Rogers Communications (NYSE:RCI) FY Conference Transcript

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]