Cogeco Releases its Financial Results for the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023

• In the context of its network expansion strategy, Cogeco added 30,922 homes passed in Canada and the United States, totalling 101,000 homes passed over the past nine months;
• The acquisition of oxio expanded Cogeco Connexion's value proposition by adding a second brand to serve the telecommunication needs of Canadians;
• Revenue grew by 1.7% compared to the same period of the prior year to $767.6 million;
• Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $355.5 million increased 0.6% over last year;
• Profit for the period amounted to $33.3 million, a decrease of 69.3%, while the loss for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation amounted to $34.5 million, a decrease of $72.0 million compared to a profit last year, due to non-cash impairment charges of $88 million related to the radio operations. Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾ remained comparable to last year;
• Loss per share on a diluted basis was $2.22, a decrease compared to earnings per share of $2.37 last year, due to the non-cash impairment charges related to the radio operations. Adjusted diluted earnings per share⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾ rose by 1.3% to $2.43;
• Net capital expenditures⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ amounted to $170.3 million, a 7.0% reduction versus last year. Acquisition of property, plant and equipment amounted to $190.1 million, a decrease of 4.1%;
• Free cash flow⁽¹⁾ of $107.4 million decreased by 1.4%, while cash flows from operating activities decreased by 20.4% to $283.2 million; and
• Declared a quarterly eligible dividend of $0.731 per share, representing a 17.0% increase over last year.

MONTRÉAL, July 13, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, Cogeco Inc. (TSX: CGO) ("Cogeco" or the "Corporation") announced its financial results for the third quarter ended May 31, 2023.

"This quarter, we continued to demonstrate our strong and consistent execution in our fibre network expansion projects while remaining focused on delivering high quality product offerings and distinctive customer service," said Philippe Jetté, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cogeco.

"We are pleased with the performance of our Canadian telecommunications business again this quarter, where Internet customer additions are being driven by solid growth across our traditional and newly served footprints, as well as from our recently acquired oxio brand," continued Mr. Jetté.

"Although our U.S. telecommunications business, Breezeline, continues to face headwinds from the macroeconomic and nationwide competitive environments, our higher value product mix combined with cost efficiency initiatives led to a higher adjusted EBITDA margin over last year and compared to last quarter," added Mr. Jetté.

"At Cogeco Media, in an industry-wide changing advertising market, we are developing innovative digital solutions to create a multi-platform audio content model," continued Mr. Jetté. "Our listener engagement remained strong across many of our stations this quarter, including at 98.5 Montréal, where it remained in the top spot of the Numeris rankings," concluded Mr. Jetté.

Consolidated Financial Highlights

Three months ended May 31	2023		2022		Change	Change in constant currency	(1)
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except % and per share data) (unaudited)	$		$		%	%
Revenue	767,603		754,777		1.7	(1.4)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)	355,459		353,473		0.6	(2.2)
Profit for the period	33,314		108,456		(69.3)
(Loss) profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation	(34,473)		37,493		—
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation (1) (3)	37,921		38,009		(0.2)
Cash flows from operating activities	283,180		355,681		(20.4)
Free cash flow (1)	107,379		108,954		(1.4)	(1.1)
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (1)	139,210		147,613		(5.7)	(6.1)
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	190,121		198,271		(4.1)
Net capital expenditures (1)	170,258		183,107		(7.0)	(10.7)
Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (1)	138,427		144,448		(4.2)	(8.2)
Diluted (loss) earnings per share	(2.22)		2.37		—
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1) (3)	2.43		2.40		1.3

Operating results

For the third quarter of fiscal 2023:

