-
Strong execution delivers solid operational improvements led by Wireless recovery
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Wireless postpaid net subscriber additions includes phone additions of 141,000; Wireless service revenue growth of 6% and adjusted EBITDA up 5%
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Blended ARPU1 of $51.47 up 3%; improved Q4 postpaid churn by 4 basis points to 1.15%
-
-
Stable financial results in Cable; Internet net subscriber additions include 21,000 net new retail broadband subscribers
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Media revenue growth up 26% reflects the return of live sports broadcasting advertising
-
Full-year 2022 guidance2 pre-Shaw transaction reflects improving economy, greater focus on execution, and accelerating investments in 5G and network expansion
-
Total service revenue growth range of 4% to 6%
-
Adjusted EBITDA growth range of 6% to 8%
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Capital expenditures of $2.8 billion to $3.0 billion
-
Free cash flow of $1.8 billion to $2.0 billion
-
-
Shaw transaction remains on track to close in the first half of 2022
TORONTO, Jan. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications Inc. today announced its unaudited financial and operating results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2021.
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Three months ended December 31 | Twelve months ended December 31 | ||||||||||||
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts, unaudited) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | |||||||
Total revenue | 3,919 | 3,680 | 6 | 14,655 | 13,916 | 5 | |||||||
Total service revenue | 3,232 | 3,023 | 7 | 12,533 | 11,955 | 5 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA 1 | 1,522 | 1,590 | (4 | ) | 5,887 | 5,857 | 1 | ||||||
Net income | 405 | 449 | (10 | ) | 1,558 | 1,592 | (2 | ) | |||||
Adjusted net income 1 | 486 | 500 | (3 | ) | 1,803 | 1,725 | 5 | ||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $0.80 | $0.89 | (10 | ) | $3.07 | $3.13 | (2 | ) | |||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share 1 | $0.96 | $0.99 | (3 | ) | $3.56 | $3.40 | 5 | ||||||
Cash provided by operating activities | 1,147 | 947 | 21 | 4,161 | 4,321 | (4 | ) | ||||||
Free cash flow 1 | 468 | 568 | (18 | ) | 1,671 | 2,366 | (29 | ) |
"We delivered strong results in our fourth quarter, led by accelerating revenue growth and solid net subscriber additions in our Wireless business," said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO. "This is a critical year for Rogers and the changes we are making to drive a renewed focus on execution, along with strategic investments in our networks and customer experience, should help drive long-term growth and increase shareholder value. We will accelerate the momentum across our business as we come together with Shaw to expand our next-generation networks nationally, offer customers more choice, and enable Canada to thrive in the global digital economy."
____________
1 Blended ARPU is a supplementary financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is a total of segments measure. Free cash flow is a capital management measure. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is a non-GAAP ratio. Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure and is a component of adjusted diluted earnings per share. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" for more information about each of these measures. None of these measures is a standardized financial measure under IFRS and they might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies.
2 See "2022 Outlook".
Operating Environment and Quarterly Financial Highlights
Our solid financial position enables us to prioritize the actions we need to take as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19), continue to make high priority investments in our network, and ensure customers stay connected during this critical time. COVID-19 continues to significantly impact Canadians and economies around the world. Late in the fourth quarter, the Omicron variant re-accelerated the spread of COVID-19 and many Canadian provinces reintroduced various restrictions, including placing capacity limits on organized gatherings and retail stores. We remain focused on keeping our employees safe and our customers connected. While COVID-19 continues to have a significant worldwide impact, we remain confident we have the right team, a strong balance sheet, and the world-class networks that will allow us to get through the pandemic having maintained our long-term focus on growth and doing the right thing for our customers.
Revenue
Total revenue and total service revenue increased by 6% and 7%, respectively, this quarter, driven by revenue growth in our Wireless and Media businesses.
Wireless service revenue increased by 6% this quarter, mainly as a result of larger postpaid subscriber base and higher roaming revenue, as COVID-19-related global travel restrictions were generally less strict than last year. Wireless equipment revenue increased by 4%, as a result of higher device upgrades by existing subscribers, and higher gross additions, partially offset by increased promotional activity during key selling periods.
