Quebecor inc. announces 38% increase in quarterly dividend and reports consolidated results for fourth quarter and full year 2020

MONTRÉAL, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Quebecor Inc. ("Quebecor" or the "Corporation") today reported its consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2020. Quebecor consolidates the financial results of its wholly owned Quebecor Media Inc. ("Quebecor Media") subsidiary.

Highlights

2020 financial year and recent developments

• Revenues: $4.32 billion in 2020, up $24.0 million (0.6%) from 2019.
• Adjusted EBITDA:¹ $1.95 billion, up $73.1 million (3.9%).
• Net income attributable to shareholders: $607.2 million ($2.41 per basic share) in 2020, a decrease of $45.6 million ($0.14 per basic share).
• Adjusted income from continuing operating activities:² $594.5 million ($2.36 per basic share) in 2020, an increase of $13.5 million ($0.09 per basic share).
• Cash flows from operations:³ $1.31 billion, up $168.3 million (14.7%).
• Consolidated net debt leverage ratio:⁴ 2.68x at December 31, 2020 compared with 2.91x at December 31, 2019.
• Quarterly dividend on the Corporation's Class A Multiple Voting Shares ("Class A Shares") and Class B Subordinate Voting Shares ("Class B Shares") raised by 38% from $0.20 to $0.275 per share, in line with its dividend target of 30% to 50% of free cash flows.
• The Telecommunications segment grew its revenues by $142.2 million (4.1%) and its adjusted EBITDA by $61.0 million (3.4%) in 2020.
• Videotron Ltd. ("Videotron") significantly increased its revenues from customer equipment sales ($139.1 million or 51.6%), mobile telephony ($57.8 million or 9.6%), and Internet access ($17.1 million or 1.5%) in 2020.
• Videotron's total average billing per unit⁵ ("ABPU") was $49.94 in 2020 compared with $50.00 in 2019, a $0.06 (‑0.1%) decrease. Mobile ABPU was $50.85 in 2020, compared with $52.56 in 2019, a $1.71 (‑3.3%) decrease due in part to a decrease in overage and roaming revenues caused by the COVID‑19 public health crisis and the popularity of bring your own device ("BYOD") plans.   
• Net increase of 71,700 revenue‑generating units⁶ ("RGUs") (1.2%) in 2020, including 150,600 connections (11.3%) to the mobile telephony service, 69,500 subscriptions (4.0%) to the Internet access service and 10,400 subscriptions (2.3%) to the Club illico over‑the‑top video service ("Club illico").
• On February 10, 2021, the Sports and Entertainment segment announced the acquisition of Les Disques Audiogramme inc. The addition of the largest independent French‑language record label in North America positions the segment to continue supporting talented Québec artists and disseminating and promoting Québec music.
• On January 22, 2021, Videotron issued $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% Senior Notes maturing on January 15, 2031, for net proceeds of $644.1 million, net of financing fees of $5.9 million. Videotron intends to use the proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, the repayment of a portion of its current debt.
• On December 15, 2020, Videotron announced the launch of its 5G network, with service to be phased in first in the City of Montréal and then rolled out in other parts of Québec. This state‑of‑the‑art technology offers customers faster upload and download speeds and supports the introduction of new applications.
• On June 17, 2020, the Sports and Entertainment segment announced the acquisition of the Théâtre Capitole in Québec City. The acquisition of the unique, hundred‑year‑old, 1,300‑seat venue will enhance the Québec City entertainment scene.
• From March 13 through June 30, 2020, and December 20, 2020 through January 3, 2021, Videotron suspended data caps on all of its customers' residential and business Internet plans to support the implementation of effective teleworking arrangements at Québec businesses and enable customers to stay connected with loved ones during the COVID‑19 pandemic. From March 13 to June 30, 2020, Videotron also cancelled roaming charges outside Canada and the Daily Traveller Pass fee.
• TVA Group Inc. ("TVA Group") took a series of initiatives in the spring of 2020 to support Quebecers during the first COVID‑19 lockdown. The television event Une chance qu'on s'a, broadcast in partnership with the Government of Québec and Télé‑Québec, raised $2.0 million for organizations that help isolated seniors and victims of domestic violence. The daily program Ça va bien aller, which started airing on April 6, 2020, lessened the sense of isolation by keeping viewers informed of initiatives across Québec. Finally, the all‑news channel LCN was unscrambled to help Quebecers stay abreast of developments in the health crisis in real time.
• To alleviate the isolation of youths in rehabilitation centres and seniors in long‑term care facilities during the pandemic, Videotron donated 1,000 smartphones with unlimited plans in April 2020. Quebecor and the Fondation Chopin‑Péladeau also supported the Food Banks of Quebec network by joining forces with La Tablée des Chefs in the "Cuisines Solidaires" project.