• Revenue increased by 1.7% to reach $767.6 million. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased by 1.4%, driven by declines in the American telecommunications segment and in the media activities, partly offset by growth in the Canadian telecommunications segment, which is further explained as follows:
• Canadian telecommunications' revenue increased by 3.2%, mainly driven by the cumulative effect of high-speed Internet service additions over the past year, higher revenue per customer and the oxio acquisition completed on March 3, 2023.
• American telecommunications' revenue decreased by 5.7% on a constant currency basis (increase of 0.5% as reported), mainly due to a lower customer base in Ohio and an overall decline in video and phone service customers, offset in part by a higher revenue per customer and a better product mix.
• Revenue in the media activities decreased by 3.2%.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased by 0.6% to reach $355.5 million. On a constant currency basis, adjusted EBITDA decreased by 2.2%, due to a decline in the American telecommunications segment, while the Canadian telecommunications segment remained stable, as further explained below:
• Canadian telecommunications adjusted EBITDA remained stable as its revenue growth was offset by higher operating expenses to drive customer growth.
• American telecommunications adjusted EBITDA decreased by 2.8%, or 3.6% in constant currency, mainly resulting from lower revenue partly offset by reduced operating expenses.
• Profit for the period amounted to $33.3 million, while the loss for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation amounted to $34.5 million, or $2.22 per diluted share, compared to a profit of $108.5 million, $37.5 million, and $2.37 per diluted share, respectively, in the comparable period of fiscal 2022. The decreases in profit for the period and profit attributable to owners of the Corporation resulted mainly from non-cash impairment charges of $88 million related to the radio operations, higher financial expense and acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs, partly offset by lower depreciation and amortization expense, income taxes and the appreciation of the US dollar.
• Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation⁽³⁾, was $37.9 million, or $2.43 per diluted share⁽³⁾, compared to $38.0 million, or $2.40 per diluted share, last year.
• Net capital expenditures, which account for network expansion subsidies, were $170.3 million, a decrease of 7.0% compared to $183.1 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures were $163.5 million, a decrease of 10.7% compared to last year, mainly due to lower capital expenditures following reduced spending, mostly in the Canadian telecommunications segment.
• Excluding network expansion projects, net capital expenditures were $138.4 million, a decrease of 4.2% compared to $144.4 million in the same period of the prior year. In constant currency, net capital expenditures excluding network expansion projects⁽¹⁾ were $132.6 million, a decrease of 8.2% compared to last year.
• Fibre-to-the-home network expansion projects continued in both Canada and the United States, with unprecedented homes passed additions of more than 171,000 during fiscal 2022 and the first nine months of the current fiscal year. These fibre-to-the-home network expansion projects are increasing the Corporation's footprint in the provinces of Québec and Ontario and in several areas adjacent to Breezeline's network in the United States.
• Acquisition of property, plant and equipment decreased by 4.1% to $190.1 million, mainly due to reduced capital spending, mostly in the Canadian telecommunications segment.
• Free cash flow decreased by 1.4%, or 1.1% in constant currency, and amounted to $107.4 million, mainly due to higher financial expense, higher acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs and lower adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by lower net capital expenditures and current income taxes.
• Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects decreased by 5.7%, or 6.1% in constant currency, and amounted to $139.2 million.
• Cash flows from operating activities decreased by 20.4% to reach $283.2 million, driven by a net inflow in non-cash operating activities of $20.7 million compared to $51.2 million in the comparative period, resulting mostly from the timing of trade and other payables, as well as an increase in income taxes and interest paid.
• Spectrum licences were acquired in the 2500 MHz and 3500 MHz bands in Québec in relation to our plan to offer mobility services within our operating footprint.
• Cogeco reiterates its fiscal 2023 financial guidelines as issued on January 12, 2023. Furthermore, on June 8, 2023, Cogeco announced that it will provide its fiscal 2024 financial guidelines when it reports its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, which is consistent with industry practice.
• At its July 13, 2023 meeting, the Board of Directors of Cogeco declared a quarterly eligible dividend of $0.731 per share, an increase of 17% compared to $0.625 per share in the comparable quarter of fiscal 2022.

 

(1)	Adjusted EBITDA and net capital expenditures are total of segments measures. Constant currency basis, adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation, net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects, free cash flow and free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects are non-IFRS financial measures. Change in constant currency and adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-IFRS ratios. These indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more information on these financial measures, please consult the "Non-IFRS and other financial measures" section of this press release.
(2)	Net capital expenditures are presented net of government subsidies, including the utilization of those received in advance.
(3)	Excludes the impact of non-cash impairment charges, and acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs, net of tax and non-controlling interest.

