FORM 6-K

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

 

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2022

 

Commission File Number: 333-13792

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

(Name of Registrant)

 

612 St-Jacques Street, Montreal, Canada, H3C 4M8

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

[Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.]

 

Form 20-F      x      Form 40-F      ¨

 

[Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g 3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.]

 

Yes      ¨       No      x

 

[If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g 3-2(b): 82-            .]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

SECOND QUARTER 2022

 

CORPORATE PROFILE

 

Quebecor Media Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Quebecor Inc. (“Quebecor” or the “parent corporation”), is governed by the Business Corporations Act (Québec) and is one of Canada’s largest telecommunications and media corporations. Unless the context otherwise requires, “Quebecor Media” or the “Corporation” refers to Quebecor Media Inc. and its subsidiaries. Quebecor Media operates in the following business segments: Telecommunications, Media, and Sports and Entertainment. Quebecor Media is pursuing a convergence strategy that captures synergies among its properties and leverages the value of content for the benefit of multiple distribution platforms.

 

The following Management Discussion and Analysis covers the Corporation’s main activities in the second quarter of 2022 and the major changes from the previous financial year. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars (“CAN”) unless otherwise indicated. This report should be read in conjunction with the information in the Corporation’s Annual Report for the financial year ended December 31, 2021 (Form 20-F), which is available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

 

The Corporation uses financial measures not standardized under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), such as adjusted EBITDA, adjusted cash flows from operations and free cash flows from continuing operating activities, and key performance indicators, such as revenue-generating unit (“RGU”) and average monthly revenue per unit (“ARPU”). The previously used average billing per unit (“ABPU”) metric was abandoned in the first quarter of 2022 and replaced by ARPU, which affords better comparability in view of the Corporation’s changing business model related to equipment sales. Definitions of the non-IFRS measures and key performance indicators used by the Corporation, including the new ARPU metric, are provided in the “Non-IFRS financial measures” and “Key performance indicators” sections below.

 

COVID-19 pandemic

 

Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on some of the Corporation’s quarterly results, more particularly in the Media and the Sports and Entertainment segments. Given the uncertainty around the future evolution of the pandemic, including any new major waves, all future impacts of the health crisis on the results of operations cannot be determined with certainty.

 

 1 

 

 

Highlights

 

Second quarter 2022

 

Revenues: $1.12 billion, a $16.0 million (-1.4%) decrease.

 

Adjusted EBITDA:1 $491.6 million, a $9.4 million (-1.9%) decrease.

 

Net income attributable to shareholders: $160.7 million, a $41.4 million increase.

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations:1 $361.4 million, a $22.9 million (6.8%) increase.

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities: $246.3 million, an $18.9 million (8.3%) increase.

 

Year to date

 

Revenues: $2.20 billion, a $19.1 million (-0.9%) decrease.

 

Adjusted EBITDA: $934.8 million, a $20.2 million (-2.1%) decrease.

 

Net income attributable to shareholders: $291.2 million, a $42.6 million increase.

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations: $678.7 million, a $31.1 million (4.8%) increase.

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities: $466.8 million, a $26.0 million (-5.3%) decrease.

 

 

1 See “Non-IFRS financial measures.”

 

 2 

 

  

Table 1

Consolidated summary of income, cash flows and balance sheet

(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per basic share data)

 

   Three months ended
June 30
   Six months ended
June 30
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Income                    
Revenues:                    
Telecommunications  $912.6   $928.4   $1,816.0   $1,842.4 
Media   188.1    198.2    369.9    373.0 
Sports and Entertainment   45.0    33.5    79.1    64.7 
Inter-segment   (30.5)   (28.9)   (61.8)   (57.8)
    1,115.2    1,131.2    2,203.2    2,222.3 
Adjusted EBITDA (negative adjusted EBITDA):                    
Telecommunications   487.5    481.5    947.5    932.4 
Media   4.1    16.7    (7.8)   18.0 
Sports and Entertainment   4.7    3.1    4.6    5.2 
Head Office   (4.7)   (0.3)   (9.5)   (0.6)
    491.6    501.0    934.8    955.0 
Depreciation and amortization   (191.9)   (196.7)   (386.8)   (392.3)
Financial expenses   (80.2)   (85.4)   (155.9)   (166.4)
Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments   (0.2)   (0.5)   (0.3)   (0.6)
Restructuring of operations and other items   (3.5)   20.6    (4.4)   16.1 
Loss on debt refinancing       (80.9)       (80.9)
Income taxes   (56.2)   (37.6)   (101.6)   (82.4)
Net income  $159.6   $120.5   $285.8   $248.5 
Net income (loss) attributable to:                    
Shareholders   160.7    119.3    291.2    248.6 
Non-controlling interest   (1.1)   1.2    (5.4)   (0.1)

 

 3 

 

 

Table 1 (continued)

 

   Three months ended
June 30
   Six months ended
June 30
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Additions to property, plant and equipment and to intangible assets:                    
Telecommunications  $118.1   $151.4   $233.5   $289.4 
Media   10.9    9.6    20.1    15.3 
Sports and Entertainment   0.8    0.6    1.6    1.6 
Head Office   0.4    0.9    0.9    1.1 
    130.2    162.5    256.1    307.4 
Cash flows:                    
Adjusted cash flows from operations:                    
Telecommunications   369.4    330.1    714.0    643.0 
Media   (6.8)   7.1    (27.9)   2.7 
Sports and Entertainment   3.9    2.5    3.0    3.6 
Head Office   (5.1)   (1.2)   (10.4)   (1.7)
    361.4    338.5    678.7    647.6 
Free cash flows from continuing operating activities1   122.6    75.3    219.5    170.4 
Cash flows provided by operating activities   246.3    227.4    466.8    492.8 

 

   June 30,
2022
   Dec. 31,
2021
 
Balance sheet          
Cash and cash equivalents  $9.1   $65.1 
Working capital   (741.0)   71.6 
Net assets related to derivative financial instruments   406.0    382.3 
Total assets   10,649.7    10,735.0 
Total long-term debt (including current portion)   6,559.5    6,509.5 
Lease liabilities (current and long term)   204.0    210.1 
Equity attributable to shareholders   1,568.1    1,438.7 
Equity   1,692.5    1,562.0 

 

Telecommunications

 

·The Telecommunications segment’s revenues decreased by $15.8 million (-1.7%) and its adjusted EBITDA increased by $6.0 million (1.2%) in the second quarter of 2022.

 

·Videotron’s revenues from mobile services and equipment increased by $27.0 million (11.4%) in the second quarter of 2022.

 

·Subscriber connections to the mobile telephony service increased by 34,600 (2.1%) in the second quarter of 2022.

 

 

1 See “Non-IFRS financial measures.”

 

 4 

 

 

·On June 17, 2022, Videotron entered into an agreement with Rogers Communications Inc. (“Rogers”) and Shaw Communications Inc. (“Shaw”) to acquire Freedom Mobile Inc. (“Freedom Mobile”) for a total of $2.85 billion on a cash and debt-free basis. The agreement, which is conditional on regulatory approval, provides for the acquisition of Freedom Mobile brand’s entire wireless and Internet customer base, as well as its owned infrastructure, spectrum and retail outlets. It also includes a long-term undertaking by Shaw and Rogers to provide Videotron with transport services (including backhaul and backbone) and roaming services. This agreement will support the expansion of the Corporation’s telecommunications services in Ontario and Western Canada. The transaction is conditional, among other things, on clearance under the Competition Act and the approval of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and would close substantially concurrently with closing of the acquisition of Shaw by Rogers. Videotron has secured the committed debt financing required for this transaction.

 

Financing operations

 

·On May 20, 2022, Videotron amended its $1.50 billion secured revolving credit facility to extend its term to July 2026 and Quebecor Media amended its $300.0 million secured revolving credit facility to extend its term to July 2025. Certain terms and conditions of the credit facilities were also amended.

 

 5 

 

 

ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND CASH FLOWS

 

2022/2021 second quarter comparison

 

Revenues: $1.12 billion, a $16.0 million (-1.4%) decrease.

 

·Revenues decreased in Telecommunications ($15.8 million or -1.7% of segment revenues) and in Media ($10.1 million or -5.1%).

 

·Revenues increased in Sports and Entertainment ($11.5 million or 34.3%).

 

Adjusted EBITDA: $491.6 million, a $9.4 million (-1.9%) decrease.

 

·Adjusted EBITDA decreased in Media ($12.6 million or -75.4% of segment adjusted EBITDA) and there was an unfavourable variance at Head Office ($4.4 million) due to a change in the allocation of corporate expenses.

 

·Adjusted EBITDA increased in Telecommunications ($6.0 million or 1.2%) and in Sports and Entertainment ($1.6 million or 51.6%).

 

·The change in the fair value of Quebecor stock options and stock-price-based share units resulted in a $1.4 million unfavourable variance in the Corporation’s stock-based compensation charge in the second quarter of 2022 compared with the same period of 2021.

 

Net income attributable to shareholders: $160.7 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared with $119.3 million in the same period of 2021, an increase of $41.4 million.

 

·The main favourable variances were:

 

o$80.9 million decrease in the loss on debt refinancing;

 

o$5.2 million decrease in financial expenses;

 

o$4.8 million decrease in the depreciation and amortization charge.

 

·The main unfavourable variances were:

 

o$24.1 million unfavourable variance in the charge for restructuring of operations and other items;

 

o$18.6 million increase in the income tax expense;

 

o$9.4 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA.

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations: $361.4 million, a $22.9 million (6.8%) increase due to a $22.8 million decrease in additions to intangible assets and a $9.5 million decrease in additions to property, plant and equipment, partially offset by the $9.4 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA.

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities: $246.3 million, an $18.9 million (8.3%) increase due primarily to the favourable net change in non-cash balances related to operating activities and the decrease in the cash portion of financial expenses, partially offset by the decrease in adjusted EBITDA, the increase in current income taxes and the unfavourable variance in the cash portion related to restructuring of operations and other items.

 

Depreciation and amortization charge: $191.9 million in the second quarter of 2022, a $4.8 million decrease due mainly to the impact of decreased investment in property, plant and equipment in the Telecommunications segment, including lower spending related to the leasing of set-top boxes.

 

Financial expenses: $80.2 million in the second quarter of 2022, a $5.2 million decrease caused by the impact of the lower average interest rate on the long-term debt, partially offset by an unfavourable variance in gains and losses on foreign currency translation of short-term monetary items and higher average indebtedness.

 

Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments: $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2022, a $0.3 million favourable variance.

 

 6 

 

 

Charge for restructuring of operations and other items: $3.5 million in the second quarter of 2022, a $24.1 million unfavourable variance.

 

·A $1.2 million charge was recognized in the second quarter of 2022 in connection with cost-reduction measures in various segments of the Corporation ($2.2 million in the second quarter of 2021). Charges for other items totalling $2.3 million were also recognized in the second quarter of 2022 ($3.2 million gain in the second quarter of 2021).

 

·A $19.6 million gain on disposal was recognized in the second quarter of 2021 in connection with the acquisition by Alithya Group Inc. (“Alithya”) of R3D Conseil inc. (“R3D Conseil”), of which Quebecor was one of the main shareholders.