Cable revenue was stable this quarter, primarily as a result of the movement of Internet customers to higher speed and usage tiers in our Ignite Internet™ offerings and the increases in our Internet and Ignite TV™ subscriber bases, offset by declines in our legacy television and home phone subscriber bases.
Media revenue increased by 26% this quarter, primarily as 2020 was impacted by the postponement of the start of the 2020-2021 NHL and NBA seasons.
Adjusted EBITDA and margins
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA decreased 4% this quarter and our adjusted EBITDA margin decreased by 440 basis points driven by the impact of Media.
Wireless adjusted EBITDA increased by 5%, primarily as a result of the flow-through of revenue growth. This gave rise to an adjusted EBITDA service margin of 62.6%.
Cable adjusted EBITDA was in line with last year, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 50.6% this quarter.
Media adjusted EBITDA decreased by $108 million this quarter, primarily due to higher sports programming and production costs as a result of the postponement of the start of the 2020-2021 NHL and NBA seasons, partially offset by higher revenue as discussed above.
Net income and adjusted net income
Net income and adjusted net income decreased this quarter by 10% and 3%, respectively, primarily as a result of lower adjusted EBITDA.
Cash flow and available liquidity
This quarter, we generated cash flow from operating activities of $1,147 million, up 21%, as a result of a lower investment in net operating assets. We also generated free cash flow of $468 million, down 18%, primarily as a result of higher capital expenditures.
This quarter, we issued $2 billion subordinated notes due 2081 with an initial coupon of 5% for the first five years. We used the proceeds to partially fund the remaining payment required to obtain the 3500 MHz spectrum licences. See "Managing our Liquidity and Financial Resources" for more information.
As at December 31, 2021, we had $4.2 billion of available liquidity3, including $0.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents and a combined $3.5 billion available under our bank credit facilities and receivables securitization program.
We also returned $253 million in dividends to shareholders this quarter and we declared a $0.50 per share dividend on January 26, 2022.
____________
3 Available liquidity is a capital management measure. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" and "Financial Condition" for more information about this measure.
2022 Outlook
For the full-year 2022, we expect growth in service revenue and adjusted EBITDA will drive higher free cash flow. In 2022, we expect to have the financial flexibility to maintain our network advantages and to continue to return cash to shareholders. We are providing a guidance range for total service revenue this year as this metric more closely reflects our core business with our customers.
2021 | 2022 Guidance Ranges 1 | ||||
(In millions of dollars, except percentages; unaudited) | |||||
Consolidated Guidance | |||||
Total service revenue | 12,533 | Increase of 4% | to | increase of 6% | |
Adjusted EBITDA | 5,887 | Increase of 6% | to | increase of 8% | |
Capital expenditures 2 | 2,788 | 2,800 | to | 3,000 | |
Free cash flow | 1,671 | 1,800 | to | 2,000 |
1 Guidance ranges presented as percentages reflect percentage increases over full-year 2021 results.
2 Includes additions to property, plant and equipment net of proceeds on disposition, but does not include expenditures for spectrum licences or additions to right-of-use assets.
The above table outlines guidance ranges for selected full-year 2022 consolidated financial metrics without giving effect to the acquisition of Shaw (Transaction, see "Shaw Transaction"), the associated financing, or any other associated transactions or expenses. These ranges take into consideration our current outlook and our 2021 results. The purpose of the financial outlook is to assist investors, shareholders, and others in understanding certain financial metrics relating to expected 2022 financial results for evaluating the performance of our business. This information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Information about our guidance, including the various assumptions underlying it, is forward-looking and should be read in conjunction with "About Forward-Looking Information" (including the material assumptions listed under the heading "Key assumptions underlying our full-year 2022 guidance") and the related disclosure and information about various economic, competitive, and regulatory assumptions, factors, and risks that may cause our actual future financial and operating results to differ from what we currently expect.
We provide annual guidance ranges on a consolidated full-year basis that are consistent with annual full-year Board of Directors-approved plans. Any updates to our full-year financial guidance over the course of the year would only be made to the consolidated guidance ranges that appear above. Guidance ranges will be reassessed once the Transaction has closed.