Financial highlights 

Three and nine months ended May 31	2023	2022	Change	Change in constant currency	(1) (2)	2023	2022	Change	Change in constant currency	(1) (2)
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages and per share data)	$	$	%	%		$	$	%	%
Operations
Revenue	767,603	754,777	1.7	(1.4)		2,314,484	2,248,101	3.0	(0.2)
Adjusted EBITDA (2)	355,459	353,473	0.6	(2.2)		1,081,004	1,057,078	2.3	(0.7)
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs (3)	11,377	2,286	—			21,006	22,372	(6.1)
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	88,000	—	—			88,000	—	—
Profit for the period	33,314	108,456	(69.3)			259,714	346,376	(25.0)
(Loss) profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation	(34,473)	37,493	—			41,396	112,675	(63.3)
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation (2)	37,921	38,009	(0.2)			116,292	117,225	(0.8)
Cash flow
Cash flows from operating activities	283,180	355,681	(20.4)			683,844	931,791	(26.6)
Free cash flow (2)	107,379	108,954	(1.4)	(1.1)		335,193	398,477	(15.9)	(15.3)
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects (2)	139,210	147,613	(5.7)	(6.1)		475,100	494,134	(3.9)	(4.5)
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	190,121	198,271	(4.1)			598,803	502,753	19.1
Net capital expenditures (2)	170,258	183,107	(7.0)	(10.7)		524,432	467,091	12.3	7.3
Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects (2)	138,427	144,448	(4.2)	(8.2)		384,525	371,434	3.5	(1.3)
Per share data (4)
(Loss) earnings per share
Basic	(2.22)	2.38	—			2.65	7.11	(62.7)
Diluted	(2.22)	2.37	—			2.64	7.07	(62.7)
Adjusted diluted (2)	2.43	2.40	1.3			7.41	7.35	0.8
Dividends	0.731	0.625	17.0			2.193	1.875	17.0

 

As at	May 31, 2023	August 31, 2022
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)	$	$
Financial condition
Cash and cash equivalents	365,665	379,001
Total assets	9,877,551	9,468,025
Long-term debt
Current	43,064	340,468
Non-current	5,105,833	4,398,142
Net indebtedness (2)	4,905,659	4,545,809
Equity attributable to owners of the Corporation	907,222	919,843

(1)	Key performance indicators presented on a constant currency basis are obtained by translating financial results from the current periods denominated in US dollars at the foreign exchange rate of the comparable periods of the prior year. For the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2022, the average foreign exchange rates used for translation were 1.2713 USD/CDN and 1.2660 USD/CDN, respectively.
(2)	Adjusted EBITDA and net capital expenditures are total of segments measures. Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation, free cash flow, free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects and net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects are non-IFRS financial measures. Change in constant currency and adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-IFRS ratios. Net indebtedness is a capital management measure. These indicated terms do not have standardized definitions prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For more information on these financial measures, please consult the "Non-IFRS and other financial measures" section of this press release.
(3)	For the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2023, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs resulted mostly from costs related to the ongoing integration of past acquisitions and from a retroactive adjustment of $3.3 million recognized during the third quarter of fiscal 2023, in addition to a $5.1 million adjustment recognized in the second quarter, both related to the Copyright Board preliminary conclusions of the 2016-2018 retransmission tariffs, impacting those years and estimated costs for the following years. For the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2022, acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs resulted mostly from costs incurred in connection with the acquisition, completed on September 1, 2021, and integration of the Ohio broadband systems.
(4)	Per multiple and subordinate voting share.