 

Loss on debt refinancing: $80.9 million in the second quarter of 2021.

 

·On June 3, 2021, Quebecor Media issued a redemption notice for its Senior Notes in aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million, bearing interest at 6.625% and due January 15, 2023, at a redemption price of 107.934% of their principal amount. Videotron also issued a redemption notice for its Senior Notes in aggregate principal amount of US$800.0 million, bearing interest at 5.000% and due July 15, 2022, at a redemption price of 104.002% of their principal amount. As a result, an $80.9 million net loss was recorded in the consolidated statement of income in the second quarter of 2021.

 

Income tax expense: $56.2 million in the second quarter of 2022 (effective tax rate of 26.3%), compared with $37.6 million in the same period of 2021 (effective tax rate of 25.4%), an $18.6 million unfavourable variance caused mainly by the impact of the increase in taxable income. The effective tax rate is calculated considering only taxable and deductible items.

 

2022/2021 year-to-date comparison

 

Revenues: $2.20 billion, a $19.1 million (-0.9%) decrease.

 

·Revenues decreased in Telecommunications ($26.4 million or -1.4% of segment revenues) and in Media ($3.1 million or -0.8%).

 

·Revenues increased in Sports and Entertainment ($14.4 million or 22.3%).

 

Adjusted EBITDA: $934.8 million, a $20.2 million (-2.1%) decrease.

 

·Adjusted EBITDA increased in Telecommunications ($15.1 million or 1.6% of segment adjusted EBITDA).

 

·There were unfavourable variances in Media ($25.8 million), Sports and Entertainment ($0.6 million or -11.5%) and Head Office ($8.9 million), due in the latter case to a change in the allocation of corporate expenses.

 

·The change in the fair value of Quebecor stock options and stock-price-based share units resulted in a $0.1 million unfavourable variance in the Corporation’s stock-based compensation charge in the first half of 2022 compared with the same period of 2021.

 

Net income attributable to shareholders: $291.2 million in the first half of 2022, compared with $248.6 million in the same period of 2021, an increase of $42.6 million.

 

·The main favourable variances were:

 

o$80.9 million decrease in the loss on debt refinancing;

 

o$10.5 million decrease in financial expenses;

 

o$5.5 million decrease in the depreciation and amortization charge;

 

o$5.3 million favourable variance in non-controlling interest.

 

·The main unfavourable variances were:

 

o$20.5 million unfavourable variance in the charge for restructuring of operations and other items;

 

o$20.2 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA;

 

o$19.2 million increase in the income tax expense.

 

 7 

 

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations: $678.7 million, a $31.1 million (4.8%) increase due to a $41.3 million decrease in additions to intangible assets and a $10.0 million decrease in additions to property, plant and equipment, partially offset by the $20.2 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA.

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities: $466.8 million, a $26.0 million (-5.3%) decrease due primarily to the decrease in adjusted EBITDA and the increase in current income taxes, partially offset by the decrease in the cash portion of financial expenses and the favourable net change in non-cash balances related to operating activities.

 

Depreciation and amortization charge: $386.8 million in the first half of 2022, a $5.5 million decrease due essentially to the same factors as those noted above under “2022/2021 second quarter comparison.”

 

Financial expenses: $155.9 million in the first half of 2022, a $10.5 million decrease caused by the impact of the lower average interest rate on the long-term debt, partially offset by higher average indebtedness and an unfavourable variance in gains and losses on foreign currency translation of short-term monetary items.

 

Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments: $0.3 million in the first half of 2022, a $0.3 million favourable variance.

 

Charge for restructuring of operations and other items: $4.4 million in the first half of 2022, a $20.5 million unfavourable variance.

 

·A $1.9 million charge was recognized in the first half of 2022 in connection with cost-reduction measures in various segments of the Corporation ($5.0 million in the first half of 2021). Charges for other items totalling $2.5 million were also recognized in the first half of 2022 ($2.3 million gain in the first half of 2021).

 

·A $19.6 million gain on disposal was recognized in the first half of 2021 in connection with the acquisition by Alithya of R3D Conseil, of which Quebecor was one of the main shareholders. A $0.8 million charge for impairment of assets was also recognized in the first half of 2021.

 

Loss on debt refinancing: $80.9 million in the first half of 2021, due to the same factors as those noted above under “2022/2021 second quarter comparison.”

 

Income tax expense: $101.6 million in the first half of 2022 (effective tax rate of 26.4%), compared with $82.4 million in the same period of 2021 (effective tax rate of 25.7%), a $19.2 million unfavourable variance caused essentially by the impact of the increase in taxable income. The effective tax rate is calculated considering only taxable and deductible items.

 

 8 

 

 

 

SEGMENTED ANALYSIS

 

Telecommunications

 

Second quarter 2022 operating results

 

Revenues: $912.6 million in the second quarter of 2022, a $15.8 million (-1.7%) decrease.

 

·Revenues from mobile telephony services increased $17.0 million (9.7%) to $191.8 million, due primarily to an increase in the number of subscriber connections and higher average per-connection revenue.

 

·Revenues from Internet access services increased $3.1 million (1.0%) to $304.9 million, due mainly to an increase in the customer base, partially offset by a decrease in average per-subscriber revenues.

 

·Revenues from television services decreased $10.9 million (-5.2%) to $200.4 million, mainly because of a decrease in the subscriber base and a decrease in average per-subscriber revenues.

 

·Revenues from wireline telephony services decreased $7.0 million (-8.7%) to $73.7 million, mainly because of the impact of the net decrease in subscriber connections, partially offset by higher average per-connection revenues.

 

·Revenues from mobile equipment sales to customers increased $10.0 million (15.9%) to $73.0 million, mainly because of price increases.

 

·Revenues from wireline equipment sales to customers decreased $29.7 million (-59.2%) to $20.5 million, mainly because of a lower volume of equipment sales related to the Helix platform.

 

·Other revenues increased $1.7 million (3.6%) to $48.3 million, mainly reflecting a revenue increase at Videotron Business.

 

ARPU1: Videotron’s total ARPU was $47.17 in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $47.22 in the same period of 2021, a $0.05 (-0.1%) decrease. Mobile ARPU was $38.94 in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $38.41 in the same period of 2021, a $0.53 (1.4%) increase.

 

Customer statistics

 

RGUs1The total number of RGUs was 6,191,100 at June 30, 2022, a decrease of 12,300 (-0.2%) from the end of the first quarter of 2022 (compared with a decrease of 20,200 in the same period of 2021), and a 12-month increase of 70,100 (1.1%) (Table 2).

 

Mobile telephony – The number of subscriber connections to mobile telephony services stood at 1,661,000 at June 30, 2022, an increase of 34,600 (2.1%) from the end of the first quarter of 2022 (compared with an increase of 27,200 in the same period of 2021), and a 12-month increase of 130,600 (8.5%) (Table 2).

 

Internet access – The number of subscribers to Internet access services stood at 1,846,100 at June 30, 2022, the same number as at the end of the first quarter of 2022 (compared with an increase of 5,300 in the same period of 2021), and a 12-month increase of 35,900 (2.0%) (Table 2).

 

Television – The number of subscribers to television services stood at 1,393,500 at June 30, 2022, a decrease of 12,900 (-0.9%) from the end of the first quarter of 2022 (compared with a decrease of 16,100 in the same period of 2021), and a 12-month decrease of 47,900 (-3.3%) (Table 2).

 

Wireline telephony – The number of subscriber connections to wireline telephony services stood at 785,700 at June 30, 2022, a decrease of 17,900 (-2.2%) from the end of the first quarter of 2022 (compared with a decrease of 25,300 in the same period of 2021), and a 12-month decrease of 86,700 (-9.9%) (Table 2).

 

OTT – The number of subscribers to over-the-top (“OTT”) video services stood at 504,800 at June 30, 2022, a decrease of 16,100 (-3.1%) from the end of the first quarter of 2022 (compared with a decrease of 11,300 in the same period of 2021), and a 12-month increase of 38,200 (8.2%) (Table 2).

 

 

1 See “Key performance indicators.”

 

 9 

 

 

Table 2

Telecommunications segment quarter-end RGUs for the last eight quarters

(in thousands of units)

 

   June 2022   Mar. 2022   Dec. 2021   Sept. 2021   June 2021   Mar. 2021   Dec. 2020   Sept. 2020 
Mobile telephony   1,661.0    1,626.4    1,601.9    1,571.3    1,530.4    1,503.2    1,481.1    1,452.6 
Internet   1.846.1    1,846.1    1,840.8    1,832.7    1,810.2    1,804.9    1,796.8    1,769.8 
Television   1,393.5    1,406.4    1,418.6    1,428.0    1,441.4    1,457.5    1,475.6    1,481.8 
Wireline telephony   785.7    803.6    824.9    847.4    872.4    897.7    924.7    947.8 
OTT video   504.8    520.9    503.4    467.2    466.6    477.9    469.7    452.9 
Total   6,191.1    6,203.4    6,189.6    6,146.6    6,121.0    6,141.2    6,147.9    6,104.9 

 

Adjusted EBITDA: $487.5 million, a $6.0 million (1.2%) increase due primarily to:

 

·decrease in operating expenses, including customer service expenses and administrative expenses;

 

·favorable net change in non-recurring items.

 

Partially offset by:

 

·impact of lower revenues.

 

Cost/revenue ratio: Employee costs and purchases of goods and services for all Telecommunications segment operations, expressed as a percentage of revenues, were 46.6% in the second quarter of 2022 compared with 48.1% in the same period of 2021. The reduction was mainly due to the decrease in operating expenses and the reversal of a provision in connection with a lawsuit.

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations: $369.4 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $330.1 million in the same period of 2021 (Table 9). The $39.3 million increase was caused by decreases of $19.9 million in additions to intangible assets and $13.4 million in additions to property, plant and equipment, due primarily to a general slowdown in investment following the review of strategic priorities, and the $6.0 million increase in adjusted EBITDA.

 

Year-to-date operating results

 

Revenues: $1.82 billion in the first half of 2022, a $26.4 million (-1.4%) decrease, essentially due to the same factors as those noted above in the discussion of second quarter 2022 results.

 

·Revenues from mobile telephony service increased $33.8 million (9.8%) to $379.1 million.

 

·Revenues from Internet access services increased $5.1 million (0.9%) to $603.5 million.

 

·Revenues from television services decreased $26.8 million (-6.3%) to $397.7 million.

 

·Revenues from wireline telephony service decreased $12.5 million (-7.7%) to $148.9 million.

 

·Revenues from mobile equipment sales to customers increased $13.3 million (10.8%) to $136.8 million.

 

·Revenues from wireline equipment sales to customers decreased $44.1 million (-45.5%) to $52.8 million.

 

·Other revenues increased $4.8 million (5.2%) to $97.2 million.

 

ARPU: Videotron’s total ARPU was $46.78 in the first half of 2022 compared with $46.93 in the same period of 2021. The $0.15 (-0.3%) decrease was due in part to the fact that mobile telephony made up a larger proportion of the units. Mobile ARPU was $38.82 in the first half of 2022 compared with $38.25 in the same period of 2021, a $0.57 (1.5%) increase.