Shaw Transaction
On March 15, 2021, we announced an agreement with Shaw Communications Inc. (Shaw) to acquire all of Shaw's issued and outstanding Class A Participating Shares and Class B Non-Voting Participating Shares for a price of $40.50 per share in cash, with the exception of the shares held by the Shaw Family Living Trust, the controlling shareholder of Shaw, and related persons (Shaw Family Shareholders). The Shaw Family Shareholders will receive 60% of the consideration for their shares in the form of RCI Class B Non-Voting common shares on the basis of the volume-weighted average trading price for such shares for the ten trading days ended March 12, 2021, and the balance in cash. The Transaction is valued at approximately $26 billion, including the assumption of approximately $6 billion of Shaw debt.
The Transaction will be implemented through a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). On May 20, 2021, Shaw shareholders voted to approve the Transaction at a special shareholders meeting. The Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta issued a final order approving the Transaction on May 25, 2021. The Transaction is subject to other customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable approvals and expiry of certain waiting periods under the Broadcasting Act (Canada), the Competition Act (Canada), and the Radiocommunication Act (Canada) (collectively, Key Regulatory Approvals). Subject to receipt of all required approvals and satisfaction of other conditions prior to closing, the Transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022.
The combined entity will have the scale, assets, and capabilities needed to deliver unprecedented wireline and wireless broadband and network investments, innovation, and growth in new telecommunications services, and greater choice for Canadian consumers and businesses. As part of the Transaction, the combined company will invest $2.5 billion to build 5G networks across Western Canada over the next five years and Rogers will commit to establishing a new $1 billion Rogers Indigenous, Rural and Remote Connectivity Fund dedicated to connecting rural, remote, and indigenous communities across Western Canada to high-speed Internet and closing critical connectivity gaps faster for underserved areas.
In connection with the Transaction, we entered into a binding commitment letter for a committed credit facility with a syndicate of banks in an original amount up to $19 billion. During the second quarter, we entered into a $6 billion non-revolving credit facility (Shaw term loan facility), which served to reduce the amount available under the committed credit facility to $13 billion. See "Managing our Liquidity and Financial Resources" for more information on the committed facility and the Shaw term loan facility. We also expect that RCI will either assume Shaw's senior notes or provide a guarantee of Shaw's payment obligations under those senior notes upon closing the Transaction and, in either case, Rogers Communications Canada Inc. (RCCI) will guarantee Shaw's payment obligations under those senior notes.
In connection with our application for Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approval to acquire Shaw's licensed broadcasting assets, the CRTC held an oral hearing from November 22 to 26, 2021, during which Rogers, Shaw, and 31 intervenors (including Canada Public Affairs Channel Inc. (CPAC) as an interested party) had an opportunity to comment on and respond to questions from the CRTC regarding the application. Final written submissions from intervenors were accepted until December 13, 2021, and Rogers and CPAC submitted final replies on December 20, 2021.
In accordance with the terms of the arrangement agreement, Rogers and Shaw filed pre-merger notifications pursuant to Part IX of the Competition Act to trigger the Competition Bureau's review of the Transaction. Rogers and Shaw have worked cooperatively and constructively to respond to further requests for information, as required under the arrangement agreement. On September 28, 2021, the Competition Bureau issued a public request for information to help further gather and assess facts about the Transaction. The Competition Bureau invited interested parties to share their information or experiences confidentially by October 29, 2021. The Federal Court also issued orders requiring Xplornet Communications Inc., BCE Inc., TELUS Corporation, and Quebecor Inc. to produce records and written information related to mobile wireless services that are relevant to the Competition Bureau's review of the Transaction, which is ongoing.
In accordance with the conditions of Shaw's spectrum licences, Rogers and Shaw filed joint applications with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED Canada) for approval of the indirect transfer of those spectrum licences by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. ISED Canada's review is ongoing.
The Transaction is subject to a number of additional risks. For more information, see "Updates to Risks and Uncertainties - Shaw Transaction".
