QUEBECOR INC. REPORTS CONSOLIDATED RESULTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024
PR Newswire
MONTRÉAL, Feb. 27, 2025
MONTRÉAL, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Quebecor Inc. ("Quebecor" or the "Corporation") today reported its consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024. Quebecor consolidates the financial results of its Quebecor Media Inc. ("Quebecor Media") subsidiary.
Highlights
2024 financial year and recent developments
-- In 2024, Quebecor recorded cash flows provided by operating activities of
$1.72 billion, up $256.8 million (17.6%), adjusted EBITDA1 of
$2.37 billion, up $129.7 million (5.8%), and revenues of $5.64 billion,
up $204.1 million (3.8%) compared with 2023.
-- The Telecommunications segment increased its adjusted cash flows from
operations2 by $62.7 million (3.7%), its adjusted EBITDA by
$105.1 million (4.7%), and its revenues by $181.1 million (3.9%).
-- Revenues from mobile services and equipment increased by $324.4 million
or 15.9% due to the impact of the acquisition of Freedom Mobile Inc.
("Freedom") and revenue growth at Videotron Ltd. ("Videotron").
-- There was a net increase of 373,300 (9.9%) connections to the mobile
telephony service and 251,300 (3.3%) total revenue--generating
units3 ("RGUs") in the Telecommunications segment.
-- The Media and Sports and Entertainment segments also grew their adjusted
EBITDA by $24.2 million and $4.4 million respectively in 2024.
-- Quebecor's net income attributable to shareholders was $747.5 million
($3.23 per basic share), up $97.0 million ($0.41 per basic share) or
14.9%.
-- Adjusted income from operating activities4 was $747.0 million ($3.23 per
basic share), an increase of $58.9 million ($0.25 per basic share) or
8.6%.
-- The consolidated net debt leverage ratio decreased to 3.31x, the lowest
among Canada's major telecoms.
-- The quarterly dividend on the Corporation's Class A Multiple Voting
Shares ("Class A Shares") and Class B Subordinate Voting Shares ("Class B
Shares") was increased from $0.325 to $0.35.
-- On January 28, 2025, Freedom announced a major upgrade to its services:
State--of--the--art 5G+ technology was henceforth included in all monthly
mobile plans, regardless of price. 5G+ access was also automatically
added to the 5G plans of all existing customers with compatible phones,
at no extra cost. As well, Freedom expanded international roaming options
for its customers by extending the scope of Roam Beyond, a revolutionary
plan that lets users enjoy the features of their mobile plan in over 100
global destinations.
-- In 2024, Freedom and Fizz announced the expansion of their service areas
in several regions of British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba through
agreements reached under the Canadian Radio--television and
Telecommunications Commission's ("CRTC") Mobile Virtual Network Operator
("MVNO") framework.
-- On February 20, 2025, Videotron announced the expansion of its wireless
service area in several sectors of the Municipalité régionale
de comté ("MRC") de Témiscamingue. Residents and businesses in
these sectors can now subscribe to Videotron wireless services. This
followed the expansion of Videotron's service area in the MRC de la
Haute--Côte--Nord and the MRC de Charlevoix--Est announced on
December 12, 2024, and in the Gaspésie and Côte--Nord regions
announced on September 26, 2024.
-- On April 10, 2024, Videotron announced that it would help improve
wireless coverage in outlying regions of Québec by installing at
least 37 new cell towers in Abitibi--Témiscamingue and the
Laurentians in partnership with the Québec government.
-- On May 7, 2024, Freedom announced the phased roll--out of its affordable
new wireline Internet and TV services, Freedom Home Internet and Freedom
TV, becoming a true multi--service player capable of addressing a new
customer segment seeking bundled offers.
-- On February 5, 2025, Fizz announced the launch of Fizz TV, an
all--digital television service. Available to all Fizz Internet
subscribers in Québec, Fizz TV is differentiated by a pick--and--pay
model that lets users build their own low--cost TV plan.
-- On October 2, 2024, Quebecor, through its Quebecor Out--of--Home division,
acquired the Canada--wide out--of--home advertising business of Media
Group Inc. ("NEO--OOH") and integrated it into Québecor Affichage
Neo Inc. The Corporation can now offer its advertising partners more than
17,000 advertising faces across Canada, a unified platform with new reach
and power that complements Quebecor's comprehensive multiplatform
advertising offering.
-- On June 26, 2024, Event Management Gestev Inc. ("Gestev") acquired Evenma,
a company that manages popular and corporate events including the
renowned Festivent and Festibières festivals. This acquisition is an
important step in Gestev's expansion, strengthening its leadership
position in the events market.
-- In May 2024, the Corporation obtained Investment Grade ratings from the
credit rating agencies S&P Global Ratings, which upgraded Videotron's
unsecured debt from BB+ to BBB--, and Moody's Ratings, which upgraded
Videotron's unsecured debt from Ba2 to Baa3. Following these new ratings,
all liens on Videotron's assets granted to the bank lenders were
terminated and the related debt instruments (including derivatives) are
now unsecured.
-- On June 17, 2024, Videotron redeemed at maturity its Senior Notes in
aggregate principal amount of US$600.0 million, bearing interest at
5.375%, and unwound the related hedging contracts for a total cash
consideration of $662.3 million.
-- On June 25, 2024, the Corporation redeemed all its outstanding 4.0%
convertible debentures for a total aggregate principal amount of $150.0
million. Pursuant to the terms of the debentures, the Corporation elected
to settle the redemption in shares and consequently issued and delivered
5,161,237 Class B Shares to the holders.
-- On November 8, 2024, Videotron issued US$700.0 million aggregate
principal amount of 5.700% Senior Notes maturing on January 15, 2035 for
net proceeds of $964.6 million. Videotron used the net proceeds, together
with drawings on its revolving credit facility, to repay in full its
$700.0 million Tranche A term loan maturing in October 2025 and its
5.750% Senior Notes maturing in 2026 in the amount of $375.0 million. On
June 21, 2024, Videotron also issued $600.0 million aggregate principal
amount of Senior Notes bearing interest at 4.650% and maturing on
July 15, 2029, and $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior
Notes bearing interest at 5.000% and maturing on July 15, 2034, for total
net proceeds of $992.6 million.
___________________________________
(1) See "Adjusted EBITDA" under "Definitions."
(2) See "Adjusted cash flows from operations" under "Definitions."
(3) See "Key performance indicator" under "Definitions."
