EX-99.1 3 y90767exv99w1.htm INTERIM REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERIM REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

(ROGERS LOGO)

Rogers Communications Reports Third Quarter 2003 Results

Quarterly Revenue Grows 11% and Operating Profit up 29% as Cable, Wireless and
Media Divisions Deliver Solid Financial and Operational Results

TORONTO (October 17, 2003) – Rogers Communications Inc. (“RCI” or “the Company”) today announced its consolidated financial and operating results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2003.

Financial highlights (in thousands of dollars except per share amounts) are as follows:

                         
Three Months Ended September 30,   2003   2002   % Change

 
 
 
Operating revenue
    1,218,282       1,099,105       10.8  
Operating profit(1)
    400,106       310,764       28.7  
Loss
    (17,442 )     (99,763 )      
Loss per share
    (0.13 )     (0.68 )      
Loss (excl. non-recurring items)(2)
    (13,142 )     (117,959 )      
Loss per share (excl. non-recurring items)(2)
    (0.11 )     (0.76 )      
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
    244,722       303,740       (19.4 )
                         
Nine Months Ended September 30,   2003   2002   % Change

 
 
 
Operating revenue
    3,525,083       3,156,049       11.7  
Operating profit(1)
    1,079,586       838,154       28.8  
Net income (loss)
    60,354       (386,121 )      
Earnings (loss) per share
    0.11       (2.17 )      
Net income (loss) (excl. non-recurring items)(2)
    72,254       (274,681 )      
Earnings (loss) per share (excl. non-recurring items)(2)
    0.16       (1.64 )      
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
    655,984       872,058       (24.8 )

(1)   Operating profit is defined herein as operating income before depreciation, amortization, interest, income taxes, non-operating items and non-recurring items (as detailed below) and is a standard measure that is commonly reported and widely used in the communications industry to assist in understanding and comparing operating results. Operating profit is not a defined term under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Accordingly, this measure should not be considered as a substitute or an alternative for net income (loss) or cash flow, in each case as determined in accordance with GAAP. See “Reconciliation to Net Income (Loss)” for a reconciliation of operating profit to operating income and net income (loss) under GAAP.
 
(2)   Non-recurring items for the periods presented are as follows.

                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,
   
(In millions of dollars)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
Change in estimates of sales tax and CRTC contribution liabilities
                       
Gain on sale of assets and investments
    12.9             12.9        
Writedown of investments
          (2.6 )     2.6        
Gain (loss) on repayment of long-term debt
    (17.2 )     22.0       (39.2 )      
Future income tax recovery
          2.7       (2.7 )      
Non-recurring equity losses
                       
Other
          (3.9 )     3.9        
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (4.3 )     18.2       (22.5 )      
 
   
     
     
     
 

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
                                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
(In millions of dollars)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
Change in estimates of sales tax and CRTC contribution liabilities
          12.3       (12.3 )      
Gain on sale of assets and investments
    12.9       2.1       10.8        
Writedown of investments
          (222.1 )     222.1        
Gain (loss) on repayment of long-term debt
    (24.8 )     1.9       (26.7 )      
Future income tax recovery
          119.2       (119.2 )      
Non-recurring equity losses
          (15.5 )     15.5        
Other
          (9.4 )     9.4        
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (11.9 )     (111.4 )     99.5        
 
   
     
     
     
 

- 1 -


 

    Highlights of the third quarter of 2003 included the following:
 
  Operating revenue grew 10.8 percent for the quarter, with all three operating companies contributing year-over-year growth, including 9.1 percent growth at Cable, 15.3 percent growth at Wireless and 3.9 percent growth at Media.
 
  Consolidated quarterly operating profit grew 28.7 percent year-over-year, with all operating companies contributing double-digit year-over-year growth, with 19.9 percent growth at Cable, 38.2 percent growth at Wireless, and 11.7 percent growth at Media.
 