Fourth quarter 2020

• Revenues: $1.15 billion, up $10.6 million (0.9%).
• Adjusted EBITDA: $526.8 million, up $32.3 million (6.5%).
• Adjusted EBITDA increased in the Telecommunications segment by $19.0 million (4.1%) and in the Media segment by $10.3 million (29.2%).
• Net income attributable to shareholders: $159.8 million ($0.64 per basic share) in the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of $14.7 million ($0.07 per basic share).
• Adjusted income from continuing operating activities: $165.0 million ($0.66 per basic share) in the fourth quarter of 2020, a $5.4 million increase.
• Cash flows from operations: $345.2 million, up $84.7 million (32.5%).
• Net increase of 43,000 RGUs¹ (0.7%) in the fourth quarter of 2020, including 28,500 connections (2.0%) to the mobile telephony service, 27,000 subscriptions (1.5%) to the Internet access service and 16,800 subscriptions (3.7%) to Club illico.

"As a major corporate citizen and Québec's telecommunications, news and entertainment leader, Quebecor played a prominent role during the COVID‑19 pandemic that wreaked havoc throughout 2020," said Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quebecor. "We supported the public by providing our essential services without interruption during the crisis while implementing measures to mitigate the impact on our employees, customers and business partners. For example, we took practical steps throughout the year to help our customers stay connected, informed and entertained in this challenging time, and we provided financial assistance to our employees who were affected by the pandemic.

"Our prudent management of our operations and our balance sheet served us particularly well in 2020. We controlled our operating costs and adjusted our capital expenditures for physical and intangible assets to maintain our industry‑leading status going forward while being prepared to deal with future challenges. At the same time, we were able to continue the roll‑out of our latest technological innovations. For example, our new Helix and Fizz services have been a resounding success, making a strong contribution to growing our customer base and our profitability. As a result, despite the difficult business environment created by the pandemic and its impact on some of our operations, we posted a 3.9% increase in adjusted EBITDA and a 14.7% increase in cash flow from operations in 2020. We reduced our debt‑to‑equity ratio from 2.91x in 2019 to 2.68x in 2020. Our performance in the fourth quarter of 2020 also contributed to these positive results, with increases of 6.5% in adjusted EBITDA and 32.5% in cash flows from operations," Pierre Karl Péladeau stated.

"As a provider of essential services subject to unprecedented demand, I am proud of what we accomplished at Videotron in 2020," said Jean‑François Pruneau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Videotron. "Thanks to our strategic investments of recent years, Quebecers have been able to count on a reliable, robust network as well as the expertise and professionalism of our dedicated teams across Québec. To connect as many Quebecers as possible, we are pursuing our strategy of expanding our services outside urban areas by innovating and constructing new infrastructure, building on our successes to date.

"Meanwhile, we began the roll‑out of our 5G network with a successful first deployment in December 2020, strengthening our industry‑leading position and demonstrating our determination to stay at the cutting edge of technological change and delivering a world‑class experience for our customers.

"The addition of 150,600 mobile subscriber connections and 69,500 Internet access customers in 2020 is indicative of our ability to acquire new customers and increase our market share in growth sectors. The success of our Helix entertainment and home management platform, which now has more than 677,000 RGUs, is a prime example, as is the growth of Fizz's mobile telephony and Internet access services. Fizz recently placed first for online experience in Canada's telecommunications industry on Léger's WOW Digital Index.

"Finally, Club illico's subscriber base continues to grow, thanks to its rich, diverse selection of programs, including exciting new documentary series and new dramas. We continue investing in these categories and some 30 original productions are currently in development," Jean-François Pruneau concluded.

"Our organization faced multiple COVID‑19‑related challenges in 2020," noted France Lauzière, President and Chief Executive Officer of TVA Group. "TVA Group posted a $12.5 million increase in adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2020, mainly because of decreased costs due to the late start of the National Hockey League's 2020‑2021 season, combined with the various government assistance measures. Our people's sustained efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic were also a factor.