(4) See "Adjusted income from operating activities" under "Definitions."
Fourth quarter 2024
-- In the fourth quarter of 2024, Quebecor recorded a $56.7 million (16.9%)
increase in cash flows provided by operating activities to $392.4 million,
and a $23.6 million (4.2%) increase in adjusted EBITDA to $589.0 million,
despite a slight $5.8 million (--0.4%) decrease in revenues to
$1.50 billion, compared with the same period of 2023.
-- The Telecommunications segment increased its adjusted cash flows from
operations by $32.0 million (8.0%) and its adjusted EBITDA by $6.9
million (1.2%), despite a $32.2 million (--2.5%) decrease in revenues.
-- Revenues from mobile services and equipment increased by $15.7 million or
2.4%.
-- There was a net increase of 87,500 connections (2.2%) to the mobile
telephony service, 32.4% more growth than in the same quarter of 2023,
and RGUs increased by 49,700 (0.6%).
-- Quebecor's net income attributable to shareholders was up $31.5 million
($0.13 per basic share) to $177.7 million ($0.76 per basic share) or
21.5 %.
-- Adjusted income from operating activities was $186.6 million ($0.80 per
basic share), an increase of $19.1 million ($0.07 per basic share) or
11.4%.
Comments by Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quebecor
Thanks to rigorous operational management and strict financial discipline with respect to investments and liquidity, Quebecor delivered a solid performance in 2024 despite the highly competitive environment. The Corporation posted increases of 17.6% in cash flows provided by operating activities, 8.6% in adjusted income from operating activities, 5.8% in adjusted EBITDA and 3.8% in revenues. Fourth--quarter results were also strong, with increases of 16.9% in cash flows provided by operating activities and 4.2% in adjusted EBITDA. This remarkable performance enabled us to continue reducing our net debt and to bring our consolidated net debt leverage ratio down to 3.31x, the lowest among Canada's major telecom providers.
Since acquiring Freedom in April 2023 and becoming Canada's fourth major telecom, we have succeeded in disrupting the established order. Despite our aggressive sales strategy, we were the only major Canadian telecom to simultaneously grow market share, increase cash flows, reduce consolidated debt and consolidated net debt leverage ratio on a consistent and steady basis, while continuing to make substantial investments in our networks and customer experience, and increasing the dividend to our shareholders. We continue gaining traction as the new national carrier, while remaining the most profitable player in the Canadian industry and the one with the strongest balance sheet.
In 2024, we successfully promoted genuine competition in telecommunications services across the country and, as promised, brought down wireless prices for the benefit of all Canadians. We also delivered on all of the undertakings we made to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and to Canadians when we acquired Freedom. As planned, we expanded Freedom's and Fizz's service areas in several regions of Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario, notably through agreements signed under the CRTC's MVNO framework. Videotron and Fizz also continued their regional development by expanding their footprint in the Témiscamingue, Charlevoix--Est, Gaspésie and Côte--Nord regions. Together, Videotron, Fizz and Freedom now reach over 33 million Canadians, more than 80% of Canada's population.
These expansions, together with our range of competitively priced products, drove continuing market share gains across Canada. In 2024, we added 373,300 lines (9.9%) to mobile telephony services, including 87,500 lines (2.2%) in the fourth quarter 2024, 32.4% more than in the same quarter of 2023.
True to our commitment to build a fast, reliable and affordable wireless network, we announced in January 2025 that access to state--of--the--art 5G+ technology will now be included in all Freedom monthly mobile plans and the coverage of the international roaming plan has been expanded. Videotron's Canada--International wireless plan was also enhanced with the addition of 28 new destinations and now covers almost half the globe. Strategic investments were also made in network upgrades. In November 2024, we announced improvements to Freedom's wireless network in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia with the recent activation of 180 new sites.
As innovation is a key driver of our business model, we continue to enhance our offering in order to deliver maximum value to our customers. In February 2025, we introduced Fizz TV, an all--digital, low--cost, customizable television service available to Fizz Internet subscribers in Québec. Meanwhile, in 2024, Freedom rolled out affordable new wireline Internet and TV services, Freedom Home Internet and Freedom TV, making it a true multi--service player capable of addressing a new customer segment.
Customer experience is our core priority, and we are proud of the many honours we have received as a result. Léger's 2025 WOW Index once again ranked Videotron first for in--store experience in Québec, while Fizz held its position as Canada's leader in online experience for the sixth consecutive year. Freedom moved up to third place in online experience. These distinctions follow those in the August 2024 Léger survey, in which Videotron was named as the telecommunications provider with the best customer service in Québec by more than twice as many respondents as its nearest rival.
Our outstanding customer service was also reflected in the annual report released in January 2025 by the Commission for Complaints for Telecom--television Services ("CCTS"). While the volume of complaints logged by the CCTS about the telecom industry as a whole increased by 38%, Videotron stood out for the third consecutive year with an exceptional 14% decrease. Fizz and Freedom also performed significantly better than the industry average, even while substantially growing their customer base with the major expansion of their subscription areas.
We continue making the argument to government authorities that wholesale Internet rates should be reviewed to make them just and reasonable, taking into account the retail offerings of the three main incumbents. In particular, Telus Communications Inc. (TELUS) currently pays much lower rates for fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) access in Québec and Ontario than the rates it charges in the western provinces, allowing it to compete with the established players in eastern Canada while other ISPs are disadvantaged in western Canada by the much higher rates for the same access. This hampers Freedom's ability to offer new competitively priced Internet access services in western Canada, as it does with wireless services.
TVA Group Inc. ("TVA Group") posted adjusted EBITDA of $11.1 million in 2024, a favourable variance of $16.6 million compared with the previous year. Despite the continued significant decline in our advertising revenues, reflecting the worldwide crisis in the media industry, we were able to improve our earnings, due in part to the return of major productions to our MELS studios and the reduction in operating expenses resulting from the restructuring plan for our television operations announced on November 2, 2023, which will bring TVA Group's media, television studio and newsroom teams together under one roof at 4545 Frontenac St. in Montréal. This colossal project, which will be completed in the coming weeks, will provide our media group with a modern newsroom, designed to foster collaboration and responsiveness, as well as state--of--the--art studios.