  Expenditures on property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) decreased 19.4 percent for the quarter compared to previous year levels, with reduced spending at Cable of 25.3 percent and at Wireless of 7.6 percent.
 
  Growth in operating profit combined with reduced spending on PP&E, resulted in a significant improvement in the Company’s cash flow. Operating profit less PP&E expenditures and interest expense was $36.0 million, an improvement of $159.4 million in the quarter, compared to a deficiency of $123.4 million in the third quarter of 2002.
 
  Cable had positive net basic subscriber growth of 5,900 compared to a loss of basic cable subscribers of 2,200 in the third quarter of 2002. In addition, Internet subscribers grew by 39,100 and digital cable households increased by 35,200 in the quarter.
 
  Wireless postpaid voice and data subscriber net additions of 97,000 increased 29.2 percent, compared to the third quarter of 2002, driven by the combination of an increase in gross activations and reduced churn levels. Average monthly postpaid wireless churn for the third quarter declined to 1.85 percent while average monthly postpaid voice and data subscriber (“ARPU”) increased 5.0 percent to $60.78.
 
  Results at Media were driven by strong results at both Sportsnet and OMNI, offset partially by weakness in the Publishing and Radio divisions due to continued softness in selected advertising markets and the temporary impact of reformatting initiatives at certain of its radio stations.
 
  Two financing transactions were completed during the quarter:

    RCI redeemed US$205.4 million aggregate principal amount of its 8 7/8% Senior Notes due 2007 at a redemption price of 102.958% of the aggregate principal amount.
 
    RCI redeemed C$165.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 8 3/4% Senior Notes due 2007 at a redemption price of 102.917% of the aggregate principal amount.

“Continued double-digit quarterly operating profit growth and disciplined capital spending resulted in another strong quarter for Rogers”, said Ted Rogers, President and CEO of Rogers Communications Inc. “The focus across Rogers on consistent operating performance and profitable growth is apparent, with each of Cable, Wireless and Media producing year-over-year double-digit operating profit growth, which combined with our highly strategic set of assets, is positioning our business increasingly well for continued success”.

- 2 -


 

Consolidated Results of Operations for the Third Quarter Ending September 30, 2003

                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,
   
(In millions of dollars)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
                               
Cable
    441.1       404.4       36.7       9.1  
Wireless
    599.8       520.2       79.6       15.3  
Media
    194.7       187.4       7.3       3.9  
Corporate items and eliminations
    (17.3 )     (12.9 )     (4.4 )     34.1  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total operating revenue
    1,218.3       1,099.1       119.2       10.8  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating profit(1)
                               
Cable
    167.6       139.8       27.8       19.9  
Wireless
    222.3       160.9       61.4       38.2  
Media
    21.0       18.8       2.2       11.7  
Corporate items and eliminations
    (10.8 )     (8.7 )     (2.1 )     24.1  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total operating profit
    400.1       310.8       89.3       28.7  
 
   
     
     
     
 

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
                                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
(In millions of dollars)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
                               
Cable
    1,298.6       1,174.0       124.6       10.6  
Wireless
    1,657.5       1,440.3       217.2       15.1  
Media
    611.1       577.8       33.3       5.8  
Corporate items and eliminations
    (42.1 )     (36.1 )     (6.0 )     16.6  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total operating revenue
    3,525.1       3,156.0       369.1       11.7  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating profit(1)
                               
Cable
    486.8       407.1       79.7       19.6  
Wireless
    560.7       404.5       156.2       38.6  
Media
    64.1       53.2       10.9       20.5  
Corporate items and eliminations
    (32.0 )     (26.6 )     (5.4 )     20.3  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total operating profit
    1,079.6       838.2       241.4       28.8  
 
   
     
     
     
 

(1)   Operating profit is defined as operating income before management fees (which are paid to RCI and eliminated on consolidation), interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-recurring and non-operating items.