"Despite the difficult conditions created by the pandemic, TVA Group continues to evolve and adjust to market transformations. For example, we successfully repositioned the TVA brand in the fall and launched the new TVA+ digital platform, which aims to reach ever more Quebecers and bring viewers together through its content offerings. Our combined market share continued to grow in the fourth quarter of 2020, rising 1.8 percentage points to 38.6%, due in particular to a 2.6‑point increase at the LCN all-news channel, which remained the most‑watched specialty channel in Québec with a 7.4% market share," added France Lauzière.

"Quebecor's Sports and Entertainment segment was hard hit by the health crisis," said Martin Tremblay, Chief Operating Officer of Quebecor Sports and Entertainment Group. "Most of our shows and events were postponed or cancelled. We have managed our operations so as to protect the viability of the business and to come back even stronger than before after the pandemic. In February 2021, we acquired Les Disques Audiogramme inc., the largest independent French‑language record label in North America. As well, we enhanced entertainment offerings in the Québec City area with the acquisition of the Théâtre Capitole in June 2020, and we launched the new QUB musique streaming platform featuring Québec artists. Showcasing Québec artists and supporting the vitality of our culture remain core priorities for us and we are very proud of these acquisitions and initiatives. Expanding our complement of distribution platforms positions us to continue building a diversified ecosystem for the benefit of promoters, artists and everyone in Québec who loves music and culture."

"Videotron strengthened its position as a leading issuer," said Hugues Simard, Chief Financial Officer of Quebecor and Quebecor Media. "I am very pleased with the response to its offering of Senior Notes in the principal amount of $650.0 million, issued on January 22, 2021. The Notes bear 3.125% interest, the lowest coupon rate ever on the Canadian high‑yield note market. This issue, in addition to available liquidity of more than $1.8 billion, puts us in a strong position heading into the upcoming spectrum auctions and our Note maturities."

"While the pandemic continues to create uncertainty, our ability to execute our strategies in an effective and disciplined manner, our healthy results and balance sheet, and our talented teams give us reason to look to the future with confidence," Pierre Karl Péladeau concluded. "I extend my heartfelt thanks to our employees, who have shown extraordinary resilience and continue providing our customers with the highest standard of service, day after day. I am extremely proud of the outstanding leadership we have shown throughout the year. We will continue investing and growing for the benefit of all our stakeholders."

COVID‑19 public health crisis

The COVID‑19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the economic environment in Canada and around the world. On March 13, 2020, in order to limit the spread of the virus, the Québec government imposed a number of restrictions and special preventive measures, including the suspension of business activities deemed non‑essential across Québec. The Québec government subsequently implemented a gradual reopening plan, which was followed at the end of December 2020 by new restrictions and the suspension of some business activities due to the second wave of the pandemic. This health crisis curtailed the operations of many of Quebecor's business partners and led to a significant slowdown in some of the Corporation's segments in 2020. Among other impacts, the restrictions and preventive measures imposed by the Québec government caused a significant reduction in volume at Videotron retail outlets and delays in client migration to its new Helix entertainment and home management platform; lower advertising revenues, a significant decrease in sports events broadcast by the TVA Sports specialty channel, and reduced film and audiovisual content activity in the Media segment; and the cancellation of most shows and events, and the interruption of music and book distribution activities in the Sports and Entertainment segment. Despite the constraints created by this pandemic, Quebecor has continued and will continue to provide essential telecommunications and news services during this health crisis, while safeguarding the health and safety of the public and its employees. Because of the slowdown in the economy, approximately 10% of Quebecor's workforce received benefits in 2020 under the Corporation's assistance program. During the health crisis, this program provides financial assistance to employees temporarily laid-off or to employees on stand-by in addition to the Canadian wage subsidy programs. Due to significant decreases in their revenues, most of the business units in the Media segment and Sports and Entertainment segment qualified for the Emergency Wage Subsidy, and subsidies totalling $49.6 million were recorded in 2020 as a reduction in employee costs, including $29.0 million in TVA Group, $7.5 million in Sports and Entertainment, $4.6 million in newspapers, $3.1 million in Quebecor Media Sales and $2.9 million in NumériQ.