In this context, we are particularly proud to have held our industry--leading position with a 40.7% market share in 2024. TVA Network maintained a wide lead among over--the--air channels with a 23.5% market share, more than its two main over--the--air rivals combined. Flagship shows such as Chanteurs masqués, which averaged more than 1.6 million viewers, and Sortez--moi d'ici! and La Voix, with more than 1.5 million viewers each, were a major factor in TVA Network's success. LCN retained its status as the most--watched specialty channel in Québec with a 7.0% market share, an impressive 0.6--point increase due in part to the performance of its public affairs programs and their coverage of the U.S. election campaign.
It is regrettable, however, that at a time when the industry is in a pervasive crisis and television is struggling to survive, the government has not chosen to extend the print journalism tax credit to television. To maintain the robust news coverage essential to our democracy, the work of all journalists, regardless of platform, must be supported. The trends affecting our industry will only accelerate; we will therefore continue making our case to government authorities to ensure Quebecers retain access to quality news coverage in all parts of Québec.
In 2024, we also became a major player in out--of--home advertising across Canada through the acquisition of NEO--OOH's Canada--wide out--of--home business. It has been integrated into our Québecor Affichage Neo division, expanding our comprehensive multiplatform advertising portfolio to more than 17,000 faces across the country.
QUB radio also expanded significantly in 2024, moving to television on the QUB specialty channel and, under a broadcast agreement with Leclerc Communication Inc. and NumériQ Inc., to radio at 99.5 on the FM band in August 2024. Combined with a strong digital presence, these new platforms have grown QUB radio's audience and amplified its impact on the Québec media landscape.
In the Sports and Entertainment segment, we strengthened our leadership in the events market in 2024 with the acquisition of Evenma, a firm that manages popular and corporate events, positioning us to offer a wider range of events and shows in more regions.
In keeping with the culture of community engagement established by our founder Pierre Péladeau, we announced a historic $10 million donation to the Fondation du CHU de Québec in December 2024. The money will be used, among other things, to support projects to humanize care and to purchase an MRI--linac, a highly specialized piece of equipment, for the hospital's cancer centre, which will be named in honour of Pierre Péladeau. In February 2025, reaffirming our commitment to education and our support for the future leaders who will shape the Québec of the tomorrow, we announced a $20 million donation to Université Laval to support the creation of the Carrefour international Brian--Mulroney. In recognition of this gift, the building adjacent to the Carrefour will be named after Pierre Péladeau, bringing together two great figures in the history of Quebecor and Québec.
With 2025 well underway, we remain firmly committed to pursuing our cross--Canada expansion in the telecommunications segment, driving competition, and diversifying our products in line with market trends. Leveraging our strong execution capabilities, we will stay focused on our strategic priorities while maintaining strict financial discipline. Our success is, above all, a testament to the dedication and expertise of our people. It is their daily contributions that make Quebecor and its brands industry leaders. Guided by our ambitious vision and our determination to create long--term value for all our stakeholders, we look to the future with confidence and resolve.
Non--IFRS financial measures
The Corporation uses financial measures not standardized under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), such as adjusted EBITDA, adjusted income from operating activities, adjusted cash flows from operations, free cash flows from operating activities and consolidated net debt leverage ratio, and key performance indicators, including RGU. Definitions of the non--IFRS measures and key performance indicator used by the Corporation in this press release are provided in the "Definitions" section.
Financial table
Table 1
Consolidated summary of income, cash flows and balance sheet
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per basic share data)
Years ended Three months ended
December 31 December 31
---------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------
2024 2023 2022 2024 2023
---------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income
Revenues:
Telecommunications $4,835.1 $4,654.0 $3,718.2 $1,265.5 $1,297.7
Media 703.0 721.9 755.4 194.7 204.8
Sports and
Entertainment 225.3 213.4 190.6 69.2 56.4
Inter--segments (125.0) (155.0) (132.3) (30.4) (54.1)
---------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
5,638.4 5,434.3 4,531.9 1,499.0 1,504.8
---------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Adjusted EBITDA
(negative adjusted
EBITDA):
Telecommunications 2,335.4 2,230.3 1,912.9 565.9 559.0
Media 31.9 7.7 25.0 15.0 13.6
Sports and
Entertainment 27.4 23.0 19.4 10.8 2.2
Head Office (27.2) (23.2) (22.8) (2.7) (9.4)
---------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
2,367.5 2,237.8 1,934.5 589.0 565.4
Depreciation and
amortization (943.3) (909.0) (767.7) (236.6) (231.1)
Financial expenses (414.1) (408.4) (323.0) (96.5) (107.0)
Gain (loss) on
valuation and
translation of
financial
instruments 15.5 (5.0) (19.2) -- (8.7)
Restructuring,
impairment of assets
and other (27.4) (52.4) (14.5) (13.1) (23.5)
Income taxes (256.7) (227.9) (213.4) (65.4) (53.9)
Net income $ 741.5 $ 635.1 $ 596.7 $ 177.4 $ 141.2
---------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income
attributable to
shareholders $ 747.5 $ 650.5 $ 599.7 $ 177.7 $ 146.2
Adjusted income from
operating activities 747.0 688.1 624.8 186.6 167.5
Per basic share:
Net income
attributable to
shareholders 3.23 2.82 2.55 0.76 0.63
Adjusted income from
operating
activities 3.23 2.98 2.66 0.80 0.73
Three months
Years ended ended
Table 1 (continued) December 31 December 31
2024 2023 2022 2024 2023
---------------------- -------- --------- -------- ----- --------
Capital expenditures:
Telecommunications $ 579.1 $ 536.7 $ 457.1 $135.3 $ 160.4
Media 30.7 12.9 32.0 5.3 6.2
Sports and
Entertainment 6.8 7.7 3.9 2.0 2.9
Head Office 0.6 1.1 1.9 0.1 0.2
---------------------- -------- --------- -------- ----- --------
617.2 558.4 494.9 142.7 169.7
Acquisitions of
spectrum licences 298.9 9.9 -- -- --
Cash flows:
Adjusted cash flows
from operations:
Telecommunications 1,756.3 1,693.6 1,455.8 430.6 398.6
Media 1.2 (5.2) (7.0) 9.7 7.4
Sports and
Entertainment 20.6 15.3 15.5 8.8 (0.7)
Head Office (27.8) (24.3) (24.7) (2.8) (9.6)
---------------------- -------- --------- -------- ----- --------
1,750.3 1,679.4 1,439.6 446.3 395.7
Free cash flows from
operating
activities(1) 1,120.3 910.5 783.2 302.9 184.4
Cash flows provided
by operating
activities 1,719.0 1,462.2 1,262.7 392.4 335.7
Dividends declared 301.7 277.1 282.1 75.7 69.3
Dividends declared per
basic share 1.30 1.20 1.20 0.33 0.30
Balance sheet:
Cash and cash
equivalents $ 61.8 $ 11.1 $ 6.6
Working capital (36.0) (1,125.6) (724.7)
Net assets related to
derivative financial
instruments 141.2 110.8 520.3
Total assets 12,998.7 12,741.3 10,625.3
Bank indebtedness 6.7 9.6 10.1
Total long--term debt
(including current
portion) 7,619.7 7,668.2 6,517.7
Lease liabilities
(current and long
term) 409.7 376.2 186.2
Convertible
debentures,
including embedded
derivatives -- 165.0 160.0
Equity attributable
to shareholders 2,157.2 1,726.9 1,357.3
Equity 2,264.7 1,837.7 1,483.5
Consolidated net debt 3.31x 3.39x 3.20x
leverage ratio(2)
_________________________________
(1) See "Free cash flows from operating activities" under "Definitions."