About Rogers
Rogers is a proud Canadian company dedicated to making more possible for Canadians every day. Our founder, Ted Rogers, purchased his first radio station, CHFI™, in 1960. We have grown to become a leading technology and media company that strives to provide the very best in wireless, residential, sports, and media to Canadians and Canadian businesses. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
Investment community contact | Media contact |
Paul Carpino | Andrew Garas |
647.435.6470 | 647.242.7924 |
paul.carpino@rci.rogers.com | andrew.garas@rci.rogers.com |
Quarterly Investment Community Teleconference
Our fourth quarter 2021 results teleconference with the investment community will be held on:
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January 27, 2022
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8:00 a.m. Eastern Time
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webcast available at investors.rogers.com
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media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis
A rebroadcast will be available at investors.rogers.com for at least two weeks following the teleconference. Additionally, investors should note that from time to time, Rogers' management presents at brokerage-sponsored investor conferences. Most often, but not always, these conferences are webcast by the hosting brokerage firm, and when they are webcast, links are made available on Rogers' website at investors.rogers.com.
For More Information
You can find more information relating to us on our website (investors.rogers.com), on SEDAR (sedar.com), and on EDGAR (sec.gov), or you can e-mail us at investor.relations@rci.rogers.com. Information on or connected to these and any other websites referenced in this earnings release is not part of, or incorporated into, this earnings release.
You can also go to investors.rogers.com for information about our governance practices, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, a glossary of communications and media industry terms, and additional information about our business.
About this Earnings Release
This earnings release contains important information about our business and our performance for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021, as well as forward-looking information about future periods. This earnings release should be used as preparation for reading our forthcoming Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2021, which we intend to file with securities regulators in Canada and the US in the coming weeks. These documents will be made available at investors.rogers.com, sedar.com, and sec.gov or mailed upon request.
The financial information contained in this earnings release is prepared using International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. This earnings release should be read in conjunction with our 2020 Annual MD&A, our 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, our 2021 First, Second, and Third Quarter MD&A and Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and our other recent filings with Canadian and US securities regulatory authorities, which are available on SEDAR at sedar.com or EDGAR at sec.gov, respectively.
We, us, our, Rogers, Rogers Communications, and the Company refer to Rogers Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries. RCI refers to the legal entity Rogers Communications Inc., not including its subsidiaries. Rogers also holds interests in various investments and ventures.
All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated and are unaudited. All percentage changes are calculated using the rounded numbers as they appear in the tables. Information is current as at January 26, 2022 and was approved by RCI's Board of Directors (the Board). This earnings release includes forward-looking statements and assumptions. See "About Forward-Looking Information" for more information.
We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
In this earnings release, this quarter, the quarter, or fourth quarter refer to the three months ended December 31, 2021, first quarter refers to the three months ended March 31, 2021, second quarter refers to the three months ended June 30, 2021, third quarter refers to the three months ended September 30, 2021, and year to date or full-year refer to the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. All results commentary is compared to the equivalent periods in 2020 or as at December 31, 2020, as applicable, unless otherwise indicated.
™Rogers and related marks are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. or an affiliate, used under licence. All other brand names, logos, and marks are trademarks and/or copyright of their respective owners. ©2022 Rogers Communications
Reportable segments
We report our results of operations in three reportable segments. Each segment and the nature of its business is as follows:
Segment | Principal activities |
Wireless | Wireless telecommunications operations for Canadian consumers and businesses. |
Cable | Cable telecommunications operations, including Internet, television, telephony (phone), and smart home monitoring services for Canadian consumers and businesses, and network connectivity through our fibre network and data centre assets to support a range of voice, data, networking, hosting, and cloud-based services for the business, public sector, and carrier wholesale markets. |
Media | A diversified portfolio of media properties, including sports media and entertainment, television and radio broadcasting, specialty channels, multi-platform shopping, and digital media. |
Wireless and Cable are operated by our wholly owned subsidiary, RCCI, and certain of our other wholly owned subsidiaries. Media is operated by our wholly owned subsidiary, Rogers Media Inc., and its subsidiaries.