 

Customer statistics

 

RGUs – 1,500-unit increase in the first half of 2022 compared with a decrease of 26,900 in the same period of 2021.

 

Mobile telephony – 59,100 (3.7%) subscriber-connection increase in the first half of 2022 compared with an increase of 49,300 in the same period of 2021.

 

 10 

 

 

Internet access – 5,300 (0.3%) subscriber increase in the first half of 2022 compared with an increase of 13,400 in the same period of 2021.

 

Television – 25,100 (-1.8%) decrease in the customer base in the first half of 2022 compared with a decrease of 34,200 in the same period of 2021.

 

Wireline telephony – 39,200 (-4.8%) subscriber-connection decrease in the first half of 2022 compared with a decrease of 52,300 in the same period of 2021.

 

OTT – 1,400 (0.3%) subscriber increase in the first half of 2022 compared with a decrease of 3,100 in the same period of 2021.

 

Adjusted EBITDA: $947.5 million, a $15.1 million (1.6%) increase due primarily to:

 

·decrease in operating expenses, including customer service expenses, labour costs and administrative expenses;

 

·favorable net change in non-recurring items.

 

Partially offset by:

 

·impact of lower revenues.

 

Cost/revenue ratio: Employee costs and purchases of goods and services for all Telecommunications segment operations, expressed as a percentage of revenues, were 47.8% in the first half of 2022 compared with 49.4% in the same period of 2021. The reduction was mainly due to the decrease in operating expenses and the reversal of a provision in connection with a lawsuit.

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations: $714.0 million in the first half of 2022 compared with $643.0 million in the same period of 2021 (Table 9). The $71.0 million increase was caused by decreases of $36.3 million in additions to intangible assets and $19.6 million in additions to property, plant and equipment, due primarily to a general slowdown in investment following the review of strategic priorities, and the $15.1 million increase in adjusted EBITDA.

 

Media

 

Second quarter 2022 operating results

 

Revenues: $188.1 million in the second quarter of 2022, a $10.1 million (-5.1%) decrease.

 

·Advertising revenues decreased by $9.3 million (-9.5%), mainly because of lower advertising revenues at the specialty channels and newspapers, partially offset by higher advertising revenues at Quebecor Out of Home.

 

·Subscription revenues decreased by $1.5 million (-3.0%), mainly because of lower subscription revenues at the specialty channels and the magazines.

 

·Other revenues increased $0.7 million (1.4%).

 

Adjusted EBITDA: $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2022, a $12.6 million decrease due primarily to:

 

·increase in the TVA Network’s content costs, including for reality and variety shows and news programming;

 

·impact of lower revenues.

 

Partially offset by:

 

·lower content costs at the TVA Sports channel, mainly because of the shortened broadcast schedule for the National Hockey League (“NHL”) 2020-2021 season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Cost/revenue ratio: Employee costs and purchases of goods and services for the Media segment’s operations, expressed as a percentage of revenues, were 97.8% in the second quarter of 2022 compared with 91.6% in the same period of 2021. The increase was mainly due to the large fixed component of operating costs, which does not fluctuate in proportion to the decrease in revenues and to the net increase in broadcast content costs.

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations: Negative $6.8 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with positive $7.1 million in the same period of 2021 (Table 9). The $13.9 million unfavourable variance was due primarily to the $12.6 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA.

 

 11 

 

 

Year-to-date operating results

 

Revenues: $369.9 million in the first half of 2022, a $3.1 million (-0.8%) decrease.

 

·Advertising revenues decreased by $6.2 million (-3.6%), mainly because of lower advertising revenues at the specialty channels and newspapers.

 

·Subscription revenues decreased by $2.6 million (-2.6%), mainly because of lower subscription revenues at the specialty channels and the magazines.

 

·Other revenues increased by $5.7 million (5.8%), mainly because of higher revenues from digital marketing agency services and from film production and audiovisual services.

 

Adjusted EBITDA: Negative $7.8 million in the first half of 2022, a $25.8 million unfavourable variance due primarily to:

 

·higher operating expenses at TVA Network, mainly for content and labour costs, at Communications Qolab inc. and for film production and audiovisual services;

 

·impact of the revenue decrease.

 

Partially offset by:

 

·lower content costs at the TVA Sports channel, mainly because of the absorption of higher costs in 2021 as a result of the change in the broadcast schedule for the NHL's 2020-2021 season.

 

Cost/revenue ratio: Employee costs and purchases of goods and services for the Media segment’s operations, expressed as a percentage of revenues, were 102.1% in the first half of 2022 compared with 95.2% in the same period of 2021, mainly because of increased spending on television content and increases in some operating expenses.

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations: Negative $27.9 million in the first half of 2022 compared with positive $2.7 million in the same period of 2021 (Table 9). The $30.6 million unfavourable variance was due to the $25.8 million unfavourable variance in adjusted EBITDA and the $9.3 million increase in additions to property, plant and equipment caused by the start of construction on MELS 4, partially offset by a $4.5 million decrease in additions to intangible assets.

 

Sports and Entertainment

 

Second quarter 2022 operating results

 

Revenues: $45.0 million in the second quarter of 2022, an $11.5 million (34.3%) increase due primarily to higher revenues from concerts, music and hockey with the easing of public health measures.

 

Adjusted EBITDA: $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2022, a $1.6 million (51.6%) favourable variance due primarily to the impact of the increase in revenues.

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations: $3.9 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $2.5 million in the same period of 2021 (Table 9). The $1.4 million increase was due primarily to the $1.6 million increase in adjusted EBITDA.

 

Year-to-date operating results

 

Revenues: $79.1 million in the first half of 2022, a $14.4 million (22.3%) increase due primarily to higher revenues from concerts, music, book distribution and hockey, primarily as a result of the easing of public health measures.

 

Adjusted EBITDA: $4.6 million in the first half of 2022, a $0.6 million decrease, primarily due to increases in operating expenses, including selling, labour and administrative expenses, considering the gradual resumption of activities.

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations: $3.0 million in the first half of 2022 compared with $3.6 million in the same period of 2021 (Table 9). The $0.6 million decrease was due to the $0.6 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA.

 

 12 

 

 

CASH FLOWS AND FINANCIAL POSITION

 

This section provides an analysis of the Corporation’s sources and uses of cash flows, as well as a financial position analysis as of the balance sheet date.

 

Operating activities

 

Second quarter 2022

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities: $246.3 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $227.4 million in the same period of 2021.

 

The $18.9 million increase was primarily due to:

 

·$35.6 million favourable net change in non-cash balances related to operating activities, due primarily to favourable variances in inventory and in contract assets, partially offset by unfavourable variances in interest payable, accounts payable, accrued charges and provisions, and in income tax payable;

 

·$4.8 million decrease in the cash portion of financial expenses.

 

Partially offset by:

 

·$9.4 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA;

 

·$5.5 million increase in current income taxes;

 

·$4.0 million unfavourable variance in the cash portion of restructuring of operations and other items.

 

Year to date

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities: $466.8 million in the first half of 2022 compared with $492.8 million in the same period of 2021.

 

The $26.0 million decrease was mainly due to:

 

·$20.2 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA;

 

·$16.6 million increase in current income taxes.

 

Partially offset by:

 

·$9.6 million decrease in the cash portion of financial expenses;

 

·$5.0 million favourable net change in non-cash balances related to operating activities, due primarily to favourable variances in contract assets, income tax payable and accounts receivable, partially offset by unfavourable variances in accounts payable, accrued charges and provisions, inventory and deferred revenues.

 

The decrease in adjusted EBITDA had an unfavourable impact on cash flows provided by operating activities in the first half of 2022 compared with the same period of 2021.

 

Working capital: Negative $741.0 million at June 30, 2022 compared with positive $71.6 million at December 31, 2021. The $812.6 million unfavourable variance was due primarily to a Senior Note maturing in 2023 and related derivative financial instruments, the balances of which have been recorded in current items, decreases in cash and cash equivalents, and investments in contract assets, partially offset by an increase in inventory, and a decrease in accounts payable, accrued charges and provisions.

 

Investing activities

 

Second quarter 2022

 

Cash flows used for additions to property, plant and equipment: $104.0 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $104.7 million in the same period of 2021, a $0.7 million reduction.

 

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Deferred subsidies used to finance additions to property, plant and equipment: $46.1 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $4.4 million in the same quarter of 2021. These amounts represent the use of subsidies recorded as a reduction of additions to property, plant and equipment in connection with the program to roll out high-speed Internet services in various regions of Québec. This use is now presented on the consolidated statement of cash flows in accordance with the IFRS Interpretations Committee decision on the inclusion of restricted cash in this statement, which was finalized during the second quarter of 2022.

 

Cash flows used for additions to intangible assets: $23.8 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $50.4 million in the same period of 2021. The $26.6 million reduction was mainly due to a slowdown in investment following the completion of certain strategic projects, mainly in the Telecommunications segment, and a $3.8 million favourable net change in current non-cash items.

 

Proceeds from disposal of assets: $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $3.0 million in the same period of 2021.

 

Business acquisitions: $3.8 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $6.7 million in the same period of 2021.

 

Acquisition of investments and other: $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $7.1 million in the same period of 2021.

 

Year to date

 

Cash flows used for additions to property, plant and equipment: $199.2 million in the first half of 2022 compared with $216.3 million in the same period of 2021. The $17.1 million reduction was due primarily to a general slowdown in investment following the review of strategic priorities, mainly in the Telecommunications segment, and a $7.1 million favourable net change in current non-cash items.

 

Deferred subsidies used to finance additions to property, plant and equipment: $77.8 million in the first half of 2022 compared with net subsidies of $206.3 million received in the same period of 2021. The 2022 amount represents the use of subsidies recorded as a reduction of additions to property, plant and equipment in connection with the program to roll out high-speed Internet services in various regions of Québec. In the first half of 2021, $216.2 million was advanced under this program and $9.9 million was utilized. These amounts are now presented on the consolidated statement of cash flows in accordance with the IFRS Interpretations Committee decision on the inclusion of restricted cash in this statement, which was finalized during the second quarter of 2022.

 

Cash flows used for additions to intangible assets: $53.6 million in the first half of 2022 compared with $109.2 million in the same period of 2021. The $55.6 million reduction was mainly due to a slowdown in investment following the completion of certain strategic projects, mainly in the Telecommunications segment, and a $14.3 million favourable net change in current non-cash items.

 

Proceeds from disposal of assets: $5.5 million in the first half of 2022 compared with $3.1 million in the same period of 2021.

 

Business acquisitions: $3.8 million in the first half of 2022 compared with $21.8 million in the same period of 2021, mainly for acquisitions in the Telecommunications and Sports and Entertainment segments in 2021.

 

Acquisition of investments and other: $6.4 million in the first half of 2022 compared with $7.7 million in the same period of 2021.

 

 14 

 

 

Free cash flows from continuing operating activities

 

Second quarter 2022

 

Free cash flows from continuing operating activities: $122.6 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $75.3 million in the same period of 2021 (Table 10).