(2) See "Consolidated net debt leverage ratio" under "Definitions."
2024/2023 FINANCIAL YEAR COMPARISON
Revenues: $5.64 billion, a $204.1 million (3.8%) increase.
-- Revenues increased in Telecommunications ($181.1 million or 3.9% of
segment revenues), due primarily to the contribution of Freedom, and in
Sports and Entertainment ($11.9 million or 5.6%).
-- Revenues decreased in Media ($18.9 million or --2.6%).
Adjusted EBITDA: $2.37 billion, a $129.7 million (5.8%) increase.
-- Adjusted EBITDA increased in Telecommunications ($105.1 million or 4.7%
of segment adjusted EBITDA), mainly related to the contribution of
Freedom; in Media ($24.2 million), due primarily to the $10.2 million
favourable retroactive impact of an agreement on carriage fees for the
LCN specialty channel combined with higher volume in film production and
audiovisual services; and in Sports and Entertainment ($4.4 million or
19.1%).
-- There was an unfavourable variance at Head Office ($4.0 million).
Net income attributable to shareholders: $747.5 million ($3.23 per basic share) in 2024, compared with $650.5 million ($2.82 per basic share) in 2023, an increase of $97.0 million ($0.41 per basic share).
-- The favourable variances were:
-- $129.7 million increase in adjusted EBITDA;
-- $25.0 million favourable variance in the charge for restructuring,
impairment of assets and other;
-- $20.5 million favourable variance in gain and loss on valuation
and translation of financial instruments, without any tax
consequences.
-- The unfavourable variances were:
-- $34.3 million increase in the depreciation and amortization
charge;
-- $28.8 million increase in the income tax expense;
-- $9.4 million unfavourable variance in non--controlling interest;
-- $5.7 million increase related to financial expenses.
Adjusted income from operating activities: $747.0 million ($3.23 per basic share) in 2024, compared with $688.1 million ($2.98 per basic share) in 2023, an increase of $58.9 million ($0.25 per basic share).
Adjusted cash flows from operations: $1.75 billion, a $70.9 million (4.2%) increase due to the $129.7 million increase in adjusted EBITDA, partially offset by a $58.8 million increase in capital expenditures.
Cash flows provided by operating activities: $1.72 billion, a $256.8 million (17.6%) increase due primarily to the favourable net change in non--cash balances related to operating activities, the increase in adjusted EBITDA and the decrease in the cash portion of the charge for restructuring, impairment of assets and other, partially offset by the increase in current income taxes.
2024/2023 FOURTH QUARTER COMPARISON
Revenues: $1.50 billion, a $5.8 million (--0.4%) decrease.
-- Revenues decreased in Telecommunications ($32.2 million or --2.5% of
segment revenues) and in Media ($10.1 million or --4.9%).
-- Revenues increased in Sports and Entertainment ($12.8 million or 22.7%).
Adjusted EBITDA: $589.0 million, a $23.6 million (4.2%) increase.
-- Adjusted EBITDA increased in Telecommunications ($6.9 million or 1.2% of
segment adjusted EBITDA), Media ($1.4 million or 10.3%) and Sports and
Entertainment ($8.6 million). There was a favourable variance at Head
Office ($6.7 million).
-- The change in the fair value of Quebecor stock options and
stock--price--based share units was the main factor in a $15.1 million
favourable variance in the Corporation's stock--based compensation charge
in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with the same period of 2023.
Net income attributable to shareholders: $177.7 million ($0.76 per basic share) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with $146.2 million ($0.63 per basic share) in the same period of 2023, an increase of $31.5 million ($0.13 per basic share) or 21.5%.
-- The favourable variances were:
-- $23.6 million increase in adjusted EBITDA;
-- $10.5 million decrease in financial expenses;
-- $10.4 million decrease in the charge for restructuring, impairment
of assets and other;
-- $8.7 million favourable variance in gain and loss on valuation and
translation of financial instruments, including $8.8 million
without any tax consequences.
-- The unfavourable variances were:
-- $11.5 million increase in the income tax expense;
-- $5.5 million increase in the depreciation and amortization charge;
-- $4.7 million unfavourable variance in non--controlling interest.
Adjusted income from operating activities: $186.6 million ($0.80 per basic share) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with $167.5 million ($0.73 per basic share) in the same period of 2023, an increase of $19.1 million ($0.07 per basic share) or 11.4%.
Adjusted cash flows from operations: $446.3 million, a $50.6 million (12.8%) increase in the fourth quarter of 2024 due to the $23.6 million increase in adjusted EBITDA and the $27.0 million decrease in capital expenditures.
Cash flows provided by operating activities: $392.4 million, a $56.7 million (16.9%) increase in the fourth quarter of 2024 due primarily to the increase in adjusted EBITDA, the favourable net change in non--cash balances related to operating activities, the decrease in the cash portion of the charge for restructuring, impairment of assets and other, and a decrease in the cash portion of financial expenses, partially offset by an increase in current income taxes.
Financing operations
-- On February 26, 2025, Videotron amended and restated its credit agreement
to, among other things, amend its existing $500.0 million revolving
credit facility by creating two tranches: (i) a first tranche in the
amount of $250.0 million maturing in February 2030, and (ii) a second
tranche in the amount of $250.0 million maturing in February 2026 and
providing for a conversion option into a term facility maturing in
February 2027.
-- On January 29, 2025, Videotron adjusted the total amount of credit
available under its revolving credit facility from $2.00 billion to
$500.0 million.