Summary of Consolidated Financial Results
Three months ended December 31 | Twelve months ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||||
(In millions of dollars, except margins and per share amounts) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | |||||||||||
Revenue | |||||||||||||||||
Wireless | 2,415 | 2,291 | 5 | 8,768 | 8,530 | 3 | |||||||||||
Cable | 1,023 | 1,019 | — | 4,072 | 3,946 | 3 | |||||||||||
Media | 516 | 409 | 26 | 1,975 | 1,606 | 23 | |||||||||||
Corporate items and intercompany eliminations | (35 | ) | (39 | ) | (10 | ) | (160 | ) | (166 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||
Revenue | 3,919 | 3,680 | 6 | 14,655 | 13,916 | 5 | |||||||||||
Total service revenue 1 | 3,232 | 3,023 | 7 | 12,533 | 11,955 | 5 | |||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | |||||||||||||||||
Wireless | 1,086 | 1,034 | 5 | 4,214 | 4,067 | 4 | |||||||||||
Cable | 518 | 520 | — | 2,013 | 1,935 | 4 | |||||||||||
Media | (26 | ) | 82 | n/m | (127 | ) | 51 | n/m | |||||||||
Corporate items and intercompany eliminations | (56 | ) | (46 | ) | 22 | (213 | ) | (196 | ) | 9 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | 1,522 | 1,590 | (4 | ) | 5,887 | 5,857 | 1 | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin 2 | 38.8 | % | 43.2 | % | (4.4 pts) | 40.2 | % | 42.1 | % | (1.9 pts) | |||||||
Net income | 405 | 449 | (10 | ) | 1,558 | 1,592 | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Basic earnings per share | $0.80 | $0.89 | (10 | ) | $3.09 | $3.15 | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $0.80 | $0.89 | (10 | ) | $3.07 | $3.13 | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Adjusted net income 3 | 486 | 500 | (3 | ) | 1,803 | 1,725 | 5 | ||||||||||
Adjusted basic earnings per share 3 | $0.96 | $0.99 | (3 | ) | $3.57 | $3.42 | 4 | ||||||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share | $0.96 | $0.99 | (3 | ) | $3.56 | $3.40 | 5 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 846 | 656 | 29 | 2,788 | 2,312 | 21 | |||||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities | 1,147 | 947 | 21 | 4,161 | 4,321 | (4 | ) | ||||||||||
Free cash flow | 468 | 568 | (18 | ) | 1,671 | 2,366 | (29 | ) |
n/m - not meaningful
1 As defined. See "Key Performance Indicators".
2 Adjusted EBITDA margin is a supplementary financial measure. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" for an explanation as to the composition of this measure.
3 Adjusted basic earnings per share is a non-GAAP ratio. Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure and is a component of adjusted basic earnings per share. This is not standardized financial measure under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" for more information about this measure.
Results of our Reportable Segments
WIRELESS
Wireless Financial Results
Three months ended December 31 | Twelve months ended December 31 | |||||||||||
(In millions of dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | ||||||
Revenue | ||||||||||||
Service revenue | 1,735 | 1,637 | 6 | 6,666 | 6,579 | 1 | ||||||
Equipment revenue | 680 | 654 | 4 | 2,102 | 1,951 | 8 | ||||||
Revenue | 2,415 | 2,291 | 5 | 8,768 | 8,530 | 3 | ||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||
Cost of equipment | 713 | 654 | 9 | 2,142 | 1,932 | 11 | ||||||
Other operating expenses | 616 | 603 | 2 | 2,412 | 2,531 | (5 | ) | |||||
Operating expenses | 1,329 | 1,257 | 6 | 4,554 | 4,463 | 2 | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | 1,086 | 1,034 | 5 | 4,214 | 4,067 | 4 | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA service margin 1 | 62.6 | % | 63.2 | % | (0.6 pts) | 63.2 | % | 61.8 | % | 1.4 pts | ||
Adjusted EBITDA margin 2 | 45.0 | % | 45.1 | % | (0.1 pts) | 48.1 | % | 47.7 | % | 0.4 pts | ||