Forward-looking statements 

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to Cogeco Inc.'s ("Cogeco" or the "Corporation") future outlook and anticipated events, business, operations, financial performance, financial condition or results and, in some cases, can be identified by terminology such as "may"; "will"; "should"; "expect"; "plan"; "anticipate"; "believe"; "intend"; "estimate"; "predict"; "potential"; "continue"; "foresee", "ensure" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Particularly, statements regarding the Corporation's financial guidelines, future operating results and economic performance, objectives and strategies are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including expected growth, results of operations, purchase price allocation, tax rates, weighted average cost of capital, performance and business prospects and opportunities, which Cogeco believes are reasonable as of the current date. Refer in particular to the "Corporate objectives and strategies" section of the Corporation's 2022 annual MD&A and of the fiscal 2023 third-quarter MD&A, the "Fiscal 2023 financial guidelines" section of the Corporation's 2022 annual MD&A and the "Fiscal 2023 revised financial guidelines" of the fiscal 2023 first-quarter MD&A for a discussion of certain key economic, market and operational assumptions we have made in preparing forward-looking statements. While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Corporation, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what Cogeco currently expects. These factors include risks such as competitive risks (including changing competitive ecosystems and disruptive competitive strategies adopted by our competitors), business risks, regulatory risks, technology risks (including cybersecurity), financial risks (including variations in currency and interest rates), economic conditions (including inflation pressuring revenue, reduced consumer spending and increasing costs), human-caused and natural threats to our network (including increased frequency of extreme weather events with the potential to disrupt operations), infrastructure and systems, community acceptance risks, ethical behavior risks, ownership risks, litigation risks and public health and safety, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control. Moreover, the Corporation's radio operations are significantly exposed to advertising budgets from the retail industry, which can fluctuate due to changing economic conditions. For more exhaustive information on these risks and uncertainties, the reader should refer to the "Uncertainties and main risk factors" sections of the Corporation's 2022 annual MD&A and of the fiscal 2023 third-quarter MD&A. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Cogeco and future events and results may vary significantly from what management currently foresees. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information contained in this press release which represent Cogeco's expectations as of the date of this press release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. While management may elect to do so, the Corporation is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) and does not undertake to update or alter this information at any particular time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Corporation's MD&A for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2023, the Corporation's condensed interim consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the same periods prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and the Corporation's 2022 Annual Report.

Non-IFRS and other financial measures

This press release includes references to non-IFRS and other financial measures used by Cogeco. These financial measures are reviewed in assessing the performance of Cogeco and used in the decision-making process with regard to its business units.

Reconciliations between non-IFRS and other financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures are provided below. Certain additional disclosures for non-IFRS and other financial measures used in this press release have been incorporated by reference and can be found in the "Non-IFRS and other financial measures" section of the Corporation's MD&A for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2023, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Financial measures presented on a constant currency basis for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2023 are translated at the average foreign exchange rate of the comparable periods of the prior year, which were 1.2713 USD/CDN and 1.2660 USD/CDN, respectively.

Constant currency basis and foreign exchange impact reconciliation

Consolidated

			Three months ended May 31
											Change
	2023		Foreign exchange impact		2023 in constant currency		2022		Actual		In constant currency
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)	$		$		$		$		%		%
Revenue	767,603		(23,039)		744,564		754,777		1.7		(1.4)
Operating expenses	412,144		(13,134)		399,010		401,304		2.7		(0.6)
Adjusted EBITDA	355,459		(9,905)		345,554		353,473		0.6		(2.2)
Free cash flow	107,379		370		107,749		108,954		(1.4)		(1.1)
Net capital expenditures	170,258		(6,761)		163,497		183,107		(7.0)		(10.7)

 

			Nine months ended May 31
											Change
	2023		Foreign exchange impact		2023 in constant currency		2022		Actual		In constant currency
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)	$		$		$		$		%		%
Revenue	2,314,484		(71,231)		2,243,253		2,248,101		3.0		(0.2)
Operating expenses	1,233,480		(40,429)		1,193,051		1,191,023		3.6		0.2
Adjusted EBITDA	1,081,004		(30,802)		1,050,202		1,057,078		2.3		(0.7)
Free cash flow	335,193		2,353		337,546		398,477		(15.9)		(15.3)
Net capital expenditures	524,432		(23,439)		500,993		467,091		12.3		7.3