-- On November 8, 2024, Videotron issued US$700 million aggregate principal
amount of 5.700% Senior Notes, or 5.10% taking into account
cross--currency swaps, maturing on January 15, 2035. Videotron used the
net proceeds, together with drawings on its revolving credit facility, to
repay in full its $700.0 million Tranche A term loan maturing in
October 2025 and its 5.750% Senior Notes maturing in 2026 in the amount
of $375.0 million.
-- On June 25, 2024, the Corporation redeemed all its outstanding 4.0%
convertible debentures for a total aggregate principal amount of $150.0
million. Pursuant to the terms of the debentures, the Corporation elected
to settle the redemption in shares and consequently issued and delivered
5,161,237 Class B Shares to the holders.
-- On June 21, 2024, Videotron issued $600.0 million aggregate principal
amount of Senior Notes bearing interest at 4.650% and maturing on
July 15, 2029, and $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior
Notes bearing interest at 5.000% and maturing on July 15, 2034, for total
net proceeds of $992.6 million, net of discount at issuance and financing
costs of $7.4 million. The proceeds were used to repay US$600.0 million
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes on June 17, 2024 and to reduce
drawings on its revolving bank credit facility.
-- On June 17, 2024, Videotron redeemed at maturity its Senior Notes in
aggregate principal amount of US$600.0 million, bearing interest at
5.375%, and unwound the related hedging contracts for a total cash
consideration of $662.3 million.
-- On June 13, 2024, Videotron amended its term credit facility by extending
the maturity of the first tranche of $700.0 million from October 2024 to
October 2025 and transitioning to the Canadian Overnight Repo Rate
Average (CORRA). This tranche was repaid in November 2024.
-- On June 13, 2024, following new credit ratings for Videotron in May 2024,
all liens on Videotron's assets granted to the bank lenders were
terminated and the related debt instruments (including derivatives) are
now unsecured.
-- On May 6, 2024, S&P Global Ratings upgraded Videotron's unsecured debt
from BB+ to BBB-- with a stable outlook. On May 30, 2024, Moody's Ratings
upgraded Videotron's unsecured debt from Ba2 to Baa3 with a stable
outlook.
Capital stock
Repurchase of shares
On August 7, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Corporation authorized a normal course issuer bid for a maximum of 1,000,000 Class A Shares representing approximately 1.3% of issued and outstanding Class A Shares, and for a maximum of 5,000,000 Class B Shares representing approximately 3.2% of issued and outstanding Class B Shares as of August 1, 2024. The purchases can be made from August 15, 2024 to August 14, 2025, at prevailing market prices on the open market through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") or other alternative trading systems in Canada. All shares purchased under the bid will be cancelled.
On August 9, 2024, the Corporation entered into an automatic securities purchase plan ("the plan") with a designated broker whereby shares may be repurchased under the plan at times when such purchases would otherwise be prohibited pursuant to regulatory restrictions or self--imposed blackout periods. The plan received prior approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange. It came into effect on August 15, 2024 and will terminate on the same date as the normal course issuer bid.
Under the plan, before entering a self--imposed blackout period, the Corporation may, but is not required to, ask the designated broker to make purchases under the normal course issuer bid. Such purchases shall be made at the discretion of the designated broker, within parameters established by the Corporation prior to the blackout periods. Outside the blackout periods, purchases will be made at the discretion of the Corporation's management.
In 2024, the Corporation purchased and cancelled 3,619,092 Class B Shares for a total cash consideration of $114.7 million (260,500 Class B Shares for a total cash consideration of $7.8 million in 2023).
Share issuance
On June 25, 2024, the Corporation redeemed all its outstanding 4.0% convertible debentures for a total aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million. Pursuant to the terms of the debentures, the Corporation elected to settle the redemption in shares and consequently issued and delivered 5,161,237 Class B Shares to the holders.
Dividends
On February 26, 2025, the Board of Directors of Quebecor declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share on its Class A Shares and Class B Shares, payable on April 8, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the record date of March 14, 2025. This dividend is designated an eligible dividend, as provided under subsection 89(14) of the Canadian Income Tax Act and its provincial counterpart.
Acquisition
On April 3, 2023, Videotron acquired Freedom from Shaw Communications Inc. Videotron paid $2.07 billion in cash and assumed certain liabilities, mainly lease obligations. The acquisition included the Freedom brand's entire wireless and Internet customer base, as well as its owned infrastructure, spectrum and retail outlets.
Spectrum licences
On May 29, 2024, Videotron acquired 305 blocks of spectrum in the 3800 MHz band across the country for a total price of $298.9 million (of which $59.8 million was paid in January 2024 and $239.1 million in May 2024). Approximately 61% of the 305 blocks of wireless spectrum are located outside Québec, mainly in southern Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
Detailed financial information
For a detailed analysis of Quebecor's fourth quarter and full--year 2024 results, please refer to the Management Discussion and Analysis and condensed consolidated financial statements of Quebecor, available on the Corporation's website at www.quebecor.com/en/investors/financial-documentation and the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.
Conference call for investors and webcast
Quebecor will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full--year 2024 results on February 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. EST. There will be a question period reserved for financial analysts. To access the conference call, please dial 1--877--293--8052, access code for participants 27370#. The conference call will also be broadcast live on Quebecor's website at www.quebecor.com/en/investors/conferences--and--annual--meeting. It is advisable to ensure the appropriate software is installed before accessing the call. Instructions and links to free player downloads are available at the Internet address shown above. Anyone unable to attend the conference call will be able to listen to a recording by dialing 1--877--293--8133, access code 27370#, recording access code 27370#. The recording will be available until May 29, 2025.