 

The $47.3 million increase was due primarily to:

 

·$26.6 million decrease in cash flows used for additions to intangible assets;

 

·$18.9 million increase in cash flows provided by operating activities.

 

Year to date

 

Free cash flows from continuing operating activities: $219.5 million in the first half of 2022 compared with $170.4 million in the same period of 2021 (Table 10).

 

The $49.1 million increase was due primarily to:

 

·$55.6 million decrease in cash flows used for additions to intangible assets;

 

·$17.1 million decrease in cash flows used for additions to property, plant and equipment.

 

Partially offset by:

 

·$26.0 million decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities.

 

Financing activities

 

Consolidated debt (long-term debt plus bank indebtedness): $61.6 million increase in the first half of 2022; $23.7 million net favourable variance in assets and liabilities related to derivative financial instruments.

 

·Debt increases in the first half of 2022 essentially consisted of:

 

o$47.2 million unfavourable impact of exchange rate fluctuations. The consolidated debt increase attributable to this item was offset by the increase in the asset (or decrease in the liability) related to derivative financial instruments;

 

o$21.1 million increase in the bank indebtedness of Videotron, TVA Group Inc. (“TVA Group”) and Quebecor Media;

 

o$24.9 million increase in total drawings on the secured revolving bank credit facilities of TVA Group and Quebecor Media.

 

·Debt reductions in the first half of 2022 essentially consisted of:

 

o$22.0 million decrease in Videotron’s drawings on its secured revolving credit facility;

 

o$10.1 million decrease in debt attributable to changes in fair value related to hedged interest risk.

 

·Assets and liabilities related to derivative financial instruments totalled a net asset of $406.0 million at June 30, 2022 compared with $382.3 million at December 31, 2021. The $23.7 million net favourable variance was mainly due to:

 

ofavourable impact of exchange rate fluctuations on the value of derivative financial instruments.

 

Partially offset by:

 

ounfavourable impact of interest rate trends in Canada, compared with the United States, on the fair value of derivative financial instruments.

 

·On May 20, 2022, Videotron amended its $1.50 billion secured revolving credit facility to extend its term to July 2026 and Quebecor Media amended its $300.0 million secured revolving credit facility to extend its term to July 2025. Certain terms and conditions of the credit facilities were also amended.

 

·On February 15, 2022, TVA Group amended its $75.0 million secured revolving credit facility to extend its term from February 2022 to February 2023 and amend certain terms and conditions.

 

 15 

 

 

Financial Position

 

Net available liquidity: $1.52 billion at June 30, 2022 for Quebecor Media and its wholly owned subsidiaries, consisting of $1.53 billion in available unused revolving credit facilities less $14.2 million in bank indebtedness.

 

Consolidated debt (long-term debt plus bank indebtedness): $6.54 billion at June 30, 2022, a $61.6 million increase compared with December 31, 2021; $23.7 million net favourable variance in assets and liabilities related to derivative financial instruments (see “Financing activities” above).

 

·Consolidated debt essentially consisted of Videotron’s $5.40 billion debt ($5.38 billion at December 31, 2021); TVA Group’s $34.8 million debt ($12.0 million at December 31, 2021); and Quebecor Media’s $1.11 billion debt ($1.09 billion at December 31, 2021).

 

As of June 30, 2022, minimum principal payments on long-term debt in the coming years were as follows:

 

Table 3

Minimum principal payments on Quebecor Media’s long-term debt

12-month periods ended June 30

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

 

2023  $1,127.5 
2024   772.4 
2025   400.0 
2026   380.0 
2027   1,035.9 
2028 and thereafter   2,843.7 
Total  $6,559.5 

 

From time to time, Quebecor Media may (but is under no obligation to) seek to retire or purchase its outstanding securities, including Senior Notes, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on its liquidity position and requirements, prevailing market conditions, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

 

The weighted average term of Quebecor Media’s consolidated debt was approximately 4.8 years as of June 30, 2022 (5.2 years as of December 31, 2021). After taking into account hedging instruments, the debt consisted of approximately 78.9% fixed-rate debt (92.4% at December 31, 2021) and 21.1% floating-rate debt (7.6% at December 31, 2021).

 

The Corporation’s management believes that cash flows and available sources of financing should be sufficient to cover committed cash requirements for capital investments, business acquisitions, working capital, interest payments, income tax payments, debt and lease repayments, pension plan contributions, share repurchases and dividends or distributions to shareholders in the future. The Corporation has access to cash flows generated by its subsidiaries through dividends (or distributions) and cash advances paid by its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Corporation believes it will be able to meet future debt maturities, which are staggered over the coming years.

 

Pursuant to its financing agreements, the Corporation is required to maintain certain financial ratios. At June 30, 2022, the Corporation was in compliance with all required financial ratios.

 

Dividends declared and paid

 

On June 21, 2022, the Board of Directors of Quebecor Media declared a dividend in the amount of $170.0 million, which was paid to shareholders the same day.

 

On April 5, 2022, the Board of Directors of Quebecor Media declared a dividend in the amount of $125.0 million, which was paid to shareholders the same day.

 

16

 

 

Analysis of consolidated balance sheet

 

Table 4 

Consolidated balance sheet of Quebecor Media 

Analysis of main differences between June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

 

   June 30,
20221
  

Dec. 31,
20211

   Difference   Main reasons for difference
Assets                  
                   
Cash and cash equivalents  $9.1   $65.1   $(56.0)  Cash flows used in financing activities and investing activities.
Contract assets   78.5    129.4    (50.9)  Increased financing of equipment sales.
Inventories   349.5    282.6    66.9   Impact of current variances in activities.
Property, plant and equipment   2,942.4    3,023.1    (80.7)  Depreciation for the period less additions to property, plant and equipment.
Intangible assets   2,304.9    2,344.1    (39.2)  Amortization for the period less additions to intangible assets.
Derivative financial instruments2   406.0    382.3    23.7   See “Financing activities.”
Other assets   653.8    510.8    143.0   Gain on remeasurement of defined benefit plans.
                   
Liabilities                  
                   
Advance from the parent corporation   54.2    21.6    32.6   Impact of current variances in activities related to the pooling of bank balances
Accounts payable, accrued charges and provisions   785.5    859.6    (74.1)  Impact of current variances in operating activities.
Income taxes3   35.1    47.2    (12.1)  Current disbursements less current income taxes for the period.
Long-term debt, including short-term portion and bank indebtedness   6,541.6    6,480.0    61.6   See “Financing activities.”
Other liabilities   177.2    271.5    (94.3)  Gain on remeasurement of defined benefit plans.

 

 

1The “restricted cash” and “deferred subsidies” line items are combined for the purposes of the analysis.

2Current and long-term assets less long-term liabilities.

3Current liabilities less current assets.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Contractual obligations

 

At June 30, 2022, material contractual obligations of operating activities included: capital repayment and interest on long-term debt and lease liabilities; capital asset purchases and other commitments; and obligations related to derivative financial instruments, less estimated future receipts on derivative financial instruments. Table 5 below shows a summary of these contractual obligations.

 

Table 5

Contractual obligations of Quebecor Media as of June 30, 2022

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

 

   Total   Under
1 year
   1-3 years   3-5 years   5 years
or more
 
Long-term debt1  $6,559.5   $1,127.5   $1,172.4   $1,415.9   $2,843.7 
Interest payments2   1,257.5    229.8    446.0    325.3    256.4 
Lease liabilities   204.0    40.5    66.6    36.1    60.8 
Interest payments on lease liabilities   47.0    8.7    12.5    7.9    17.9 
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other commitments   1,821.9    431.3    788.8    279.5    322.3 
Derivative financial instruments3   (380.2)   (263.9)   (110.1)   32.0    (38.2)
Total contractual obligations  $9,509.7   $1,573.9   $2,376.2   $2,096.7   $3,462.9 

 

 

1The carrying value of long-term debt excludes changes in the fair value of long-term debt related to hedged interest rate risk and financing costs.
2Estimated interest payable on long-term debt, based on interest rates, hedging of interest rates and hedging of foreign exchange rates as of June 30, 2022.
3Estimated future receipts, net of future disbursements, related to foreign exchange hedging on the principal of U.S.-dollar-denominated debt using derivative financial instruments.

 

Related party transactions

 

The following describes transactions in which the Corporation and its directors, executive officers and affiliates are involved. The Corporation believes that each of the transactions described below was on terms no less favourable to Quebecor Media than could have been obtained from independent third parties.

 

Operating transactions

 

During the second quarter of 2022, the Corporation made sales to affiliated companies in the amount of $0.9 million ($1.5 million in the same period of 2021). The Corporation also made purchases from affiliated companies in the amount of $20.7 million in the second quarter of 2022 (nil in the same period of 2021), which are included in “Purchase of goods and services, acquired property, plant and equipment and intangible assets from affiliated corporations in the amount of $2.5 million (nil in the same period of 2021),” and recorded $0.4 million in interest expense on leases with the parent corporation ($0.5 million in the same period of 2021). These transactions were accounted for at the consideration agreed between the parties.

 

During the first six months of 2022, the Corporation made sales to affiliated companies in the amount of $2.4 million ($2.7 million in the same period of 2021). The Corporation also made purchases from affiliated companies in the amount of $29.1 million in the first six months of 2022 ($3.9 million in the same period of 2021), which are included in “Purchase of goods and services,” acquired property, plant and equipment and intangible assets from affiliated corporations in the amount of $2.9 million (nil in the same period of 2021) and recorded $0.9 million in interest expense on leases with the parent corporation ($1.0 million in the same period of 2021). These transactions were accounted for at the consideration agreed between the parties.

 

As of June 30,2022, the advance from the parent corporation amounted to 54.2 million ($21.6 million as of December 31, 2021) and the lease liability with the parent corporation amounted to $25.4 million ($26.9 million as of December 31, 2021).

 

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Management arrangements

 

The parent corporation has entered into management arrangements with the Corporation. Under these management arrangements, the parent corporation and the Corporation provide management services to each other on a cost-reimbursement basis. The expenses subject to reimbursement include the salaries of the Corporation’s executive officers, who also serve as executive officers of the parent corporation.

 

During the second quarter of 2022, the Corporation received an amount of $0.6 million, which is included as a reduction in employee costs ($0.6 million in the same period of 2021), and incurred management fees of $0.5 million ($0.5 million in the same period of 2021) with shareholders.

 

During the first six months of 2022, the Corporation received an amount of $1.2 million, which is included as a reduction in employee costs ($1.2 million in the same period of 2021), and incurred management fees of $1.1 million ($1.1 million in the same period of 2021) with shareholders.

 

Financial instruments

 

The Corporation uses a number of financial instruments, mainly cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade receivables, contract assets, long-term investments, bank indebtedness, trade payables, accrued liabilities, long-term debt, lease liabilities and derivative financial instruments.

 

In order to manage its foreign exchange and interest rate risks, the Corporation uses derivative financial instruments: (i) to set in CAN dollars future payments on debts denominated in U.S. dollars (interest and principal) and certain purchases of inventories and other capital expenditures denominated in a foreign currency; and (ii) to achieve a targeted balance of fixed- and floating-rate debt. The Corporation does not intend to settle its derivative financial instruments prior to their maturity as none of these instruments is held or issued for speculative purposes.