Canadian telecommunications segment

			Three months ended May 31
											Change
	2023		Foreign exchange impact		2023 in constant currency		2022		Actual		In constant currency
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)	$		$		$		$		%		%
Revenue	373,743		—		373,743		362,072		3.2		3.2
Operating expenses	177,794		(722)		177,072		166,082		7.1		6.6
Adjusted EBITDA	195,949		722		196,671		195,990		—		0.3
Net capital expenditures	84,415		(1,566)		82,849		100,730		(16.2)		(17.8)

 

			Nine months ended May 31
											Change
	2023		Foreign exchange impact		2023 in constant currency		2022		Actual		In constant currency
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)	$		$		$		$		%		%
Revenue	1,114,161		—		1,114,161		1,079,442		3.2		3.2
Operating expenses	521,534		(2,058)		519,476		502,575		3.8		3.4
Adjusted EBITDA	592,627		2,058		594,685		576,867		2.7		3.1
Net capital expenditures	281,036		(8,477)		272,559		235,964		19.1		15.5

American telecommunications segment

			Three months ended May 31
											Change
	2023		Foreign exchange impact		2023 in constant currency		2022		Actual		In constant currency
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)	$		$		$		$		%		%
Revenue	368,042		(23,039)		345,003		366,046		0.5		(5.7)
Operating expenses	197,273		(12,412)		184,861		199,977		(1.4)		(7.6)
Adjusted EBITDA	170,769		(10,627)		160,142		166,069		2.8		(3.6)
Net capital expenditures	82,923		(5,195)		77,728		81,424		1.8		(4.5)

 

			Nine months ended May 31
											Change
	2023		Foreign exchange impact		2023 in constant currency		2022		Actual		In constant currency
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)	$		$		$		$		%		%
Revenue	1,126,570		(71,231)		1,055,339		1,095,766		2.8		(3.7)
Operating expenses	607,237		(38,371)		568,866		584,143		4.0		(2.6)
Adjusted EBITDA	519,333		(32,860)		486,473		511,623		1.5		(4.9)
Net capital expenditures	236,422		(14,962)		221,460		227,829		3.8		(2.8)

Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation

	Three months ended May 31		Nine months ended May 31
	2023	2022	2023	2022
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)	$	$	$	$
(Loss) profit for the period attributable to owners of the Corporation	(34,473)	37,493	41,396	112,675
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	88,000	—	88,000	—
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs	11,377	2,286	21,006	22,372
Tax impact for the above items	(21,386)	(594)	(23,938)	(5,750)
Non-controlling interest impact for the above items	(5,597)	(1,176)	(10,172)	(12,072)
Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the Corporation	37,921	38,009	116,292	117,225

Free cash flow reconciliation

	Three months ended May 31		Nine months ended May 31
	2023	2022	2023	2022
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)	$	$	$	$
Cash flows from operating activities	283,180	355,681	683,844	931,791
Amortization of deferred transaction costs and discounts on long-term debt (1)	3,353	2,944	9,460	8,896
Changes in other non-cash operating activities	(20,729)	(51,178)	115,392	(45,472)
Income taxes paid	19,166	291	89,778	31,764
Current income taxes	(5,828)	(17,651)	(26,450)	(43,349)
Interest paid	64,507	49,379	176,777	123,060
Financial expense	(64,300)	(45,810)	(183,812)	(136,904)
Net capital expenditures	(170,258)	(183,107)	(524,432)	(467,091)
Repayment of lease liabilities	(1,712)	(1,595)	(5,364)	(4,218)
Free cash flow	107,379	108,954	335,193	398,477

(1)	Included within financial expense.