Cautionary statement regarding forward--looking statements
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward--looking statements and are subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause Quebecor's actual results for future periods to differ materially from those set forth in forward--looking statements. Forward--looking statements may be identified by the use of the conditional or by forward--looking terminology such as the terms "plans," "expects," "may," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "seeks," "believes," or similar terms, variations of such terms or the negative of such terms. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward--looking statements include, but are not limited to:
-- Quebecor's ability to continue successfully developing its network and
the facilities that support its mobile services;
-- general economic climate, financial and economic market conditions,
global business challenges, such as tariffs and trade barriers, as well
as market conditions and variations in the businesses of local, regional
and national advertisers in Quebecor's newspapers, television outlets and
other media properties;
-- Quebecor's ability to implement its business and growth strategies
successfully;
-- the intensity of competitive activity in the industries in which Quebecor
operates and its ability to penetrate new markets and successfully
develop its business, including in growth sectors and new geographies;
-- fragmentation of the media landscape and its impact on the advertising
market and the media properties of Quebecor;
-- new technologies that might change consumer behaviour with respect
to Quebecor's product suites;
-- unanticipated higher capital spending required for developing Quebecor's
network or to address the continued development of competitive
alternative technologies, or the inability to obtain additional capital
to continue the development of Quebecor's business segments;
-- risks relating to the ongoing integration of Freedom, acquired in 2023,
which could result in additional and unforeseen expenses, capital
expenditures and financial risks, such as the incurrence of unexpected
write--offs, unanticipated or unknown liabilities, or unforeseen
litigation. In addition, the anticipated benefits of the Freedom
acquisition may not be fully realized or could take longer to realize
than expected;
-- the impacts of the significant and recurring investments that will be
required for development and expansion and to compete effectively with
the incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) and other current or
potential competitors in the Telecommunications segment's target markets;
-- disruptions to the network through which Quebecor provides its television,
Internet access, mobile and wireline telephony and over-the-top (OTT)
services, and its ability to protect such services against piracy,
unauthorized access and other security breaches;
-- labour disputes and strikes, service interruptions resulting from
equipment breakdown, network failure, the threat of natural disasters,
epidemics, public--health crises and political instability in some
countries;
-- impacts related to environmental issues, cybersecurity and the protection
of personal information;
-- changes in Quebecor's ability to obtain services and equipment critical
to its operations;
-- changes in laws and regulations, or in their interpretations, which could
result, among other things, in increased competition, changes
in Quebecor's markets, increased operating expenses, capital expenditures
or tax expenses, or a reduction in the value of some assets; and
-- Quebecor's substantial indebtedness, interest rate and exchange rate
fluctuations, the tightening of credit markets and the restrictions on
its business imposed by the terms of its debt.
The forward--looking statements in this document are made to provide investors and the public with a better understanding of the Corporation's circumstances and are based on assumptions it believes to be reasonable as of the day on which they are made. Investors and others are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive and that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward--looking statements. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause Quebecor's actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to Quebecor's public filings, available at www.sedarplus.ca and www.quebecor.com, including, in particular, the "Trend Information," "Risks and Uncertainties" and "Financial Instruments and Financial Risk Management" sections of the Corporation's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The forward--looking statements in this press release reflect the Corporation's expectations as of February 27, 2025 and are subject to change after this date. The Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise any forward--looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
About Quebecor
Quebecor, a Canadian leader in telecommunications, entertainment, news media and culture, is one of the best--performing integrated communications companies in the industry. Driven by their determination to deliver the best possible customer experience, all of Quebecor's subsidiaries and brands are differentiated by their high--quality, multiplatform, convergent products and services.
Quebecor (TSX: QBR.A, QBR.B) is headquartered in Québec and employs more than 11,000 people in Canada.
A family business founded in 1950, Quebecor is strongly committed to the community. Every year, it actively supports more than 400 organizations in the vital fields of culture, health, education, the environment, and entrepreneurship.
Visit our website: www.quebecor.com
Follow us on X: www.x.com/Quebecor
DEFINITIONS
Adjusted EBITDA
In its analysis of operating results, the Corporation defines adjusted EBITDA, as reconciled to net income under IFRS, as net income before depreciation and amortization, financial expenses, gain (loss) on valuation and translation of financial instruments, restructuring, impairment of assets and other, and income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA as defined above is not a measure of results that is consistent with IFRS. It is not intended to be regarded as an alternative to IFRS financial performance measures or to the statement of cash flows as a measure of liquidity. This measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other performance measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Corporation's management and Board of Directors use this measure in evaluating its consolidated results as well as the results of the Corporation's operating segments. This measure eliminates the significant level of impairment and depreciation/amortization of tangible and intangible assets and is unaffected by the capital structure or investment activities of the Corporation and its business segments.
Adjusted EBITDA is also relevant because it is a component of the Corporation's annual incentive compensation programs. A limitation of this measure, however, is that it does not reflect the capital expenditures and acquisitions of spectrum licences needed to generate revenues in the Corporation's segments. The Corporation also uses other measures that do reflect capital expenditures, such as adjusted cash flows from operations and free cash flows from operating activities. The Corporation's definition of adjusted EBITDA may not be the same as similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Table 2 provides a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income as disclosed in Quebecor's consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial information for the three--month periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 presented in Table 2 below is drawn from the Corporation's unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements.
Table 2
Reconciliation of the adjusted EBITDA measure used in this press release to the net income measure used in the consolidated financial statements
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
Years ended Three months ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------
2024 2023 2022 2024 2023
-------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Adjusted EBITDA
(negative adjusted
EBITDA):
Telecommunications $2,335.4 $2,230.3 $1,912.9 $ 565.9 $ 559.0
Media 31.9 7.7 25.0 15.0 13.6
Sports and
Entertainment 27.4 23.0 19.4 10.8 2.2
Head Office (27.2) (23.2) (22.8) (2.7) (9.4)
-------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
2,367.5 2,237.8 1,934.5 589.0 565.4
Depreciation and
amortization (943.3) (909.0) (767.7) (236.6) (231.1)
Financial expenses (414.1) (408.4) (323.0) (96.5) (107.0)
Gain (loss) on
valuation and
translation of
financial
instruments 15.5 (5.0) (19.2) -- (8.7)
Restructuring,
impairment of
assets and other (27.4) (52.4) (14.5) (13.1) (23.5)
Income taxes (256.7) (227.9) (213.4) (65.4) (53.9)
Net income $ 741.5 $ 635.1 $ 596.7 $ 177.4 $ 141.2
-------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Adjusted income from operating activities
The Corporation defines adjusted income from operating activities, as reconciled to net income attributable to shareholders under IFRS, as net income attributable to shareholders before the gain (loss) on valuation and translation of financial instruments, and restructuring, impairment of assets and other, net of income tax related to adjustments and net income attributable to non--controlling interest related to adjustments. Adjusted income from operating activities, as defined above, is not a measure of results that is consistent with IFRS. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Corporation uses adjusted income from operating activities to analyze trends in the performance of its businesses. The above--listed items are excluded from the calculation of this measure because they impair the comparability of financial results. Adjusted income from operating activities is more representative for forecasting income. The Corporation's definition of adjusted income from operating activities may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Table 3 provides a reconciliation of adjusted income from operating activities to the net income attributable to shareholders measure used in Quebecor's consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial information for the three--month periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 presented in Table 3 below is drawn from the Corporation's unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements.