The consolidated revenue increase of 10.8 percent compared to the third quarter of 2002 was the result of all three operating segments reporting healthy year-over-year growth. Cable revenue increased 9.1 percent, driven by growth in its Internet and digital cable subscriber bases, as well as the impact of cable and Internet price increases implemented during the past year. Wireless revenue increased 15.3 percent, driven by a 14.4 percent increase in the postpaid subscriber base and continued improvements in both ARPU and customer churn. Revenue growth of 3.9 percent at Media was attributable to solid revenue growth at its Sportsnet regional sports television network and the success of its newly-launched OMNI.2 multicultural television station.

The 28.7 percent consolidated year-over-year quarterly operating profit growth was driven by good revenue growth and expense control in all operating segments. On a segment basis, Cable operating profit was up $27.8 million, or 19.9 percent, Wireless up $61.4 million, or 38.2 percent and Media up $2.2 million, or 11.7 percent.

Reconciliation to Net Income (Loss)

On a consolidated basis, taking into account the other income and expense items as detailed below, the Company recorded a quarterly net loss of $17.4 million, compared to a net loss of $99.8 million in the third quarter of 2002.

Other income and expense items that are required to reconcile operating profit with operating income and net income (loss) as defined under Canadian GAAP are as follows:

                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,
   
(In millions of dollars)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
Operating profit(1)
    400.1       310.8       89.3       28.7  
Wireless change in estimates of sales tax and CRTC contribution liabilities
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    (261.7 )     (246.5 )     (15.2 )     6.2  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating income
    138.4       64.3       74.1        
Interest on long-term debt
    (122.0 )     (133.1 )     11.1       (8.3 )
Income (loss) from investments accounted for by the equity method
    (11.5 )     (5.2 )     (6.3 )     121.2  
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
    5.4       (63.5 )     68.9       (108.5 )
Gain (loss) on repayment of long-term debt
    (17.2 )     22.0       (39.2 )      
Gain on sale of other investments
    12.9             12.9        
Writedown of investments
          (2.6 )     2.6       (100.0 )
Other
    (1.5 )     0.5       (2.0 )      
Income taxes
    (3.0 )     11.6       (14.6 )     (125.9 )
Non-controlling interest
    (18.9 )     6.2       (25.1 )      
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
    (17.4 )     (99.8 )     82.4        
 
   
     
     
     
 

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
                                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
(In millions of dollars)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
Operating profit(1)
    1,079.6       838.2       241.4       28.8  
Wireless change in estimates of sales tax and CRTC contribution liabilities
          12.3       (12.3 )     (100.0 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (766.4 )     (729.6 )     (36.8 )     5.0  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating income
    313.2       120.9       192.3        
Interest on long-term debt
    (373.5 )     (359.8 )     (13.7 )     3.8  
Income (loss) from investments accounted for by the equity method
    (37.1 )     (67.3 )     30.2       (44.9 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
    242.1       (0.9 )     243.0        
Gain (loss) on repayment of long-term debt
    (24.8 )     1.9       (26.7 )      
Gain on sale of other investments
    12.9       2.1       10.8        
Writedown of investments
          (222.1 )     222.1       (100.0 )
Other
    1.4       8.4       (7.0 )     (83.3 )
Income taxes
    (13.6 )     106.6       (120.2 )     (112.8 )
Non-controlling interest
    (60.2 )     24.1       (84.3 )      
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
    60.4       (386.1 )     446.5        
 
   
     
     
     
 

(1)   Operating profit is defined as operating income before management fees (which are paid to RCI and eliminated on consolidation), interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-recurring and non-operating items.

- 3 -


 

Depreciation and Amortization

The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is directly attributable to the increased PP&E asset levels, primarily at Cable and Wireless, associated with PP&E investments over the past several years.

Interest on Long-Term Debt

The $11.2 million decrease in interest expense in the third quarter of 2003, compared to the same period in 2002, is largely attributable to lower debt levels at September 30, 2003, compared to the previous year period. Long-term debt was $5.4 billion at September 30, 2003, and has decreased from approximately $6.1 billion at September 30, 2002, due to debt repayments and the effects of foreign exchange fluctuations on the unhedged portion of long-term debt.