 

Certain cross-currency swaps entered into by the Corporation include an option that allows each party to unwind the transaction on a specific date at the then settlement amount.

 

The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt and derivative financial instruments as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Table 6

Fair value of long-term debt and derivative financial instruments

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

 

   June 30, 2022   December 31, 2021 
Asset (liability)  Carrying
value
   Fair
value
   Carrying
value
   Fair
value
 
Long-term debt1  $(6,559.5)  $(5,933.9)  $(6,509.5)  $(6,615.3)
Derivative financial instruments                    
Foreign exchange forward contracts   2.6    2.6    0.9    0.9 
Cross-currency swaps   403.4    403.4    381.4    381.4 

 

 

1The carrying value of long-term debt excludes changes in the fair value of long-term debt related to hedged interest rate risk and financing costs.

 

The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on quoted market prices when available or on valuation models. When the Corporation uses valuation models, the fair value is estimated using discounted cash flows using period-end market yields or the market value of similar instruments with the same maturity.

 

The fair value of derivative financial instruments recognized in the consolidated balance sheets is estimated as per the Corporation’s valuation models. These models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using the contractual terms of the derivative financial instrument and factors observable in external market data, such as period-end swap rates and foreign exchange rates. An adjustment is also included to reflect non-performance risk, impacted by the financial and economic environment prevailing at the date of the valuation, in the recognized measure of the fair value of the derivative financial instruments by applying a credit default premium, estimated using a combination of observable and unobservable inputs in the market, to the net exposure of the counterparty or the Corporation.

 

19

 

 

Losses on valuation and translation of financial instruments in the second quarters and first halves of 2022 and 2021 are summarized in Table 7.

 

Table 7

Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

 

   Three months ended
June 30
   Six months ended
 June 30
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Loss on the ineffective portion of fair value hedges  $0.2   $0.4   $0.3   $0.5 
Loss on the effective portion of cash flow hedges       0.1        0.1 
   $0.2   $0.5   $0.3   $0.6 

 

A $4.4 million gain and a $14.0 million loss on cash flow hedges were recorded under “Other comprehensive income” in the second quarter and first half of 2022 respectively (losses of $1.6 million and $4.2 million in the second quarter and first half of 2021 respectively).

 

Non-IFRS financial measures

 

The financial measures not standardized under IFRS that are used by the Corporation to assess its financial performance, such as adjusted EBITDA, adjusted cash flows from operations and free cash flows from continuing operating activities, are not calculated in accordance with, or recognized by IFRS. The Corporation’s method of calculating these non-IFRS financial measures may differ from the methods used by other companies and, as a result, the non-IFRS financial measures presented in this document may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures disclosed by other companies.

 

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, loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments, restructuring of operations and other items, loss on debt refinancing and income tax. 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. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance 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 periodic costs of tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in the Corporation’s segments. The Corporation also uses other measures that do reflect such costs, such as adjusted cash flows from operations and free cash flows from continuing operating activities. The Corporation’s definition of adjusted EBITDA may not be the same as similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 

Table 8 provides a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income as disclosed in Quebecor Media’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

20

 

 

Table 8

Reconciliation of the adjusted EBITDA measure used in this report to the net income measure used in the condensed consolidated financial statements

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

 

   Three months ended
June 30
   Six months ended
June 30
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Adjusted EBITDA (negative adjusted EBITDA):                    
Telecommunications  $487.5   $481.5   $947.5   $932.4 
Media   4.1    16.7    (7.8)   18.0 
Sports and Entertainment   4.7    3.1    4.6    5.2 
Head Office   (4.7)   (0.3)   (9.5)   (0.6)
    491.6    501.0    934.8    955.0 
Depreciation and amortization   (191.9)   (196.7)   (386.8)   (392.3)
Financial expenses   (80.2)   (85.4)   (155.9)   (166.4)
Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments   (0.2)   (0.5)   (0.3)   (0.6)
Restructuring of operations and other items   (3.5)   20.6    (4.4)   16.1 
Loss on debt refinancing       (80.9)       (80.9)
Income taxes   (56.2)   (37.6)   (101.6)   (82.4)
Net income  $159.6   $120.5   $285.8   $248.5 

 

21

 

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations and free cash flows from continuing operating activities

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations

 

Adjusted cash flows from operations represents adjusted EBITDA, less additions to property, plant and equipment and to intangible assets (excluding licence acquisitions and renewals). Adjusted cash flows from operations represents funds available for interest and income tax payments, expenditures related to restructuring programs, business acquisitions, licence acquisitions and renewals, 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 continuing operating activities

 

Free cash flows from continuing operating activities represents cash flows provided by operating activities calculated in accordance with IFRS, less cash flows used for additions to property, plant and equipment and to intangible assets (excluding expenditures related to licence acquisitions and renewals), plus proceeds from disposal of assets. The Corporation uses free cash flows from continuing operating activities as a measure of total liquidity generated on a consolidated basis. Free cash flows from continuing operating activities represents available funds for business acquisitions, licence acquisitions and renewals, payment of dividends, repayment of long-term debt and lease liabilities, and share repurchases. Free cash flows from continuing 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 continuing operating activities may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 

Tables 9 and 10 provide a reconciliation of adjusted cash flows from operations and free cash flows from continuing operating activities to cash flows provided by operating activities reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

22

 

 

Table 9

Adjusted cash flows from operations

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

 

   Three months ended
June 30
   Six months ended
June 30
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Adjusted EBITDA (negative adjusted EBITDA)                    
Telecommunications  $487.5   $481.5   $947.5   $932.4 
Media   4.1    16.7    (7.8)   18.0 
Sports and Entertainment   4.7    3.1    4.6    5.2 
Head Office   (4.7)   (0.3)   (9.5)   (0.6)
    491.6    501.0    934.8    955.0 
Minus                    
Additions to property, plant and equipment:1                    
Telecommunications   (100.2)   (113.6)   (193.4)   (213.0)
Media   (6.8)   (3.0)   (13.5)   (4.2)
Sports and Entertainment   (0.2)   -    (0.3)   (0.1)
Head Office   (0.1)   (0.2)   (0.3)   (0.2)
    (107.3)   (116.8)   (207.5)   (217.5)
Additions to intangible assets:2                    
Telecommunications   (17.9)   (37.8)   (40.1)   (76.4)
Media   (4.1)   (6.6)   (6.6)   (11.1)
Sports and Entertainment   (0.6)   (0.6)   (1.3)   (1.5)
Head Office   (0.3)   (0.7)   (0.6)   (0.9)
    (22.9)   (45.7)   (48.6)   (89.9)
Adjusted cash flows from operations                    
Telecommunications   369.4    330.1    714.0    643.0 
Media   (6.8)   7.1    (27.9)   2.7 
Sports and Entertainment   3.9    2.5    3.0    3.6 
Head Office   (5.1)   (1.2)   (10.4)   (1.7)
   $361.4   $338.5   $678.7   $647.6 

 

1  Reconciliation to cash flows used for additions to property, plant and
equipment as per condensed consolidated financial statements

  Three months ended June 30     Six months ended June 30  
  2022     2021     2022     2021  
Additions to property, plant and equipment   $ (107.3 )   $ (116.8 )   $ (207.5 )   $ (217.5 )
Net variance in current operating items related to additions to property, plant and equipment (excluding government credits receivable for major capital projects)     3.3       12.1       8.3       1.2  
Cash flows used for additions to property, plant and equipment   $ (104.0 )   $ (104.7 )   $ (199.2 )   $ (216.3 )

 

2  Reconciliation to cash flows used for additions to intangible assets
as per condensed consolidated financial statements

  Three months ended June 30     Six months ended June 30  
  2022     2021     2022     2021  
Additions to intangible assets   $ (22.9 )   $ (45.7 )   $ (48.6 )   $ (89.9 )
Net variance in current operating items related to additions to intangible assets (excluding government credits receivable for major capital projects)     (0.9 )     (4.7 )     (5.0 )     (19.3 )
Cash flows used for additions to intangible assets   $ (23.8 )   $ (50.4 )   $ (53.6 )   $ (109.2 )

 

23

 

 

Table 10

Free cash flows from continuing operating activities and cash flows provided by operating activities reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

 

   Three months ended
June 30
   Six months ended
June 30
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Adjusted cash flows from operations from Table 9  $361.4   $338.5   $678.7   $647.6 
Plus (minus)                    
Cash portion of financial expenses   (78.4)   (83.2)   (152.4)   (162.0)
Cash portion related to restructuring of operations and other items   (2.9)   1.1    (3.8)   (2.1)
Current income taxes   (70.0)   (64.5)   (144.4)   (127.8)
Other   1.2    2.7    2.7    2.4 
Net change in non cash balances related to operating activities   (91.1)   (126.7)   (164.6)   (169.6)
Net variance in current operating items related to additions to property, plant and equipment (excluding government credits receivable for major capital projects)   3.3    12.1    8.3    1.2 
Net variance in current operating items related to additions to intangible assets (excluding government credits receivable for major capital projects)   (0.9)   (4.7)   (5.0)   (19.3)
Free cash flows from continuing operating activities   122.6    75.3    219.5    170.4 
Plus (minus)                    
Cash flows used for additions to property, plant and equipment   104.0    104.7    199.2    216.3 
Cash flows used for additions to intangible assets   23.8    50.4    53.6    109.2 
Proceeds from disposal of assets   (4.1)   (3.0)   (5.5)   (3.1)
Cash flows provided by operating activities  $246.3   $227.4   $466.8   $492.8 

 

24

 

 

Key performance indicators

 

Revenue-generating unit

 

The Corporation uses RGU, an industry metric, as a key performance indicator. An RGU represents, as the case may be, subscriptions to the Internet access, television and OTT services, and subscriber connections to the mobile and wireline telephony 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.

 

Average monthly revenue per unit

 

The Corporation uses ARPU, an industry metric, as a key performance indicator. This indicator is used to measure monthly revenues per average RGU. ARPU is not a measurement that is consistent with IFRS and the Corporation’s definition and calculation of ARPU may not be the same as identically titled measurements reported by other companies. The previously used ABPU metric was abandoned in the first quarter of 2022 and replaced by ARPU, which affords better comparability in view of the Corporation’s changing business model related to equipment sales.

 

Mobile ARPU is calculated by dividing mobile telephony revenues by the average number of mobile RGUs during the applicable period, and then dividing the resulting amount by the number of months in the applicable period.

 

Total ARPU is calculated by dividing the combined revenues from mobile and wireline telephony, Internet access, television and OTT services by the total average number of RGUs from mobile and wireline telephony, Internet access and television services during the applicable period, and then dividing the resulting amount by the number of months in the applicable period.

