Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consolidated service revenue increased by 4% to $4.7 billion, while adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1% to $2.5 billion [19][20][26] - Free cash flow was reported at $829 million, down 9% year-over-year due to increasing taxable income and tax installment timing [20][23] - The debt leverage ratio stood at 3.9 times, reflecting a slight increase due to the acquisition of the additional stake in MLSE [10][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless service revenue was flat, with adjusted EBITDA up 1% year-over-year, maintaining industry-leading margins of 67%, up 60 basis points [15][19] - Cable service revenue grew by 1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 2%, resulting in cable margins reaching 58% [16][17] - Media revenue surged by 26% to $753 million, driven by the strong performance of the Toronto Blue Jays and the consolidation of MLSE [9][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 111,000 mobile phone net additions in Q3, with a total of 206,000 year-to-date, primarily in postpaid plans [5][15] - Retail internet additions were 29,000 in the quarter, contributing to approximately 80,000 new internet subscribers year-to-date [8][17] - Blended mobile phone ARPU decreased by 3% to $56.70, impacted by competitive pressures and lower international roaming revenue [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to unlock significant unrecognized value from its sports and media assets, with a projected media revenue of $4 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $250 million for 2025 [9][10] - Continued focus on operational efficiency and capital discipline, with a revised CapEx target of $3.7 billion for the year [11][25] - The introduction of innovative services like satellite-to-mobile technology aims to enhance coverage in remote areas, reinforcing the company's commitment to industry leadership [7][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong subscriber growth and operational performance despite a competitive environment and slower economic growth [15][26] - The company anticipates a strong Q4, driven by the successful playoff run of the Toronto Blue Jays and ongoing promotional strategies [19][48] - Management remains committed to improving the balance sheet and investment-grade credit ratings while pursuing growth opportunities [22][24] Other Important Information - The company is focused on enhancing customer experience through AI technologies, aiming for improved efficiency and security [41][42] - The acquisition of the additional stake in MLSE for $4.7 billion is expected to enhance revenue and profitability in the long term [10][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on wireless competitive environment and pricing sustainability - Management highlighted the effectiveness of streamlined pricing and promotional strategies, indicating confidence in sustaining current pricing constructs [29][31] Question: Insights on churn management - A holistic approach to base management has led to improved churn rates, with expectations for continued strong performance [32][33] Question: Impact of roaming and wholesale revenues on service revenue - Management confirmed that lower roaming volumes and wholesale revenue shifts contributed to the decline in service revenue [38] Question: Opportunities from AI technologies - Management identified customer experience, operational efficiency, and security as key areas for AI deployment, with significant potential for improvement [41][42] Question: Trends in network revenue and subscriber growth - Management expects positive service revenue growth for wireless, with a focus on base management and churn improvement [47][48] Question: Control of sports assets post-transaction - Management confirmed intentions to maintain control over sports assets while maximizing shareholder value [93] Question: Details on satellite-to-mobile service costs - Operating costs have seen a modest increase, attributed to marketing and service fees related to the satellite-to-mobile initiative [94] Question: Timeline for full data and voice capabilities in satellite-to-mobile service - Management indicated that data capabilities would be available soon, with voice expected in 2026 [100][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated service revenue increased by 4% to $4.7 billion, while adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1% to $2.5 billion [18][19] - Free cash flow was reported at $829 million, down 9% year-over-year due to increasing taxable income and tax installment payments [19][21] - The debt leverage ratio stood at 3.9 times, reflecting a slight increase due to the acquisition of an additional stake in MLSE [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless service revenue remained flat, with adjusted EBITDA up 1% year-over-year, maintaining industry-leading margins of 67%, up 60 basis points [13][15] - Cable service revenue grew by 1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 2%, leading to cable margins of 58%, up 70 basis points [15][16] - Media revenue surged by 26% to $753 million, driven by the strong performance of the Toronto Blue Jays and the consolidation of MLSE [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 111,000 mobile phone net additions in Q3, totaling 206,000 year-to-date, primarily on postpaid plans [4][13] - Retail internet additions were 29,000 in the quarter, with approximately 80,000 new internet subscribers year-to-date [6][15] - Blended mobile phone ARPU decreased by 3% to $56.70, reflecting competitive pressures and lower international roaming revenue [15][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to unlock significant unrecognized value from its sports and media assets, with an estimated value exceeding $15 billion [8][18] - Continued focus on financial discipline while pursuing growth in wireless, cable, and media segments [10][25] - Plans to acquire the remaining minority stake in MLSE to enhance revenue and profitability growth [9][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining service revenue growth despite competitive pressures and a slower growth economy [12][13] - The company anticipates strong execution in Q4, supported by the successful playoff run of the Toronto Blue Jays [17][44] - Management remains committed to improving capital efficiency and maintaining a strong investment-grade balance sheet [10][24] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for the year are expected to be approximately $3.7 billion, down from previous estimates [10][24] - The company is focused on enhancing customer experience through AI technologies and improving operational efficiency [37][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on wireless competitive environment and pricing sustainability - Management highlighted streamlined pricing offerings and successful customer engagement strategies, indicating confidence in sustaining current pricing structures [27][29] Question: Insights on churn management - Management noted a holistic approach to base management, resulting in improved churn rates and customer retention [30][31] Question: Clarification on service revenue trends and impacts - Management acknowledged lower roaming volumes and wholesale revenues as contributing factors to service revenue trends [34][35] Question: Operating leverage opportunities through AI - Management discussed three main areas for AI deployment: customer experience, operational efficiency, and security enhancements [36][38] Question: Expectations for wireless service