Non‑IFRS Financial Measures

In 2020, the Corporation reviewed the nature and definition of the financial measures not standardized under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") that it uses. As a result, "cash flows from segment operations" was abandoned and replaced by the new "cash flows from operations" metric. This metric is now used to measure the cash flows generated by the operations of all the business segments, on a consolidated basis, in addition to the cash flows from operations generated by each segment. Furthermore, calculation of this metric will henceforth be based on additions to property, plant and equipment and to intangible assets rather than cash flows used for additions to property, plant and equipment and to intangible assets. As well, the new metric is calculated without taking into account proceeds on disposals. The Corporation also added the "consolidated net debt leverage ratio" measure. The consolidated net debt leverage ratio represents consolidated net debt, excluding convertible debentures, divided by the trailing 12‑month adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated net debt, excluding convertible debentures, represents total long‑term debt plus bank indebtedness, lease liabilities, the current portion of lease liabilities and liabilities related to derivative financial instruments, less assets related to derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents. The consolidated net debt leverage ratio serves to evaluate the Corporation's financial leverage and is used by management and the Board of Directors in decisions on the Corporation's capital structure, including its financing strategy, and in managing debt maturity risks. The definitions of these new measures are provided under "Definitions" below.

Financial tables

2020/2019 financial year comparison

Revenues: $4.32 billion, a $24.0 million (0.6%) increase.

• Revenues increased in Telecommunications ($142.2 million or 4.1% of segment revenues).
• Revenues decreased in Media ($87.5 million or ‑11.9% of segment revenues) and in Sports and Entertainment ($34.2 million or ‑17.8%).

Adjusted EBITDA: $1.95 billion, a $73.1 million (3.9%) increase.

• Adjusted EBITDA increased in Telecommunications ($61.0 million or 3.4% of segment adjusted EBITDA), Media ($7.4 million or 9.9%), and Sports and Entertainment ($1.4 million or 19.2%).
• There was a favourable variance at Head Office ($3.3 million).
• The change in the fair value of Quebecor Media stock options resulted in a $1.5 million favourable variance in the stock‑based compensation charge in 2020 compared with 2019. The change in the fair value of Quebecor stock options and in the value of Quebecor stock‑price‑based share units resulted in a $7.2 million favourable variance in the Corporation's stock‑based compensation charge in 2020.

Net income attributable to shareholders: $607.2 million ($2.41 per basic share) in 2020, compared with $652.8 million ($2.55 per basic share) in 2019, a decrease of $45.6 million ($0.14 per basic share).

• The main unfavourable variances were:
• $64.3 million decrease in income from discontinued operations;
• $52.8 million increase in the depreciation and amortization charge;
• $10.6 million unfavourable variance in the charge for restructuring of operations and other items.
• The main favourable variances were:
• $73.1 million increase in adjusted EBITDA;
• $14.5 million favourable variance in gains and losses on valuation and translation of financial instruments, including $15.0 million without any tax consequences.

Adjusted income from continuing operating activities: $594.5 million ($2.36 per basic share) in 2020, compared with $581.0 million ($2.27 per basic share) in 2019, an increase of $13.5 million ($0.09 per basic share).

Cash flows from operations: $1.31 billion in 2020, a $168.3 million (14.7%) increase due to a $67.8 million decrease in additions to property, plant and equipment, a $27.4 million decrease in additions to intangible assets, and the $73.1 million increase in adjusted EBITDA.

Cash flows provided by continuing operating activities: $1.43 billion in 2020, a $219.7 million (18.1%) increase due primarily to the favourable net change in non‑cash balances related to operating activities and the increase in adjusted EBITDA, partially offset by the increase in current income taxes and the increase in the cash portion related to restructuring of operations and other items.

Consolidated net debt leverage ratio

Consolidated net debt leverage ratio: 2.68x at December 31, 2020 compared with 2.91x at December 31, 2019. The decrease was due primarily to net reductions in drawings on the revolving credit facilities and bank indebtedness, as the case may be, by Videotron, TVA Group, Quebecor Media and Quebecor, using free cash flows from continuing operating activities, and the increase in the trailing 12‑month adjusted EBITDA.

2020/2019 fourth quarter comparison

Revenues: $1.15 billion, a $10.6 million (0.9%) increase.

• Revenues increased in Telecommunications ($32.3 million or 3.6%).
• Revenues decreased in Media ($22.2 million or ‑10.7% of segment revenues) and in Sports and Entertainment ($5.9 million or ‑10.8%).