 

Table 11

Videotron’s ARPU for the past eight quarters

(in Canadian dollars)

 

   Q2-2022   Q1-2022   Q4-2021   Q3-2021   Q2-2021   Q1-2021   Q4-2020   Q3-2020 
Mobile ARPU  $38.94   $38.70   $38.97   $39.13   $38.41   $38.08   $38.69   $39.20 
Total ARPU  $47.17   $46.40   $47.07   $47.32   $47.22   $46.64   $46.94   $46.84 

 

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

 

The statements in this report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the Corporation’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 Media’s ability to continue successfully developing its network and the facilities that support its mobile services;

 

·general economic, financial or market conditions and variations in the businesses of local, regional and national advertisers in Quebecor Media’s newspapers, television outlets and other media properties;

 

·the intensity of competitive activity in the industries in which Quebecor Media operates;

 

·fragmentation of the media landscape;

 

·new technologies that might change consumer behaviour with respect to Quebecor Media’s product suites;

 

·unanticipated higher capital spending required for developing Quebecor Media’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 Media’s business;

 

·Quebecor Media’s ability to implement its business and operating strategies successfully and to manage its growth and expansion;

 

·disruptions to the network through which Quebecor Media provides its television, Internet access, mobile and wireline telephony and OTT services, and its ability to protect such services against piracy, unauthorized access and other security breaches;

 

·labour disputes or strikes;

 

25

 

 

·service interruptions resulting from equipment breakdown, network failure, the threat of natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics and other public-health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and political instability in some countries;

 

·impact of emergency measures implemented by various levels of government;

 

·changes in Quebecor Media’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 the loss (or reduction in value) of Quebecor Media’s licences or markets, or in an increase in competition, compliance costs or capital expenditures;

 

·Quebecor Media’s ability to successfully develop its Sports and Entertainment segment and other expanding lines of business in its other segments;

 

·Quebecor Media’s substantial indebtedness, the tightening of credit markets, and the restrictions on its business imposed by the terms of its debt; and

 

·interest rate fluctuations that could affect a portion of Quebecor Media’s interest payment requirements on long-term debt.

 

The Corporation cautions investors and others that the above list of cautionary statements is not exhaustive. These and other factors are discussed in further detail in the Annual Report on Form 20-F under “Item 3. Key Information – B. Risk Factors”. Each of these forward-looking statements speaks only as of the date of this report. The Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these statements unless applicable securities laws require it to do so. The Corporation advises investors and others to consult any documents it may file with or furnish to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

26

 

 

Condensed consolidated financial statements of

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

Three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

 

 

 

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)      Three months ended   Six months ended 
(unaudited)      June 30   June 30 
   Note   2022   2021   2022   2021 
                     
Revenues  2   $1,115.2     $1,131.2   $2,203.2   $2,222.3 
                         
Employee costs  3    177.2    170.2    355.8    345.9 
Purchase of goods and services  3    446.4    460.0    912.6    921.4 
Depreciation and amortization       191.9    196.7    386.8    392.3 
Financial expenses  4    80.2    85.4    155.9    166.4 
Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments       0.2    0.5    0.3    0.6 
Restructuring of operations and other items  5    3.5    (20.6)   4.4    (16.1)
Loss on debt refinancing  7    -    80.9    -    80.9 
Income before income taxes       215.8    158.1    387.4    330.9 
                         
Income taxes (recovery):                        
Current       70.0    64.5    144.4    127.8 
Deferred       (13.8)   (26.9)   (42.8)   (45.4)
                         
        56.2    37.6    101.6    82.4 
                         
Net income      $159.6     $120.5   $285.8   $248.5 
                         
Net income (loss) attributable to                        
Shareholders      $160.7     $119.3   $291.2   $248.6 
Non-controlling interests       (1.1)   1.2    (5.4)   (0.1)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)       Three months ended   Six months ended 
(unaudited)       June 30   June 30 
   Note    2022   2021   2022   2021 
                      
Net income       $159.6   $120.5   $285.8   $248.5 
                          
Other comprehensive income (loss):                         
                          
Items that may be reclassified to income:                         
Cash flow hedges:                         
Gain (loss) on valuation of derivative financial instruments        4.4    (1.6)   (14.0)   (4.2)
Deferred income taxes        (1.9)   2.9    2.0    4.8 
                          
 Loss on translation of investments in foreign associates        (0.7)   -    (5.0)   - 
                          
Items that will not be reclassified to income:                         
Defined benefit plans:                         
Re-measurement gain (loss)  10     107.2    (2.5)   215.2    174.5 
Deferred income taxes        (28.6)   0.5    (57.2)   (46.4)
                          
Equity investment:                         
Loss on revaluation of an equity investment        (0.9)   -    (1.1)   - 
                          
Reclassification to income:  7                      
Gain related to cash flow hedges        -    (1.0)   -    (1.0)
Deferred income taxes        -    0.6    -    0.6 
                          
         79.5    (1.1)   139.9    128.3 
                          
                          
Comprehensive income       $239.1   $119.4   $425.7   $376.8 
                          
Comprehensive income attributable to                         
Shareholders       $236.9   $116.6   $424.4   $368.5 
Non-controlling interests        2.2    2.8    1.3    8.3 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

SEGMENTED INFORMATION

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)                    
(unaudited)                    
                     
   Three months ended June 30, 2022 
                     
                     
           Sports   Head     
           and   office     
   Telecommuni-       Enter-   and Inter-     
   cations   Media   tainment   segments   Total 
                          
Revenues  $912.6   $188.1   $45.0   $(30.5)  $1,115.2 
                          
Employee costs   101.2    58.9    10.9    6.2    177.2 
Purchase of goods and services   323.9    125.1    29.4    (32.0)   446.4 
Adjusted EBITDA1   487.5    4.1    4.7    (4.7)   491.6 
                          
Depreciation and amortization                       191.9 
Financial expenses                       80.2 
Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments                       0.2 
Restructuring of operations and other items                       3.5 
Income before income taxes                      $215.8 
                          
Cash flows used for                         
Additions to property, plant and equipment2  $96.4   $7.3   $0.2   $0.1   $104.0 
Additions to intangible assets   18.8    4.1    0.6    0.3    23.8 

 

 

   Three months ended June, 2021 
                     
           Sports   Head     
           and   office     
   Telecommuni-       Enter-   and Inter-     
   cations   Media   tainment   segments   Total 
                          
Revenues  $928.4   $198.2   $33.5   $(28.9)  $1,131.2 
                          
Employee costs   101.7    55.9    7.1    5.5    170.2 
Purchase of goods and services   345.2    125.6    23.3    (34.1)   460.0 
Adjusted EBITDA1   481.5    16.7    3.1    (0.3)   501.0 
                          
Depreciation and amortization                       196.7 
Financial expenses                       85.4 
Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments                       0.5 
Restructuring of operations and other items                       (20.6)
Loss on debt refinancing                       80.9 
Income before income taxes                      $158.1 
                          
Cash flows used for                         
Additions to property, plant and equipment2  $101.3   $3.3   $-   $0.1   $104.7 
                          
Additions to intangible assets   42.1    7.1    0.6    0.6    50.4 

 

3

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

SEGMENTED INFORMATION (continued)

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)                    
(unaudited)                    
     
   Six months ended June 30, 2022 
                     
           Sports   Head     
           and   office     
   Telecommuni-       Enter-   and Inter-     
   cations   Media   tainment   segments   Total 
                          
Revenues  $1,816.0   $369.9   $79.1   $(61.8)  $2,203.2 
                          
Employee costs   202.5    118.8    21.0    13.5    355.8 
Purchase of goods and services   666.0    258.9    53.5    (65.8)   912.6 
Adjusted EBITDA1   947.5    (7.8)   4.6    (9.5)   934.8 
                          
Depreciation and amortization                       386.8 
Financial expenses                       155.9 
Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments                       0.3 
Restructuring of operations and other items                       4.4 
Income before income taxes                      $387.4 
                          
Cash flows used for                         
Additions to property, plant and equipment2  $185.6   $12.9   $0.3   $0.4   $199.2 
Additions to intangible assets   44.8    6.9    1.3    0.6    53.6 

 

 

   Six months ended June 30, 2021 
                     
           Sports   Head     
           and   office     
   Telecommuni-       Enter-   and Inter-     
   cations   Media   tainment   segments   Total 
                     
Revenues  $1,842.4   $373.0   $64.7   $(57.8)  $2,222.3 
                          
Employee costs   206.2    111.0    14.6    14.1    345.9 
Purchase of goods and services   703.8    244.0    44.9    (71.3)   921.4 
Adjusted EBITDA1   932.4    18.0    5.2    (0.6)   955.0 
                          
Depreciation and amortization                       392.3 
Financial expenses                       166.4 
Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments                       0.6 
Restructuring of operations and other items                       (16.1)
Loss on debt refinancing                       80.9 
Income before income taxes                      $330.9 
                          
Cash flows used for                         
Additions to property, plant and equipment2  $208.9   $7.1   $0.1   $0.2   $216.3 
Additions to intangible assets   93.4    13.2    1.5    1.1    109.2 

 

1 The Chief Executive Officer uses adjusted EBITDA as the measure of profit to assess the performance of each segment. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and is defined as net income before depreciation and amortization, financial expenses, loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments, restructuring of operations and other items, loss on debt refinancing and income taxes.
   
2 Subsidies of $46.1 million and $77.8 million in the respective three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 ($4.4 million and $9.9 million in 2021) related to the roll-out of high-speed internet services in various regions of Quebec are presented as a reduction of the corresponding additions to property, plant and equipment in the Telecommunications segment (see note 6).
   
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)
(unaudited)                    
             
   Equity attributable to shareholders   Equity     
               Accumulated   attributable     
               other com-   to non-     
   Capital   Contributed       prehensive   controlling   Total 
   stock   surplus   Deficit   (loss) income   interests   equity 
   (note 8          (note 10        
                         
Balance as of December 31, 2020  $1,290.6   $734.3   $(575.0)  $(131.1)  $101.6   $1,420.4 
Net income (loss)   -    -    248.6    -    (0.1)   248.5 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    119.9    8.4    128.3 
Dividends   -    -    (290.0)   -    (0.1)   (290.1)
Balance as of June 30, 2021   1,290.6    734.3    (616.4)   (11.2)   109.8    1,507.1 
Net income   -    -    322.1    -    10.1    332.2 
Other comprehensive (loss) income   -    -    -    (5.7)   3.4    (2.3)
Dividends   -    -    (275.0)   -    -    (275.0)
Balance as of December 31, 2021   1,290.6    734.3    (569.3)   (16.9)   123.3    1,562.0 
Net income (loss)   -    -    291.2    -    (5.4)   285.8 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    133.2    6.7    139.9 
Dividends   -    -    (295.0)   -    (0.2)   (295.2)
Balance as of June 30, 2022  $1,290.6   $734.3   $(573.1)  $116.3   $124.4   $1,692.5 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 

  

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)      Three months ended   Six months ended 
(unaudited)      June 30   June 30 
   Note   2022   2021   2022   2021 
                     