Capital expenditures | 501 | 337 | 49 | 1,515 | 1,100 | 38 |
1 Calculated using service revenue.
2 Calculated using total revenue.
Wireless Subscriber Results 1
(In thousands, except churn, blended ABPU, and blended ARPU) | Three months ended December 31 | Twelve months ended December 31 | |||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | Chg | 2021 | 2020 | Chg | ||||||||||||||
Postpaid | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross additions | 476 | 458 | 18 | 1,565 | 1,381 | 184 | |||||||||||||
Net additions | 130 | 114 | 16 | 448 | 245 | 203 | |||||||||||||
Total postpaid subscribers 2 | 10,131 | 9,683 | 448 | 10,131 | 9,683 | 448 | |||||||||||||
Churn (monthly) | 1.15 | % | 1.19 | % | (0.04 pts) | 0.95 | % | 1.00 | % | (0.05 pts) | |||||||||
Prepaid | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross additions | 145 | 127 | 18 | 512 | 550 | (38 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net losses | (21 | ) | (40 | ) | 19 | (94 | ) | (142 | ) | 48 | |||||||||
Total prepaid subscribers 2 | 1,166 | 1,260 | (94 | ) | 1,166 | 1,260 | (94 | ) | |||||||||||
Churn (monthly) | 4.66 | % | 4.31 | % | 0.35 pts | 4.20 | % | 4.38 | % | (0.18 pts) | |||||||||
Blended ABPU (monthly) 3 | $64.62 | $62.82 | $1.80 | $63.45 | $63.24 | $0.21 | |||||||||||||
Blended ARPU (monthly) 4 | $51.47 | $50.02 | $1.45 | $50.26 | $50.75 | ($0.49 | ) |
1 Subscriber counts and subscriber churn are key performance indicators. See "Key Performance Indicators".
2 As at end of period.
3 Blended ABPU is a non-GAAP ratio. Adjusted Wireless service revenue is a non-GAAP financial measure and is a component of blended ABPU. This is not a standardized financial measure under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" for more information about this measure.
4 Blended ARPU is a supplementary financial measure. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" for an explanation as to the composition of this measure.
Service revenue
The 6% increase in service revenue this quarter was primarily a result of:
-
a larger postpaid subscriber base; and
-
higher roaming revenue as COVID-19-related global travel restrictions were generally less strict than last year.
The 3% increases in blended ARPU and blended ABPU this quarter were a result of the increased roaming revenue.
The increase in postpaid gross additions, the higher postpaid net additions, and the improved postpaid churn this quarter were a result of strong execution and an increase in market activity by Canadians with the ongoing opening of the economy.
Equipment revenue
The 4% increase in equipment revenue this quarter was a result of:
-
higher device upgrades by existing customers; and
-
higher gross additions; partially offset by
-
increased promotional activity during key selling periods due to increased market activity.
Operating expenses
Cost of equipment
The 9% increase in the cost of equipment this quarter was a result of:
-
higher device upgrades by existing customers; and
-
higher gross additions.
Other operating expenses
The 2% increase in other operating expenses this quarter was primarily a result of higher costs, including advertising and channel costs.
Adjusted EBITDA
The 5% increase in adjusted EBITDA this quarter was a result of the revenue and expense changes discussed above.