Net capital expenditures reconciliation

	Three months ended May 31		Nine months ended May 31
	2023	2022	2023	2022
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)	$	$	$	$
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	190,121	198,271	598,803	502,753
Subsidies received in advance recognized as a reduction of the cost of property, plant and equipment during the period	(19,863)	(15,164)	(74,371)	(35,662)
Net capital expenditures	170,258	183,107	524,432	467,091

Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

	Three months ended May 31		Nine months ended May 31
	2023	2022	2023	2022
(In thousands of Canadian dollars)	$	$	$	$
Profit for the period	33,314	108,456	259,714	346,376
Income taxes	2,271	29,369	60,552	79,934
Financial expense	64,300	45,810	183,812	136,904
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	88,000	—	88,000	—
Depreciation and amortization	156,197	167,552	467,920	471,492
Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other costs	11,377	2,286	21,006	22,372
Adjusted EBITDA	355,459	353,473	1,081,004	1,057,078

Net capital expenditures and free cash flow excluding network expansion projects reconciliations

Net capital expenditures

	Three months ended May 31
											Change
	2023		Foreign exchange impact		2023 in constant currency		2022		Actual		In constant currency
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)	$		$		$		$		%		%
Net capital expenditures	170,258		(6,761)		163,497		183,107		(7.0)		(10.7)
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects	31,831		(976)		30,855		38,659		(17.7)		(20.2)
Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects	138,427		(5,785)		132,642		144,448		(4.2)		(8.2)

 

	Nine months ended May 31
											Change
	2023		Foreign exchange impact		2023 in constant currency		2022		Actual		In constant currency
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)	$		$		$		$		%		%
Net capital expenditures	524,432		(23,439)		500,993		467,091		12.3		7.3
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects	139,907		(5,660)		134,247		95,657		46.3		40.3
Net capital expenditures, excluding network expansion projects	384,525		(17,779)		366,746		371,434		3.5		(1.3)

Free cash flow

	Three months ended May 31
											Change
	2023		Foreign exchange impact		2023 in constant currency		2022		Actual		In constant currency
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)	$		$		$		$		%		%
Free cash flow	107,379		370		107,749		108,954		(1.4)		(1.1)
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects	31,831		(976)		30,855		38,659		(17.7)		(20.2)
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects	139,210		(606)		138,604		147,613		(5.7)		(6.1)

 

	Nine months ended May 31
											Change
	2023		Foreign exchange impact		2023 in constant currency		2022		Actual		In constant currency
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)	$		$		$		$		%		%
Free cash flow	335,193		2,353		337,546		398,477		(15.9)		(15.3)
Net capital expenditures in connection with network expansion projects	139,907		(5,660)		134,247		95,657		46.3		40.3
Free cash flow, excluding network expansion projects	475,100		(3,307)		471,793		494,134		(3.9)		(4.5)

Additional information

Additional information relating to the Corporation is available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the Corporation's website at corpo.cogeco.com.

About Cogeco Inc.

Rooted in the communities it serves, Cogeco Inc. is a growing competitive force in the North American telecommunications sector, serving 1.6 million residential and business customers. Its Cogeco Communications Inc. subsidiary provides Internet, video and phone services in the provinces of Québec and Ontario as well as in thirteen states in the United States through its business units Cogeco Connexion and Breezeline. Through Cogeco Media, it owns and operates 21 radio stations primarily in the province of Québec as well as a news agency. Cogeco's subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGO). The subordinate voting shares of Cogeco Communications Inc. are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA).

For information:

Investors
Patrice Ouimet
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Cogeco Inc.
Tel.: [phone]
[e-mail]

Media
Marie-Hélène Labrie
Senior Vice President and Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Strategy Officer
Cogeco Inc.
Tel.: [phone]
[e-mail]

Conference Call:	Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. (EDT)
	The conference call will be available on Cogeco's website at https://corpo.cogeco.com/cgo/en/investors/investor-relations/. Financial analysts will be able to access the conference call and ask questions. Media representatives may attend as listeners only. The conference replay will be available on Cogeco's website for a three-month period.
	Please use the following dial-in number to have access to the conference call 10 minutes before the start of the conference:
	Local - Toronto: 1 416-764-8658
	Toll Free - North America: 1 888-886-7786

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

SOURCE Cogeco Inc.

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