Adjusted EBITDA: $526.8 million, a $32.3 million (6.5%) increase.

• Adjusted EBITDA increased in Telecommunications ($19.0 million or 4.1% of segment adjusted EBITDA) and in Media ($10.3 million or 29.2%).
• There was a favourable variance at Head Office ($3.5 million).
• Adjusted EBITDA decreased in Sports and Entertainment ($0.5 million or ‑19.2%).
• The change in the fair value of Quebecor Media stock options resulted in a $1.1 million favourable variance in the stock‑based compensation charge in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with the same period of 2019. The change in the fair value of Quebecor stock options and in the value of Quebecor stock‑price‑based share units resulted in a $3.3 million favourable variance in the Corporation's stock‑based compensation charge in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net income attributable to shareholders: $159.8 million ($0.64 per basic share) in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared with $145.1 million ($0.57 per basic share) in the same period of 2019, a favourable variance of $14.7 million ($0.07 per basic share).

• The main favourable variances were:
• $32.3 million increase in adjusted EBITDA;
• $13.7 million favourable variance in losses on valuation and translation of financial instruments, including $12.6 million without any tax consequences.
• The main unfavourable variances were:
• $27.2 million increase in the depreciation and amortization charge;
• $4.5 million increase in the charge for restructuring of operations and other items.

Adjusted income from continuing operating activities: $165.0 million ($0.66 per basic share) in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared with $159.6 million ($0.63 per basic share) in the same period of 2019, a $5.4 million increase.

Cash flows from operations: $345.2 million, an $84.7 million (32.5%) increase due primarily to a $27.5 million decrease in additions to property, plant and equipment, a $24.9 million decrease in additions to intangible assets, and the $32.3 million increase in adjusted EBITDA.

Cash flows provided by continuing operating activities: $377.0 million, a $13.9 million increase due primarily to the net change in non‑cash balances related to operating activities and the increase in adjusted EBITDA in the Telecommunications and Media segments, partially offset by the increase in current income taxes.

Financial transactions

• On February 24, 2021, the Board of Directors of Quebecor declared a quarterly dividend of $0.275 per share on its Class A Shares and Class B Shares. The 38% increase is in line with the Corporation's dividend target of 30% to 50% of free cash flows.
• On February 11, 2021, TVA Group amended its $75.0 million secured revolving credit facility to extend its term from February 2021 to February 2022 and amend certain terms and conditions. On February 21, 2020, TVA Group had lowered the limit on the facility from $150.0 million to $75.0 million and amended certain terms and conditions.
• On January 22, 2021, Videotron issued $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% Senior Notes maturing on January 15, 2031, for net proceeds of $644.1 million, net of financing fees of $5.9 million. Videotron intends to use the proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, the repayment of a portion of its current debt.
• Quebecor's $50.0 million revolving credit facility expired on July 15, 2020 and was not renewed.

Normal course issuer bid

On August 5, 2020, the Corporation authorized a normal course issuer bid for a maximum of 1,000,000 Class A Shares representing approximately 1.3% of issued and outstanding Class A Shares, and for a maximum of 6,000,000 Class B Shares representing approximately 3.5% of issued and outstanding Class B Shares as of July 31, 2020. The purchases can be made from August 15, 2020 to August 14, 2021 at prevailing market prices on the open market through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange or other alternative trading systems. All shares purchased under the bid will be cancelled.

On August 7, 2020, the Corporation announced that it had entered into an automatic securities purchase plan ("the plan") with a designated broker whereby shares may be repurchased under the plan at times when such purchases would otherwise be prohibited pursuant to regulatory restrictions or self‑imposed blackout periods. The plan received prior approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange. It came into effect on August 15, 2020 and terminates on the same date as the normal course issuer bid.

Under the plan, before entering a self‑imposed blackout period, the Corporation may, but is not required to, ask the designated broker to make purchases under the normal course issuer bid. Such purchases shall be made at the discretion of the designated broker, within parameters established by the Corporation prior to the blackout periods. Outside the blackout periods, purchases will be made at the discretion of the Corporation's management. 

In 2020, the Corporation purchased and cancelled 6,457,050 Class B Shares for a total cash consideration of $201.2 million (3,107,356 Class B Shares for a total cash consideration of $94.6 million in the same period of 2019). The excess of $163.1 million of the purchase price over the carrying value of Class B Shares repurchased was recorded in reduction of retained earnings (an increase of the deficit of $76.3 million in 2019).

