Rogers Communications(RCI) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]