Cash flows related to operating activities                        
Net income      $159.6   $120.5   $285.8   $248.5 
Adjustments for:                        
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment       137.9    145.4    276.8    291.2 
Amortization of intangible assets       42.9    40.6    87.9    79.5 
Depreciation of right-of-use assets       11.1    10.7    22.1    21.6 
Loss on valuation and translation of financial instruments       0.2    0.5    0.3    0.6 
Loss on disposal of other assets  5    0.6    (19.5)   0.6    (19.0)
Impairment of assets  5    -    -    -    0.8 
Loss on debt refinancing  7    -    80.9    -    80.9 
Amortization of financing costs  4    1.8    2.2    3.5    4.4 
Deferred income taxes       (13.8)   (26.9)   (42.8)   (45.4)
Other       (2.9)   (0.3)   (2.8)   (0.7)
        337.4    354.1    631.4    662.4 
Net change in non-cash balances related to operating activities       (91.1)   (126.7)   (164.6)   (169.6)
Cash flows provided by operating activities       246.3    227.4    466.8    492.8 
Cash flows related to investing activities                        
Additions to property, plant and equipment  6    (104.0)   (104.7)   (199.2)   (216.3)
Deferred subsidies (used) received to finance additions to property, plant and equipment  1,6    (46.1)   (4.4)   (77.8)   206.3 
        (150.1)   (109.1)   (277.0)   (10.0)
Additions to intangible assets       (23.8)   (50.4)   (53.6)   (109.2)
Business acquisitions       (3.8)   (6.7)   (3.8)   (21.8)
Proceeds from disposal of assets       4.1    3.0    5.5    3.1 
Acquisition of investments and other       (2.4)   (7.1)   (6.4)   (7.7)
Cash flows used in investing activities       (176.0)   (170.3)   (335.3)   (145.6)
Cash flows related to financing activities                        
Net change in bank indebtedness       (4.2)   2.3    21.0    3.9 
Net change under revolving facilities       126.2    25.9    0.1    22.8 
Net change in advance from the parent corporation       50.9    (9.8)   32.6    21.6 
Issuance of long-term debt, net of financing costs  7    -    1,342.8    -    1,986.8 
Repayment of lease liabilities       (11.9)   (11.5)   (23.0)   (22.4)
Settlement of hedging contracts       (0.8)   (0.8)   (0.8)   (0.8)
Dividends       (295.0)   (170.0)   (295.0)   (290.0)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests       (0.1)   -    (0.2)   (0.1)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities       (134.9)   1,178.9    (265.3)   1,721.8 
                         
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash       (64.6)   1,236.0    (133.8)   2,069.0 
                         
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period       158.3    970.3    227.5    137.3 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period      $93.7   $2,206.3   $93.7   $2,206.3 
                         
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash consist of                        
Cash      $9.1   $1,999.2   $9.1   $1,999.2 
Cash equivalents       -    0.8    -    0.8 
Restricted cash  1    84.6    206.3    84.6    206.3 
       $93.7   $2,206.3   $93.7   $2,206.3 
                         
Interest and taxes reflected as operating activities                        
Cash interest payments      $125.3   $114.5   $151.2   $152.9 
Cash income tax payments (net of refunds)       59.6    54.3    158.3    167.1 
                         
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.       

 

6

 

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(in millions of Canadian dollars)           
(unaudited)     June 30   December 31 
   Note  2022   2021 
            
            
            
Assets             
              
Current assets             
Cash and cash equivalents     $9.1   $65.1 
Restricted cash  6   84.6    162.4 
Accounts receivable      748.5    744.9 
Contract assets      78.5    129.4 
Income taxes      17.2    7.3 
Inventories      349.5    282.6 
Derivative financial instruments      263.3    - 
Other current assets      143.8    131.6 
       1,694.5    1,523.3 
              
Non-current assets             
Property, plant and equipment      2,942.4    3,023.1 
Intangible assets      2,304.9    2,344.1 
Right-of-use assets      162.9    167.7 
Goodwill      2,718.5    2,718.5 
Derivative financial instruments      151.2    405.6 
Deferred income taxes      21.5    41.9 
Other assets      653.8    510.8 
       8,955.2    9,211.7 
Total assets     $10,649.7   $10,735.0 
              
Liabilities and equity             
              
Current liabilities             
Bank indebtedness     $21.0   $- 
Advance from the parent corporation      54.2    21.6 
Accounts payable, accrued charges and provisions      785.5    859.6 
Deferred revenue      287.1    309.7 
Deferred subsidies  6   84.6    162.4 
Income taxes      35.1    47.2 
Current portion of long-term debt  7   1,127.5    12.0 
Current portion of lease liabilities      40.5    39.2 
       2,435.5    1,451.7 
              
Non-current liabilities             
Long-term debt  7   5,393.1    6,468.0 
Derivative financial instruments      8.5    23.3 
Lease liabilities      163.5    170.9 
Deferred income taxes      779.4    787.6 
Other liabilities      177.2    271.5 
       6,521.7    7,721.3 
              
Equity             
Capital stock  8   1,290.6    1,290.6 
Contributed surplus      734.3    734.3 
Deficit      (573.1)   (569.3)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  10   116.3    (16.9)
Equity attributable to shareholders      1,568.1    1,438.7 
Non-controlling interests      124.4    123.3 
       1,692.5    1,562.0 
Commitments  12          
              
Total liabilities and equity     $10,649.7   $10,735.0 
              
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.       

 

7

 

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

For the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

(tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except for option data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Quebecor Media Inc. (“Quebecor Media” or the “Corporation”) is incorporated under the laws of Québec and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quebecor Inc. (“Quebecor” or the “parent corporation”). Unless the context otherwise requires, Quebecor Media or the Corporation refers to Quebecor Media Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Corporation’s head office and registered office is located at 612 rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal, Québec, Canada.

The Corporation operates, through its subsidiaries, in the following industry segments: Telecommunications, Media, and Sports and Entertainment. The Telecommunications segment offers Internet access, television distribution, mobile and wireline telephony, business solutions and over-the-top video services in Canada. The operations of the Media segment in Québec include the operation of an over-the-air television network and specialty television services, the operation of soundstage and equipment rental and postproduction services for the film and television industries, the printing, publishing and distribution of daily newspapers, the operation of news and entertainment digital platforms and a music streaming service, the publishing and distribution of magazines, the production and distribution of audiovisual content, and the operation of an out-of-home advertising business. The activities of the Sports and Entertainment segment in Québec encompass the operation and management of the Videotron Centre in Québec City, show production, sporting and cultural event management, the publishing and distribution of books, the distribution and production of music, and the operation of two Quebec Major Junior Hockey League teams.

The Media segment experiences significant seasonality due, among other factors, to seasonal advertising patterns and influences on people’s viewing, reading and listening habits. Because the Media segment depends on the sale of advertising for a significant portion of its revenue, operating results are also sensitive to prevailing economic conditions, as they may affect advertising expenditures of corporations. Accordingly, the results of operations for interim periods of the Media segment should not necessarily be considered indicative of full-year results due to the seasonality of certain of its operations.

Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on some of the Corporation’s quarterly results, more particularly in the Media and the Sports and Entertainment segments. Given the uncertainty around the future evolution of the pandemic, including any new major waves, all future impacts of the health crisis on the results of operations cannot be determined with certainty.

1.BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), except that they do not include all disclosures required under IFRS for annual consolidated financial statements. In particular, these consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, and accordingly, they are condensed consolidated financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Corporation’s 2021 annual consolidated financial statements, which contain a description of the accounting policies used in the preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

These condensed consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors of Quebecor Media on August 3, 2022.

Comparative figures for previous periods have been restated to conform to the presentation adopted for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022.

In particular, as of the second quarter of 2022, restricted cash is presented with cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of cash flows, in line with the IFRS Interpretations Committee’s agenda decision finalized in the second quarter of 2022 that clarifies the presentation of cash subject to contractual restrictions agreed with a third party (see note 6). Prior period information has been restated to reflect the new presentation. Accordingly, deferred subsidies used to finance additions to property, plant and equipment related to the roll-out of high-speed Internet services in various regions of Québec are now presented under investing activities, which has the effect of increasing cash used in investing activities by $46.1 million and $77.8 million for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 respectively ($4.4 million increase and $206.3 million decrease for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021).

 

8

 

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

(tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except for option data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

2.REVENUES
  
  Three months ended June 30  Six months ended June 30
    2022   2021   2022   2021
         
Telecommunications:                
  Internet $ 304.9 $ 301.8 $ 603.5 $ 598.4
  Television   200.4   211.3   397.7   424.5
  Mobile telephony   191.8   174.8   379.1   345.3
  Wireline telephony   73.7   80.7   148.9   161.4
  Mobile equipment sales   73.0   63.0   136.8   123.5
  Wireline equipment sales   20.5   50.2   52.8   96.9
  Other   48.3   46.6   97.2   92.4
Media:                
  Advertising   89.1   98.4   168.3   174.5
  Subscription   49.3   50.8   97.6   100.2
  Other   49.7   49.0   104.0   98.3
Sports and Entertainment   45.0   33.5   79.1   64.7
Inter-segments   (30.5)   (28.9)   (61.8)   (57.8)
  $ 1,115.2 $ 1,131.2 $ 2,203.2 $ 2,222.3
                   
3.EMPLOYEE COSTS AND PURCHASE OF GOODS AND SERVICES
  Three months ended June 30  Six months ended June 30
    2022   2021   2022   2021
                 
Employee costs $ 212.2 $ 220.1 $ 430.3 $ 443.7
Less employee costs capitalized to property, plant and equipment and to intangible assets   (35.0)   (49.9)   (74.5)   (97.8)
    177.2   170.2   355.8   345.9
Purchase of goods and services:                
  Royalties, rights and creation costs   183.0   195.0   384.5   377.8
  Cost of products sold   111.9   116.3   218.9   232.2
  Service contracts   33.3   49.4   73.4   104.3
  Marketing, circulation and distribution expenses   19.4   21.8   39.3   40.5
  Other   98.8   77.5   196.5   166.6
    446.4   460.0   912.6   921.4
  $ 623.6 $ 630.2 $ 1,268.4 $ 1,267.3

 

9

 

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

(tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except for option data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

4.FINANCIAL EXPENSES
  Three months ended June 30  Six months ended June 30
    2022   2021   2022   2021
         
Interest on long-term debt $ 72.7 $ 81.0 $ 145.4 $ 158.4
Amortization of financing costs   1.8   2.2   3.5   4.4
Interest on lease liabilities   2.5   2.6   5.0   5.3
Interest on net defined benefit liability   1.2   2.1   2.3   4.2

Loss (gain) on foreign currency translation on short-term monetary items

  1.9   (2.2)   0.8   (3.4)
Other   0.1   (0.3)   (1.1)   (2.5)
  $ 80.2 $ 85.4 $ 155.9 $ 166.4
                   
5.RESTRUCTURING OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER ITEMS

During the respective three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022, charges of $1.2 million and $1.9 million were recorded in connection with cost reduction initiatives in the Corporation’s various segments ($2.2 million and $5.0 million in 2021), while an impairment charge on assets of $0.8 million was also recorded in the six-month period ended June 30, 2021.

On April 1, 2021, Alithya Group Inc. (“Alithya”), a strategy and digital transformation leader, acquired the firm R3D Conseil inc., of which Quebecor was one of the main shareholders. As a result of this transaction, the Corporation now holds 11.9% of Alithya’s share capital and 6.7% of voting rights related to the issued and outstanding shares of Alithya, and a corresponding gain on disposal of $19.6 million was recorded in the second quarter of 2021.