In 2019, 680,000 Class B Shares were issued upon exercise of stock options for a cash consideration of $8.3 million. As a result of this transaction, the contributed surplus was increased by $12.7 million and the stock‑based compensation liability was reduced by the same amount.

Dividend

On February 24, 2021, the Board of Directors of Quebecor declared a quarterly dividend of $0.275 per share on its Class A Shares and Class B Shares, payable on April 6, 2021 to shareholders of record as of the record date of March 12, 2021. This dividend is designated an eligible dividend, as provided under subsection 89(14) of the Canadian Income Tax Act and its provincial counterpart.

Convertible debentures

In accordance with the terms of the trust indenture governing the convertible debentures, the quarterly dividend declared on November 4, 2020 on Quebecor Class B Shares triggered an adjustment to the floor price and ceiling price then in effect. Accordingly, effective November 19, 2020, the conversion features of the convertible debentures are subject to an adjusted floor price of approximately $26.20 per share (that is, a maximum number of approximately 5,724,218 Class B Shares corresponding to a ratio of $150.0 million to the adjusted floor price) and an adjusted ceiling price of approximately $32.76 per share (that is, a minimum number of approximately 4,579,374 Class B Shares corresponding to a ratio of $150.0 million to the adjusted ceiling price).

Detailed financial information

For a detailed analysis of Quebecor's fourth quarter and full‑year 2020 results, please refer to the Management Discussion and Analysis and consolidated financial statements of Quebecor, available on the Corporation's website at www.quebecor.com/en/investors/financial documentation or from the SEDAR filing service at www.sedar.com.

Conference call for investors and webcast

Quebecor will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full‑year 2020 results on February 25, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. EST. There will be a question period reserved for financial analysts. To access the conference call, please dial 1 877 293‑8052, access code for participants 48006#. A recording of the call will be available from February 25, 2021 to May 26, 2021 by dialling 1 877 293‑8133, access code for participants and recording access code 48006#. The conference call will also be broadcast live on Quebecor's website at www.quebecor.com/en/investors/conferences and annual meeting. It is advisable to ensure the appropriate software is installed before accessing the call. Instructions and links to free player downloads are available at the Internet address shown above.

Cautionary statement regarding forward‑looking statements

The statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward‑looking statements and are subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the Corporation's actual results for future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the 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. Certain factors that may cause actual results to differ from current expectations include seasonality (including seasonal fluctuations in customer orders), operating risk (including fluctuations in demand for Quebecor's products and pricing actions by competitors), new competition, and Quebecor's ability to retain its current customers and attract new ones, risks related to fragmentation of the advertising market, insurance risk, risks associated with capital investments (including risks related to technological development and equipment availability and breakdown), environmental risks, risks associated with cybersecurity and the protection of personal information, risks associated with service interruptions resulting from equipment breakdown, network failure, the threat of natural disaster, epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including the COVID‑19 pandemic, political instability is some countries, risks associated with emergency measures implemented by various governments, risks associated with labour agreements, credit risk, financial risks, debt risks, risks related to interest rate fluctuations, foreign exchange risks, risks associated with government acts and regulations, risks related to changes in tax legislation, and changes in the general political and economic environment. Investors and others are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive and that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward‑looking statements. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause Quebecor's actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to Quebecor's public filings, available at www.sedar.com and www.quebecor.com, including, in particular, the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of Quebecor's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020.

The forward‑looking statements in this press release reflect Quebecor's expectations as of February 25, 2021 and are subject to change after that date. Quebecor expressly disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise any forward‑looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

About Quebecor

Quebecor, a Canadian leader in telecommunications, entertainment, news media and culture, is one of the best‑performing integrated communications companies in the industry. Driven by their determination to deliver the best possible customer experience, all of Quebecor's subsidiaries and brands are differentiated by their high‑quality, multiplatform, convergent products and services.

Quebecor (TSX: QBR.A, QBR.B) is headquartered in Québec and employs more than 10,000 people in Canada. 

A family business founded in 1950, Quebecor is strongly committed to the community. Every year, it actively supports more than 400 organizations in the vital fields of culture, health, education, the environment, and entrepreneurship. 

