the prior year, which were 1.3628 USD /CDN and 1.3578 USD /CDN, respectively.
Constant currency basis and foreign exchange impact reconciliation
Consolidated
(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.
(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.
American telecommunications segment
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation
Three months ended May 31
Nine months ended May 31
2025
2024
2025
2024
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)
$
$
$
$
Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation
20,504
18,960
68,485
77,498
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs
8,996
46,634
7,992
51,121
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
2,565
—
2,565
—
Loss on debt extinguishment (1)
—
—
—
16,880
Tax impact for the above items
(2,751)
(12,337)
(4,575)
(17,978)
Non-controlling interest impact for the above items
(6,168)
(24,155)
(3,771)
(34,035)
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation
23,146
29,102
70,696
93,486
(1) Included within financial expense.
Free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects reconciliations
Three months ended May 31
Nine months ended May 31
2025
2024
(1)
2025
2024
(1)
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)
$
$
$
$
Cash flows from operating activities
401,375
335,126
860,110
858,427
Changes in other non-cash operating activities
(98,149)
(73,787)
6,550
(14,195)
Income taxes paid (received)
(13,139)
3,502
9,782
(1,234)
Current income taxes
(11,551)
(3,390)
(35,882)
(20,313)
Interest paid
72,122
65,253
200,276
201,133
Financial expense
(78,138)
(67,109)
(211,027)
(222,211)
Loss on debt extinguishment (2)
—
—
—
16,880
Amortization of deferred transaction costs and discounts on long-term debt (2)
2,674
2,329
6,503
7,079
Net capital expenditures (3)
(125,752)
(169,754)
(435,527)
(488,177)
Proceeds from sale and leaseback and other disposals of property, plant and equipment (1)
2,188
888
22,741
2,787
Repayment of lease liabilities
(4,095)
(2,894)
(10,735)
(7,466)
Free cash flow (1)
147,535
90,164
412,791
332,710
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects
13,285
24,433
50,657
80,483
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)
160,820
114,597
463,448
413,193
(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.
Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation
Three months ended May 31
Nine months ended May 31
2025
2024
2025
2024
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)
$
$
$
$
Profit for the period
73,962
75,285
258,968
267,944
Income taxes
20,600
11,172
70,271
47,546
Financial expense
78,138
67,109
211,027
222,211
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
2,565
—
2,565
—
Depreciation and amortization
183,567
169,586
544,994
494,779
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs
8,996
46,634
7,992
51,121
Adjusted EBITDA
367,828
369,786
1,095,817
1,083,601
Net capital expenditures and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects reconciliations
Net capital expenditures
Free cash flow
(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.
(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.: [phone]
[e-mail]
Media
Claudja Joseph
Director, Communications
Cogeco Inc.
Tel.: [phone]
[e-mail]