In addition, during the respective three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022, the Corporation also recorded charges related to other items of $2.3 million and $2.5 million (gains of $3.2 million and $2.3 million in 2021).

6.RESTRICTED CASH AND DEFERRED SUBSIDIES

On March 22, 2021, Videotron Ltd. (“Videotron”) and the Québec government, jointly with the Canadian government, signed agreements to support the achievement of the government’s targets for the roll-out of high-speed Internet services in various regions of Québec. Under these agreements, the government is committed to provide financial assistance in the amount of approximately $258.0 million, which will be fully invested in Videotron’s high-speed Internet network extension. In accordance with the terms of the agreements, an amount of $216.2 million received in advance from the government in March 2021 was recorded as deferred subsidies on the consolidated balance sheets (balance of $84.6 million as of June 30, 2022). When the required investments as per the program are realized, corresponding subsidies are recognized as a reduction of additions to property, plant and equipment.

 

10

 

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

For the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

(tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except for option data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

7.LONG-TERM DEBT

Components of long-term debt are as follows:

 

June 30,

2022

December 31,
2021
         
Total long-term debt $ 6,559.5 $ 6,509.5
Change in fair value related to hedged interest rate risk   (1.8)   8.3
Financing costs, net of amortization   (37.1)   (37.8)
    6,520.6   6,480.0
Less current portion   (1,127.5)   (12.0)
  $ 5,393.1 $ 6,468.0

As of June 30, 2022, the carrying value of long-term debt denominated in U.S. dollars, excluding financing costs, was $3,382.8 million ($3,245.9 million as of December 31, 2021) while the net fair value of related hedging derivative instruments was in an asset position of $404.0 million ($381.4 million as of December 31, 2021).

2022

On February 15, 2022, TVA Group Inc. (“TVA Group”) amended its $75.0 million secured revolving credit facility to extend its term to February 2023 and amended certain of its terms and conditions.

On May 20, 2022, Videotron amended its $1,500.0 million secured revolving credit facility to extend its term to July 2026 and Quebecor Media amended its $300.0 million secured revolving credit facility to extend its term to July 2025. Certain terms and conditions of these credit facilities were also amended.

2021

On January 22, 2021, Videotron issued $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes bearing interest at 3.125% and maturing on January 15, 2031, for net proceeds of $644.0 million, net of financing costs of $6.0 million.

On June 3, 2021, Quebecor Media issued a redemption notice for its Senior Notes in aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million, bearing interest at 6.625% and due January 15, 2023, at a redemption price of 107.934% of their principal amount. Videotron also issued a redemption notice for its Senior Notes in aggregate principal amount of US$800.0 million, bearing interest at 5.000% and due July 15, 2022, at a redemption price of 104.002% of their principal amount. As a result, a net loss of $80.9 million was recorded in the consolidated statement of income in the second quarter of 2021, including a gain of $1.0 million previously recorded in other comprehensive income. In July 2021, the Senior Notes were redeemed and the related hedging contracts were unwound, for a total cash consideration of $1,377.9 million.

On June 17, 2021, Videotron issued $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes bearing interest at 3.625% and maturing on June 15, 2028, for net proceeds of $743.2 million, net of financing costs of $6.8 million. Videotron also issued US$500.0 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes bearing interest at 3.625% and maturing on June 15, 2029, for net proceeds of $599.6 million, net of financing costs of $5.8 million. Videotron has fully hedged the foreign currency risk associated with the new Senior Notes denominated in U.S. dollars by using cross-currency swaps.

 

11

 

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

For the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

(tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except for option data)

(unaudited)

 

8.CAPITAL STOCK
(a)Authorized capital stock

An unlimited number of Common Shares, without par value;

An unlimited number of non-voting Cumulative First Preferred Shares, without par value; the number of preferred shares in each series and the related characteristics, rights and privileges are determined by the Board of Directors prior to each issue:

·An unlimited number of Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series A (“Preferred A Shares”), carrying a 12.5% annual fixed cumulative preferential dividend, redeemable at the option of the holder and retractable at the option of the Corporation;
·An unlimited number of Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series B (“Preferred B Shares”), carrying a fixed cumulative preferential dividend, generally equivalent to the Corporation’s credit facility interest rate, redeemable at the option of the holder and retractable at the option of the Corporation;
·An unlimited number of Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series C (“Preferred C Shares”), carrying an 11.25% annual fixed cumulative preferential dividend, redeemable at the option of the holder and retractable at the option of the Corporation;
·An unlimited number of Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series D (“Preferred D Shares”), carrying an 11.0% annual fixed cumulative preferential dividend, redeemable at the option of the holder and retractable at the option of the Corporation;
·An unlimited number of Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series F (“Preferred F Shares”), carrying a 10.85% annual fixed cumulative preferential dividend, redeemable at the option of the holder and retractable at the option of the Corporation;
·An unlimited number of Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series G (“Preferred G Shares”), carrying a 10.85% annual fixed cumulative preferential dividend, redeemable at the option of the holder and retractable at the option of the Corporation;

An unlimited number of non-voting Preferred Shares, Series E (“Preferred E Shares”), carrying a non-cumulative dividend subsequent to the holders of Cumulative First Preferred Shares, redeemable at the option of the holder and retractable at the option of the Corporation.

 

  (b) Issued and outstanding capital stock

 

Common Shares
  Number Amount
Balance as of December 31, 2021 and June 30, 2022 79,377,062 $ 1,290.6

 

 12 

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

For the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

(tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except for option data)

(unaudited)

9.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

Stock option plans

The following table provides details of changes to outstanding options in the principal stock-based compensation plans in which management of the Corporation and its subsidiaries participate, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022:

  Outstanding options
Number Weighted
average
exercise price
     
Quebecor    
As of December 31, 2021 2,154,600 $ 30.69
Exercised (19,999)   26.52
Cancelled (107,226)   30.99
As of June 30, 2022 2,027,375 $ 30.72
Vested options as of June 30, 2022 398,638 $ 29.44
       
TVA Group      
As of December 31, 2021 and June 30, 2022 369,503 $ 2.09
Vested options as of June 30, 2022 82,664 $ 3.53
             

During the three-month period ended June 30, 2021, 5,000 stock options of Quebecor Media were exercised for a cash consideration of $0.3 million. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2021, 15,300 stock options of Quebecor Media were exercised for a cash consideration of $1.0 million.

Deferred share unit plan

The deferred share unit (“DSU”) is based either on Quebecor Class B Subordinate Voting Shares (“Quebecor Class B Shares”) or on TVA Group Inc. Class B Non-Voting Shares (“TVA Group Class B Shares”). The DSUs vest over six years and will be redeemed for cash only upon the participant’s retirement or termination of employment, as the case may be. DSUs entitle the holders to receive additional units when dividends are paid on Quebecor Class B Shares or TVA Group Class B Shares. As of June 30, 2022, 80,420 DSUs based on Quebecor Class B Shares and 119,831 DSUs based on TVA Group Class B Shares were outstanding under these plans. (84,647 and 120,431 respectively as of December 31, 2021)

Stock-based compensation expense

For the three-month period ended June 30, 2022, a charge of $0.2 million was recorded related to all stock-based compensation plans (a reversal of the charge of $1.2 million in 2021). For the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, a charge of $1.9 million was recorded related to all stock-based compensation plans ($1.8 million in 2021).

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QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

For the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

(tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except for option data)

(unaudited)

 

10.ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS
  Cash flow
hedges1
Translation
of
investments
in foreign
associates
Defined
benefit
plans2
Equity
investment
Total
                     
                     
Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 29.6 $ $ (160.7) $ $ (131.1)
Other comprehensive income   0.2     119.7     119.9
Balance as of June 30, 2021   29.8     (41.0)     (11.2)
Other comprehensive income (loss)   2.9   (17.6)   7.4   1.6   (5.7)
Balance as of December 31, 2021   32.7   (17.6)   (33.6)   1.6   (16.9)
Other comprehensive (loss) income   (12.0)   (5.0)   151.3   (1.1)   133.2
Balance as of June 30, 2022 $ 20.7 $ (22.6) $ 117.7 $ 0.5 $ 116.3
                         
1No significant amount is expected to be reclassified in income over the next 12 months in connection with derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. The balance is expected to reverse over a 7-year period.
2Re-measurement gains in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 are mainly due to an increase in the discount rate since December 31, 2021, net of a decrease of the fair value of defined pension plan assets.
11.FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In accordance with IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, the Corporation considers the following fair value hierarchy, which reflects the significance of the inputs used in measuring its financial instruments:

·Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
     
·Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and
     
·Level 3: inputs that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

 

The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on quoted market prices when available or on valuation models using Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. When the Corporation uses valuation models, the fair value is estimated using discounted cash flows using year-end market yields or the market value of similar instruments with the same maturity.

The fair value of derivative financial instruments recognized on the consolidated balance sheets is estimated as per the Corporation’s valuation models. These models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using the contractual terms of the derivative financial instrument and factors observable in external market data, such as period-end swap rates and foreign exchange rates (Level 2 inputs). An adjustment is also included to reflect non-performance risk, impacted by the financial and economic environment prevailing at the date of the valuation, in the recognized measure of the fair value of the derivative financial instruments by applying a credit default premium, estimated using a combination of observable and unobservable inputs in the market (Level 3 inputs), to the net exposure of the counterparty or the Corporation. Derivative financial instruments are classified as Level 2.

 

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QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.

notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

For the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

(tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except for option data)

(unaudited)

 

11.FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt and derivative financial instruments as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are as follows:

  June 30, 2022 December 31, 2021
Asset (liability) Carrying
value

Fair

value

Carrying
value

Fair

value

                 
Long-term debt1 $ (6,559.5) $ (5,933.9) $ (6,509.5) $ (6,615.3)
Derivative financial instruments                
  Foreign exchange forward contracts   2.6   2.6   0.9   0.9
  Cross-currency swaps   403.4   403.4   381.4   381.4
1The carrying value of long-term debt excludes changes in the fair value of long-term debt related to hedged interest rate risk and financing costs.
12.COMMITMENTS

On June 17, 2022, Videotron entered into an agreement with Rogers Communications Inc. (“Rogers”) and Shaw Communications Inc. (“Shaw”) to acquire Freedom Mobile Inc. (“Freedom Mobile”) for $2.85 billion on a cash-free and debt-free basis. The agreement, which is conditional on regulatory approval, provides for the acquisition of the Freedom Mobile brand’s entire wireless and Internet customer base, as well as its owned infrastructure, spectrum and retail outlets. It also includes a long-term undertaking by Shaw and Rogers to provide Videotron with transport services (including backhaul and backbone) and roaming services. This agreement will support the expansion of the Corporation’s telecommunications services in Ontario and Western Canada. The transaction is conditional, among other things, on clearance under the Competition Act and the approval of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and would close substantially concurrently with closing of the acquisition of Shaw by Rogers. Videotron has secured the committed debt financing required for this transaction.

  

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

QUEBECOR MEDIA INC.  
   
   
By: /s/ Hugues Simard  
  Chief Financial Officer  

 

Date: August 10, 2022

 

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