Visit our website: www.quebecor.com

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Quebecor

DEFINITIONS

Adjusted EBITDA

In its analysis of operating results, the Corporation defines adjusted EBITDA, as reconciled to net income under IFRS, as net income before depreciation and amortization, financial expenses, gain (loss) on valuation and translation of financial instruments, restructuring of operations and other items, income taxes and income (loss) from discontinued operations. 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 uses adjusted EBITDA in order to assess the performance of its investment in Quebecor Media. 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 significant 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 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 3 provides a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income as disclosed in Quebecor's consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial information for the three‑month periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 presented in Table 3 below is drawn from the Corporation's unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements.

Adjusted income from continuing operating activities

The Corporation defines adjusted income from continuing operating activities, as reconciled to net income attributable to shareholders under IFRS, as net income attributable to shareholders before gain (loss) on valuation and translation of financial instruments, restructuring of operations and other items, net of income tax related to adjustments and net income attributable to non‑controlling interest related to adjustments, and before income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to shareholders. Adjusted income from continuing operating activities, as defined above, is not a measure of results that is consistent with IFRS. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Corporation uses adjusted income from continuing operating activities to analyze trends in the performance of its businesses. The above‑listed items are excluded from the calculation of this measure because they impair the comparability of financial results. Adjusted income from continuing operating activities is more representative for forecasting income. The Corporation's definition of adjusted income from continuing operating activities may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. 

Table 4 provides a reconciliation of adjusted income from continuing operating activities to the net income attributable to shareholders' measure used in Quebecor's consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial information for the three‑month periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 presented in Table 4 below is drawn from the Corporation's unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements.

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

Cash flows from operations

Cash flows from operations represents adjusted EBITDA, less additions to property, plant and equipment and to intangible assets (excluding licence acquisitions and renewals). 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 share repurchases. 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. Cash flows from operations is used by the Corporation's management and Board of Directors to evaluate cash flows generated by the operations of all of its segments. The Corporation's definition of 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 continuing 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. Free cash flows from continuing operating activities is used by the Corporation's management and Board of Directors to evaluate cash flows generated by the Corporation's operations. Free cash flows from continuing operating activities represents available funds for business acquisitions, licence acquisitions and renewals, payment of dividends, repayment of long‑term debt 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 5 and 6 provide a reconciliation of cash flows from operations and free cash flows from continuing operating activities to cash flows provided by continuing operating activities reported in the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial information for the three‑month periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 presented in Tables 5 and 6 is drawn from the Corporation's unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated net debt leverage ratio

The consolidated net debt leverage ratio represents consolidated net debt, excluding convertible debentures, divided by the trailing 12‑month adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated net debt, excluding convertible debentures, represents total long‑term debt plus bank indebtedness, lease liabilities, the current portion of lease liabilities and liabilities related to derivative financial instruments, less assets related to derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents. The consolidated net debt leverage ratio serves to evaluate the Corporation's financial leverage and is used by management and the Board of Directors in decisions on the Corporation's capital structure, including its financing strategy, and in managing debt maturity risks. The consolidated net debt leverage ratio excludes convertible debentures because, subject to certain conditions, those debentures can be repurchased at the Corporation's discretion by issuing Quebecor Class B Shares. Consolidated net debt leverage ratio is not a measure established in accordance with IFRS. It is not intended to be used as an alternative to IFRS measures or the balance sheet to evaluate financial position. The Corporation's definition of consolidated net debt leverage ratio may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Table 7 provides the calculation of consolidated net debt leverage ratio and the reconciliation to balance sheet items reported in Quebecor's consolidated financial statements.

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 Club illico 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 billing per unit

The Corporation uses ABPU, an industry metric, as a key performance indicator. This indicator is used to measure monthly average subscription billing per RGU. ABPU is not a measurement that is consistent with IFRS and the Corporation's definition and calculation of ABPU may not be the same as identically titled measurements reported by other companies.

Mobile ABPU is calculated by dividing the average subscription billing for mobile telephony services 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 ABPU is calculated by dividing the combined average subscription billing for Internet access, television, Club illico, mobile and wireline telephony services by the total average number of RGUs from Internet access, television, mobile and wireline telephony services during the applicable period, and then dividing the resulting amount by the number of months in the applicable period.

SOURCE Quebecor

Related Links

http://www.quebecor.com