CABLE
Cable Financial Results
Three months ended December 31 | Twelve months ended December 31 | |||||||||||
(In millions of dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | ||||||
Revenue | ||||||||||||
Service revenue | 1,016 | 1,016 | — | 4,052 | 3,936 | 3 | ||||||
Equipment revenue | 7 | 3 | 133 | 20 | 10 | 100 | ||||||
Revenue | 1,023 | 1,019 | — | 4,072 | 3,946 | 3 | ||||||
Operating expenses | 505 | 499 | 1 | 2,059 | 2,011 | 2 | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | 518 | 520 | — | 2,013 | 1,935 | 4 | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 50.6 | % | 51.0 | % | (0.4 pts) | 49.4 | % | 49.0 | % | 0.4 pts | ||
Capital expenditures | 237 | 227 | 4 | 913 | 940 | (3 | ) |
Cable Subscriber Results 1
Three months ended December 31 | Twelve months ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except ARPA and penetration) | 2021 | 2020 | Chg | 2021 | 2020 | Chg | |||||||||||||
Internet 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net additions | 14 | 19 | (5 | ) | 49 | 57 | (8 | ) | |||||||||||
Total Internet subscribers 3,4 | 2,665 | 2,598 | 67 | 2,665 | 2,598 | 67 | |||||||||||||
Ignite TV | |||||||||||||||||||
Net additions | 56 | 71 | (15 | ) | 244 | 218 | 26 | ||||||||||||
Total Ignite TV subscribers 3 | 788 | 544 | 244 | 788 | 544 | 244 | |||||||||||||
Homes passed 3 | 4,700 | 4,578 | 122 | 4,700 | 4,578 | 122 | |||||||||||||
Customer relationships | |||||||||||||||||||
Net additions | 10 | 11 | (1 | ) | 31 | 12 | 19 | ||||||||||||
Total customer relationships 3,4 | 2,581 | 2,530 | 51 | 2,581 | 2,530 | 51 | |||||||||||||
ARPA (monthly) 5 | $131.63 | $134.43 | ($2.80 | ) | $132.58 | $130.70 | $1.88 | ||||||||||||
Penetration 3 | 54.9 | % | 55.3 | % | (0.4 pts) | 54.9 | % | 55.3 | % | (0.4 pts) |
1 Subscriber results are key performance indicators. See "Key Performance Indicators".
2 Internet subscriber results include Smart Home Monitoring subscribers.
3 As at end of period.
4 On September 1, 2021, we acquired approximately 18,000 Internet subscribers and 20,000 customer relationships as a result of our acquisition of Seaside Communications, which are not included in net additions, but do appear in the ending total balance for December 31, 2021.
5 ARPA is a supplementary financial measure. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" for an explanation as to the composition of this measure.
Service revenue
The stable service revenue and 2% decrease in ARPA this quarter were a result of:
-
the movement of Internet customers to higher speed and usage tiers in our Ignite Internet offerings and the increase in total customer relationships over the past year, due to growth in our Internet and Ignite TV subscriber bases; offset by
-
declines in our legacy television and home phone subscriber bases.
We remain focused on our Connected Home roadmap, driven by our Ignite TV product. During the past year, we achieved significant growth in our Ignite TV subscriber base. The next steps on our roadmap to help keep our customers connected include adding more apps and content to Ignite TV and launching more new products.
Operating expenses
The 1% increase in operating expenses this quarter was primarily a result of higher customer care costs.
Adjusted EBITDA
The stable adjusted EBITDA this quarter was a result of the service revenue and expense changes discussed above.
MEDIA
Media Financial Results
Three months ended December 31 | Twelve months ended December 31 | ||||||||||
(In millions of dollars, except margins) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | |||||
Revenue | 516 | 409 | 26 | 1,975 | 1,606 | 23 | |||||
Operating expenses | 542 | 327 | 66 | 2,102 | 1,555 | 35 | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA | (26 | ) | 82 | n/m | (127 | ) | 51 | n/m | |||
Adjusted EBITDA margin | (5.0)% | 20.0 | % | (25.0 pts) | (6.4)% | 3.2 | % | (9.6 pts) | |||
Capital expenditures | 38 | 36 | 6 | 115 | 79 | 46 |
Revenue
The 26% increase in revenue this quarter was a result of:
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higher advertising and subscription revenue, primarily as a result of the delayed starts of the 2020-2021 NHL and NBA seasons; partially offset by
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lower Today's Shopping Choice™ revenue.
Operating expenses
The 66% increase in operating expenses this quarter was a result of:
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higher programming and production costs as a result of the delayed starts of the 2020-2021 NHL and NBA seasons; and
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higher other general operating costs as a result of the resumption of sports and increased activities as COVID-19 restrictions eased.
Adjusted EBITDA
The decrease in adjusted EBITDA this quarter was a result of the revenue and expense changes discussed above.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Three months ended December 31 | Twelve months ended December 31 | |||||||||||
(In millions of dollars, except capital intensity) | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | 2021 | 2020 | % Chg | ||||||
Wireless | 501 | 337 |