revenue trajectory - Management confirmed expectations for positive service revenue growth moving forward, despite slight declines in Q3 [58][59] Question: Update on satellite-to-mobile service costs - Management clarified that increased costs were related to both marketing and service fees associated with the satellite-to-mobile initiative [81][83] Question: Future of wireless net additions amid low immigration - Management projected continued growth in the wireless sector, estimating a 3% growth rate even with low immigration levels [91][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated service revenue increased by 4% to $4.7 billion, while adjusted EBITDA decreased by 1% to $2.5 billion, reflecting modest growth in wireless, cable, and media combined with the consolidation of MLSE results [24][25][28] - Free cash flow was reported at $829 million, down 9% year-over-year due to increasing taxable income and the timing of tax installment payments [24][26] - The debt leverage ratio stood at 3.9 times, reflecting a slight increase due to the acquisition of the additional stake in MLSE [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless service revenue was flat year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA up 1%, driven by cost efficiencies that improved wireless margins to 67%, up 60 basis points [18][19] - Cable service revenue grew by 1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA up 2%, leading to cable margins of 58%, an increase of 70 basis points [21] - Media revenue surged by 26% to $753 million, driven by strong performance from the Toronto Blue Jays and the consolidation of MLSE [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wireless market saw a total of 111,000 mobile phone net additions in Q3, with a year-to-date total of 206,000, primarily on the Rogers Postpaid brand [7][19] - Retail internet additions were 29,000 in the quarter, contributing to approximately 80,000 new internet subscribers year-to-date [9][21] - Blended mobile phone ARPU decreased by 3% to $56.7, reflecting competitive pressures and lower international roaming revenue [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining strong execution across its three core businesses: wireless, cable, and media, while also exploring opportunities to unlock value from its sports and media assets [12][29] - The launch of satellite to mobile technology aims to enhance coverage in remote areas, reinforcing the company's commitment to innovation [8][9] - The company plans to acquire the remaining minority stake in MLSE, which is expected to enhance revenue and profitability growth [12][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining service revenue growth despite competitive pressures and a slower growth economy [18][51] - The company anticipates strong execution in Q4, with expectations for positive service revenue growth for wireless [51] - Management highlighted the importance of customer experience and operational efficiency, particularly through the deployment of AI technologies [42][44] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for the year are expected to be approximately $3.7 billion, a reduction from previous targets, reflecting a focus on capital efficiency [14][28] - The company maintains a strong liquidity position with available liquidity of $6.4 billion [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on wireless competitive environment and pricing sustainability - Management indicated that streamlined pricing and promotional strategies have resonated well with customers, leading to positive subscriber performance [32][35] Question: Insights on churn management - A holistic approach to base management has been implemented, focusing on proactive customer engagement to reduce churn [36] Question: Clarification on service revenue trends and roaming impacts - Management confirmed that lower roaming volumes and wholesale revenues contributed to the decline in service revenue [40] Question: Opportunities from AI technologies - Management outlined three main areas for AI deployment: customer experience, operational efficiency, and security enhancements [44][45] Question: Expectations for wireless revenue trends and subscriber growth - Management expects positive service revenue growth for wireless, despite current immigration levels impacting subscriber additions [51][68] Question: Competitive advantages of converged offerings - The company is leveraging its converged footprint to enhance customer offerings, leading to increased demand for bundled services [78] Question: Financing plans for upcoming acquisitions - Management confirmed that credit agencies are aware of the company's plans and that no equity will be needed to bridge gaps for upcoming deals [91][92]

Summary of Rogers Communications FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Rogers Communications (NYSE: RCI) - **Date of Conference**: September 25, 2025 Key Points Industry Insights - The Canadian wireless pricing environment is stabilizing, with flanker and fighter brand pricing increasing by double digits [2] - The market is competitive but more stable compared to previous years, with less heavy discounting observed [2] - Subscriber growth in the sector is projected to be around 3%, translating to nearly 1 million new customers [3] Customer Retention and Churn Management - Rogers is focusing on reducing churn, reporting improvements in churn rates compared to previous years [3] - Initiatives such as add-a-line promotions and bundling services (wireless and broadband) are being employed to enhance customer relationships and reduce churn [7][9] - The Rogers Bank credit card program is contributing to customer loyalty through discounts that exceed competitors' offerings [8] Wireline and Wireless Integration - The acquisition of Shaw has expanded Rogers' wireline market presence, allowing for coast-to-coast bundling of services [4] - Fixed wireless capabilities are being utilized effectively in regions where Rogers lacks a wireline footprint, particularly in Quebec and parts of Ontario [10] Financial Performance and Margins - Cable margins are currently at 58%, with expectations to reach 59% again, while wireless margins are around 64% to 66% [12] - The company is focused on driving growth in subscribers, revenues, and free cash flow while maintaining capital efficiency [12] MLSE Acquisition and Future Plans - Rogers has acquired a 75% stake in MLSE and is in discussions to buy out the remaining 25% stake held by a minority partner [15][17] - The integration of MLSE is expected to create significant cost and revenue synergies, particularly in live entertainment and sponsorship opportunities [20] - The combined value of MLSE and Rogers Sports & Media is estimated to be around CAD 20 billion, with potential for substantial growth [25] Leverage and Debt Management - Current leverage is approximately four times, with efforts to reduce it through capital deployment and asset sales [26] - The company aims to maintain a leverage ratio of around 3.9 to 4 times by year-end [28] Market Conditions and Asset Sales - The real estate market remains soft, and Rogers is not aggressively pursuing asset sales but is open to trimming surplus real estate holdings [30] - The focus remains on the MLSE transaction as the largest opportunity for capital monetization [30] Conclusion - Rogers Communications is strategically positioning itself in a stabilizing Canadian wireless market while focusing on customer retention, financial efficiency, and leveraging its recent acquisitions to drive future growth and profitability [2][3][12][25]