Table 3
Reconciliation of the adjusted income from operating activities measure used in this press release to the net income attributable to shareholders measure used in the consolidated financial statements
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
Years ended Three months ended
December 31 December 31
----------------- ------------------------- ----------------------
2024 2023 2022 2024 2023
----------------- ------ ------ ------ -------- -------
Adjusted income
from operating
activities $ 747.0 $ 688.1 $ 624.8 $ 186.6 $ 167.5
Gain (loss) on
valuation and
translation of
financial
instruments 15.5 (5.0) (19.2) -- (8.7)
Restructuring,
impairment of
assets and
other (27.4) (52.4) (14.5) (13.1) (23.5)
Income taxes
related to
adjustments(1) 9.4 12.7 8.6 4.2 6.3
Non--controlling
interest related
to adjustments 3.0 7.1 -- -- 4.6
Net income
attributable to
shareholders $ 747.5 $ 650.5 $ 599.7 $ 177.7 $ 146.2
----------------- ------ ------ ------ -------- -------
(1) Includes impact of fluctuations in income tax applicable to adjusted
items, either for statutory reasons or in connection with tax transactions.
Adjusted cash flows from operations and free cash flows from operating activities
Adjusted cash flows from operations
Adjusted cash flows from operations represents adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licence acquisitions). Adjusted cash flows from operations represents funds available for interest and income tax payments, expenditures related to restructuring programs, business acquisitions, acquisitions of spectrum licences, payment of dividends, repayment of long--term debt and lease liabilities, and share repurchases. Adjusted cash flows from operations is not a measure of liquidity that is consistent with IFRS. It is not intended to be regarded as an alternative to IFRS financial performance measures or to the statement of cash flows as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted cash flows from operations is used by the Corporation's management and Board of Directors to evaluate the cash flows generated by the operations of all of its segments, on a consolidated basis, in addition to the operating cash flows generated by each segment. Adjusted cash flows from operations is also relevant because it is a component of the Corporation's annual incentive compensation programs. The Corporation's definition of adjusted cash flows from operations may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Free cash flows from operating activities
Free cash flows from operating activities represents cash flows provided by operating activities calculated in accordance with IFRS, less cash flows used for capital expenditures (excluding spectrum licence acquisitions), plus proceeds from disposal of assets. Free cash flows from operating activities is used by the Corporation's management and Board of Directors to evaluate cash flows generated by the Corporation's operations. Free cash flows from operating activities represents available funds for business acquisitions, acquisitions of spectrum licences, payment of dividends, repayment of long--term debt and lease liabilities, and share repurchases. Free cash flows from operating activities is not a measure of liquidity that is consistent with IFRS. It is not intended to be regarded as an alternative to IFRS financial performance measures or to the statement of cash flows as a measure of liquidity. The Corporation's definition of free cash flows from operating activities may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Tables 4 and 5 provide a reconciliation of adjusted cash flows from operations and free cash flows from operating activities to cash flows provided by operating activities reported in the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial information for the three--month periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 presented in Tables 4 and 5 is drawn from the Corporation's unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements.
Table 4
Adjusted cash flows from operations
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
Years ended Three months ended
December 31 December 31
-------------------- ----------------------------- ------------------
2024 2023 2022 2024 2023
-------------------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------
Adjusted EBITDA
(negative adjusted
EBITDA)
Telecommunications $2,335.4 $2,230.3 $ 1,912.9 $ 565.9 $ 559.0
Media 31.9 7.7 25.0 15.0 13.6
Sports and
Entertainment 27.4 23.0 19.4 10.8 2.2
Head Office (27.2) (23.2) (22.8) (2.7) (9.4)
-------------------- ------- ------- -------- -------
2,367.5 2,237.8 1,934.5 589.0 565.4
Minus
--------------------
Capital
expenditures:(1)
Telecommunications (579.1) (536.7) (457.1) (135.3) (160.4)
Media (30.7) (12.9) (32.0) (5.3) (6.2)
Sports and
Entertainment (6.8) (7.7) (3.9) (2.0) (2.9)
Head Office (0.6) (1.1) (1.9) (0.1) (0.2)
-------------------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------
(617.2) (558.4) (494.9) (142.7) (169.7)
Adjusted cash flows
from operations
Telecommunications 1,756.3 1,693.6 1,455.8 430.6 398.6
Media 1.2 (5.2) (7.0) 9.7 7.4
Sports and
Entertainment 20.6 15.3 15.5 8.8 (0.7)
Head Office (27.8) (24.3) (24.7) (2.8) (9.6)
-------------------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------
$1,750.3 $1,679.4 $ 1,439.6 $ 446.3 $ 395.7
-------------------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------
(1) Reconciliation to Three months
cash flows used for Years ended ended December
capital December 31 31
---------------------------- -----------------
expenditures as per
consolidated financial
statements 2024 2023 2022 2024 2023
------- ------- ------- -------
Capital expenditures $(617.2) $(558.4) $(494.9) $(142.7) $(169.7)
Net variance in current
operating items
related to capital
expenditures
(excluding government
credits receivable for
large investment
projects) 17.7 5.0 8.4 52.9 17.5
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Cash flows used for
capital expenditures $(599.5) $(553.4) $(486.5) $ (89.8) $(152.2)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Table 5
Free cash flows from operating activities and cash flows provided by operating activities reported in the consolidated financial statements
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
Three months
Years ended ended December
December 31 31
------------------------ --------------------------- -----------------
2024 2023 2022 2024 2023
------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------ -------
Adjusted cash flows from
operations from
Table 4 $1,750.3 $1,679.4 $1,439.6 $ 446.3 $ 395.7
Plus (minus)
------------------------
Cash portion of
financial expenses (404.7) (400.0) (315.7) (94.2) (104.8)
Cash portion of
restructuring,
impairment of assets
and other (17.9) (39.5) (10.3) (4.4) (17.8)
Current income taxes (248.9) (221.2) (276.7) (46.8) (40.4)
Other 2.2 (4.1) 1.0 (0.2) (8.1)
Net change in non--cash
balances related to
operating
activities 21.6 (109.1) (63.1) (50.7) (57.7)
Net variance in current
operating items
related to capital
expenditures
(excluding government
credits receivable
for large investment
projects) 17.7 5.0 8.4 52.9 17.5
------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------
Free cash flows from
operating activities 1,120.3 910.5 783.2 302.9 184.4
Plus (minus)
------------------------
Cash flows used for
capital expenditures
(excluding spectrum
license acquisitions) 599.5 553.4 486.5 89.8 152.2
Proceeds from disposal
of assets (0.8) (1.7) (7.0) (0.3) (0.9)
Cash flows provided by
operating activities $1,719.0 $1,462.2 $1,262.7 $ 392.4 $ 335.7
------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------ -------
Consolidated net debt leverage ratio
The consolidated net debt leverage ratio represents consolidated net debt, excluding convertible debentures, divided by the trailing 12--month adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated net debt, excluding convertible debentures, represents total long--term debt plus bank indebtedness, lease liabilities and liabilities related to derivative financial instruments, less assets related to derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents. The consolidated net debt leverage ratio serves to evaluate the Corporation's financial leverage and is used by management and the Board of Directors in decisions on the Corporation's capital structure, including its financing strategy, and in managing debt maturity risks. The consolidated net debt leverage ratio excludes convertible debentures because, subject to certain conditions, those debentures can be repurchased at the Corporation's discretion by issuing Quebecor Class B Shares. Consolidated net debt leverage ratio is not a measure established in accordance with IFRS. It is not intended to be used as an alternative to IFRS measures or the balance sheet to evaluate the Corporation's financial position. The Corporation's definition of consolidated net debt leverage ratio may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Table 6 provides the calculation of consolidated net debt leverage ratio and the reconciliation to balance sheet items reported in Quebecor's consolidated financial statements.
