Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) is included among the 13 Best Blue Chip Stocks to Buy Under $50. Morgan Stanley Updates Rogers Communications (RCI) Outlook Amid Shifting Telecom Dynamics Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay Morgan Stanley, on December 10, lifted its price target on Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) to C$50 from C$46 and maintained an Underweight rating on the shares. The update came as part of a broader 2026 outlook on the telecom and cable service sector. Rogers Communicati ...

Rogers covers Canada coast-to-coast with new serviceService now includes voice and video calling with popular appsLaunches satellite-to-mobile IoT service for businesses TORONTO, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications today announced the launch of Rogers Satellite, a first of its kind service that will keep Canadians connected. The new service now includes popular apps that offer voice and video calling. “We’re proud to be the first and only provider in the country to offer this ground-brea ...

Core Insights - Rogers Communications reported strong financial performance in Q3 2025, with significant growth in wireless and media segments, alongside improved customer loyalty and reduced churn rates [1][4][5] Wireless Segment - Wireless service revenue reached CAD 2.1 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of CAD 1.4 billion, reflecting a 1% increase [5] - The company added 111,000 mobile phone subscribers, including 62,000 postpaid and 49,000 prepaid, with a year-to-date total of 206,000 additions [5] - Postpaid churn decreased to 0.99%, the lowest in over two years, contributing to a wireless margin of 67% [5][29] - Equipment revenue increased by 9% due to higher device upgrades [27] Cable Segment - Cable revenue grew by 1% to CAD 1.981 billion, driven by retail Internet subscriber growth [55] - The adjusted EBITDA margin for the cable segment improved to 58%, up 70 basis points [30] - Retail Internet net additions were 29,000, with a total of 78,000 new subscribers year-to-date [5] Media Segment - Media revenue surged by 26% to CAD 753 million, bolstered by the success of the Toronto Blue Jays and the consolidation of MLSE results [28][66] - Adjusted EBITDA for the media segment decreased by 45% to CAD 75 million, primarily due to seasonal impacts from MLSE [30][66] - The company anticipates pro forma media revenue for 2025 to be approximately CAD 4 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of CAD 0.25 billion [5][25] Financial Performance - Total revenue for the quarter increased by 4% to CAD 5.348 billion, with total service revenue also up by 4% [6][26] - Net income rose significantly to CAD 5.808 billion, largely due to a non-cash gain from the MLSE transaction [31] - Free cash flow for the quarter was CAD 829 million, down 9% from the previous year [32] Strategic Developments - The company completed the acquisition of a 37.5% stake in MLSE for CAD 4.7 billion, increasing its ownership to 75% [12][13] - Rogers launched satellite-to-mobile text messaging services, expanding its coverage significantly across Canada [5][10] - The company is exploring options to unlock additional value from its sports assets, including potential minority interest sales or public offerings [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, consolidated service revenue and adjusted EBITDA both grew by 2% year-over-year [9][22] - Wireless service revenue and adjusted EBITDA each increased by 1% [19] - Cable service revenue and adjusted EBITDA rose by 13% respectively, marking a return to growth in this segment [10][20] - Media revenue increased by 10%, driven by strong viewership during the NHL playoffs [10][21] - Free cash flow reached $925 million, up 39% year-over-year [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless segment saw 61,000 total subscriber net additions, including 35,000 postpaid [19] - Cable business reported a 1% increase in service revenue, supported by retail internet net additions of 26,000 [20] - Media segment revenue was boosted by the success of Sportsnet and higher revenues from the Toronto Blue Jays [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wireless market is expected to grow about 3% for the full year, with Q2 growth estimated at around 2.5% [54] - The competitive environment remains intense, impacting ARPU, which declined by 3% year-over-year [19][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deleveraging, having achieved a leverage ratio of 3.6 times, close to pre-Shaw acquisition levels [8][26] - Plans to monetize sports and media assets are underway, with a focus on unlocking unrecognized value for shareholders [7][42] - The company aims to maintain an investment-grade balance sheet while investing in growth [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to growth in cable and maintaining strong performance in wireless and media [6][8] - The company highlighted the importance of government leadership in fostering a competitive environment and supporting capital investments [15][17] - Future guidance for 2025 has been updated to reflect the consolidation of MLSE, with service revenue expected to grow by 3% to 5% [28] Other Important Information - The company completed a $7 billion equity investment for a minority stake in parts of its wireless network [7] - The integration of MLSE's financial results will begin in Q3 2025, with estimated full-year media revenue of $3.9 billion [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on 2025 guidance and core telecom outlook - Management confirmed that the updated guidance reflects the inclusion of MLSE, with no significant changes to the core telecom outlook [33] Question: Performance expectations for MLSE in 2025 - Management indicated that the pro forma figures for MLSE are a clean aggregation and do not include aggressive synergies [36] Question: Competitive environment in wireless and back-to-school season - Management noted that the wireless market is expected to grow about 3%, with ongoing efforts to simplify the value proposition [54][56] Question: Impact of roaming on service revenue - Management acknowledged that roaming has been a headwind but expects travel to pick up, which could positively impact service revenue [61] Question: Longer-term CapEx profile and cable CapEx reduction - Management stated that while they won't provide specific numbers, they intend to drive lower capital intensity within cable [105] Question: Multi-line discounts and ARPU impact - Management explained that while multi-line discounts may dilute ARPU, they are expected to generate incremental service revenue [115] Question: Synergies related to the MLSE deal - Management indicated that it is too early to discuss specific synergies but emphasized their track record in identifying material synergies [116]

Core Viewpoint - Rogers has launched Rogers Satellite, a new satellite-to-mobile text messaging service that significantly expands wireless coverage across Canada, particularly in remote areas, and invites all Canadians to participate in a free beta trial [1][2][4]. Group 1: Service Launch and Coverage - Rogers Satellite covers over 5.4 million square kilometers, which is more than 2.5 times the coverage of any other Canadian wireless provider [1][4]. - The service will initially support text messaging and text-to-911, with plans to expand to apps, data, and voice services, including 911 voice services [2][3]. Group 2: Beta Trial and Pricing - All Canadians can sign up for the Rogers Satellite beta trial at no cost, which will run until October [2][3]. - After the beta trial, the service will be included at no additional cost for customers on the Rogers Ultimate Plan and will be available for $15 per month for all Canadians, with a $5 discount for beta participants for the first 12 months [3]. Group 3: Technological Innovation - Rogers Satellite utilizes low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites combined with Rogers' national wireless spectrum, allowing most modern smartphones to connect automatically in areas without cell service [6]. - The company has invested $45 billion over the past 40 years to develop various wireless technologies, marking a legacy of innovation in the telecommunications sector [7]. Group 4: Public Safety and Community Impact - The new service is expected to enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities in remote areas, allowing users to send text messages, including to emergency services, without traditional coverage [9][10]. - Local organizations have expressed support for the service, highlighting its importance in closing the digital divide and improving connectivity for rural and remote communities [10].