Table 6
Consolidated net debt leverage ratio
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
Dec. 31, Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
2024 2023 2022
------------------------------------ -------- -------- --------
Total long--term debt(1) $7,619.7 $7,668.2 $6,517.7
Plus (minus)
------------------------------------
Lease liabilities(2) 409.7 376.2 186.2
Bank indebtedness 6.7 9.6 10.1
Derivative financial instruments(3) (141.2) (110.8) (520.3)
Cash and cash equivalents (61.8) (11.1) (6.6)
-------------------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Consolidated net debt excluding
convertible debentures 7,833.1 7,932.1 6,187.1
Divided by:
Trailing 12--month adjusted EBITDA(4) $2,367.5 $2,337.1 $1,934.5
-------------------------------------- ------- ------- -------
Consolidated net debt leverage 3.31x 3.39x 3.20x
ratio(4)
-------------------------------------- ------- ------- -------
(1) Excluding changes in the fair value of long--term debt related to hedged
interest rate risk and financing costs.
(2) Current and long--term liabilities.
(3) Current and long--term assets less long--term liabilities.
(4) On a pro forma basis as at December 31, 2023, using Freedom's trailing
12--month adjusted EBITDA.
Key performance indicator
Revenue--generating unit
The Corporation uses RGU, an industry metric, as a key performance indicator. An RGU represents, as the case may be, subscriber connections to the mobile and wireline telephony services and subscriptions to the Internet access and television services. RGU is not a measurement that is consistent with IFRS and the Corporation's definition and calculation of RGU may not be the same as identically titled measurements reported by other companies or published by public authorities.
QUEBECOR INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF INCOME
(in millions of
Canadian dollars,
except for earnings per
share data) Three months ended Twelve months ended
(unaudited) December 31 December 31
----------------------- ---------------------- -----------------------
2024 2023 2024 2023
-------- ------- -------- --------
Revenues $ 1,499.0 $1,504.8 $ 5,638.4 $ 5,434.3
Employee costs 180.5 198.2 752.0 755.5
Purchase of goods and
services 729.5 741.2 2,518.9 2,441.0
Depreciation and
amortization 236.6 231.1 943.3 909.0
Financial expenses 96.5 107.0 414.1 408.4
Loss (gain) on
valuation and
translation of
financial instruments - 8.7 (15.5) 5.0
Restructuring,
impairment of assets
and other 13.1 23.5 27.4 52.4
-------- ------- -------- --------
Income before income
taxes 242.8 195.1 998.2 863.0
Income taxes
(recovery):
Current 46.8 40.4 248.9 221.2
Deferred 18.6 13.5 7.8 6.7
-------- -------
65.4 53.9 256.7 227.9
-------- ------- -------- --------
Net income $ 177.4 $ 141.2 $ 741.5 $ 635.1
-------- ------- -------- --------
Net income (loss)
attributable to
Shareholders $ 177.7 $ 146.2 $ 747.5 $ 650.5
Non-controlling
interests (0.3) (5.0) (6.0) (15.4)
-------- ------- -------- --------
Earnings per share
attributable to
shareholders
Basic $ 0.76 $ 0.63 $ 3.23 $ 2.82
Diluted 0.76 0.63 3.23 2.80
Weighted average number
of shares outstanding
(in millions) 232.9 230.7 231.6 230.9
Weighted average number
of diluted shares (in
millions) 233.5 230.9 232.1 236.2
-------- ------- -------- --------
QUEBECOR INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions of
Canadian dollars) Three months ended Twelve months ended
(unaudited) December 31 December 31
----------------------- ---------------------- -----------------------
2024 2023 2024 2023
-------- ------- -------- --------
Net income $ 177.4 $ 141.2 $ 741.5 $ 635.1
Other comprehensive
(loss) income:
Items that may be
reclassified to
income:
Cash flow hedges:
(Loss) gain on
valuation of
derivative financial
instruments (55.2) (42.4) (76.2) 5.4
Deferred income taxes (0.2) 10.4 4.4 0.5
Gain (loss) on
translation of
investments in foreign
associates 0.7 (1.4) (1.9) (11.3)
Items that will not be
reclassified to
income:
Defined benefit plans:
Re-measurement (loss)
gain (19.7) 16.9 38.3 16.9
Deferred income taxes 5.1 (4.5) (10.1) (4.5)
Equity investment:
Loss on revaluation of
an equity investment (2.7) (2.8) (2.8) (2.7)
Deferred income taxes 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.3
-------- ------- -------- --------
(71.6) (23.5) (47.9) 4.6
Comprehensive income $ 105.8 $ 117.7 $ 693.6 $ 639.7
-------- ------- -------- --------
Comprehensive income
(loss) attributable to
Shareholders $ 107.4 $ 122.1 $ 696.7 $ 654.5
Non-controlling
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