Income (Losses) from Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method

The Company records income and losses from investments that it does not control, but over which it is able to exercise significant influence, by the equity method. The equity loss for the third quarter was $11.5 million, consisting of a $11.9 million loss at the Toronto Blue Jays partially offset by earnings of $0.4 million from other investments accounted for by the equity method. The loss for the quarter includes a $11.3 million non-cash charge for accelerated amortization of intangibles which was not assumed in the full year estimate of the Blue Jays equity losses. On a cash basis, the Company advanced the Blue Jays $22.2 million in the quarter to finance its cash operating deficiency. Full year 2003 cash funding requirements for the Blue Jays will reflect cash proceeds back to the Company from the Blue Jays during the fourth quarter as the team receives revenues from Major League Baseball related to the 2003 season.

Foreign Exchange

Foreign currency translation gains and losses are recorded as a period gain or loss. In the third quarter of 2003, the Canadian dollar strengthened against the U.S. dollar, giving rise to the $5.4 million foreign exchange gain recorded by the Company relating primarily to the revaluation of unhedged U.S. dollar-denominated debt.

Loss on Repayment of Long-Term Debt

During the quarter, the Company redeemed US$205.4 million and $165.0 million principal amounts of debt. As a result, the Company recorded a loss on the repayment of debt in the quarter of $17.2 million, consisting of a prepayment premium of $13.0 million and the write-off of deferred financing costs of $4.2 million.

Gain on Sale of Other Investments

During the quarter, the Company disposed of shares that it held of certain publicly traded companies, triggering a gain on disposal of $12.9 million and providing cash proceeds of approximately $15.7 million.

Income Taxes

Income taxes in the third quarter include a current income tax expense of $3.0 million related to Federal Large Corporations Tax. Income taxes in the third quarter of 2002 included a non-cash future income tax reduction of $13.8 million related to the recognition of losses.

Non-Controlling Interest

- 4 -


 

Non-controlling interest, representing 44.2 percent of Wireless’ net income, was an expense of $18.9 million for the quarter, compared to income of $6.2 million in the third quarter of 2002, reflecting the corresponding net income (loss) levels at Wireless in the respective periods.

- 5 -


 

Net Income (Loss) and Net Income (Loss) Per Share

                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,
   
(In millions of dollars, except per share data)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
    (17.4 )     (99.8 )     82.4        
Net income (loss) per share(1)
    (0.13 )     (0.68 )     0.55        
Net income (loss) (excl. non-recurring items)
    (13.1 )     (118.0 )     104.9        
Net income (loss) per share (excl. non-recurring items)(1)
    (0.11 )     (0.76 )     0.65        

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
                                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
(In millions of dollars, except per share data)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
    60.4       (386.1 )     446.5        
Net income (loss) per share(1)
    0.11       (2.17 )     2.28        
Net income (loss) (excl. non-recurring items)
    72.3       (274.7 )     347.0        
Net income (loss) per share (excl. non-recurring items)(1)
    0.16       (1.64 )     1.80        

(1)   Per share amounts are calculated as income (loss) for the period after distributions on Convertible Preferred Securities and accretions on Preferred Securities in 2002, net of tax.

The Company recorded a quarterly net loss of $17.4 million, or $0.13 per share, compared to a loss of $99.8 million, or $0.68 per share, in the third quarter of 2002. Excluding non-recurring items in both periods, the Company recorded a net loss of $13.1 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to a loss of $118.0 million, or $0.76 per share, in the third quarter of the previous year.

Distributions on Convertible Preferred Securities and accretions on Preferred Securities and Collateralized Equity Securities in 2002, net of tax, of $13.3 million and $45.3 million in the third quarter of 2003 and 2002, respectively, had the impact of decreasing basic Earnings per Share (“EPS”) by $0.05 and $0.22, respectively. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

- 6 -


 

Rogers Cable

                                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
 
(In millions of dollars, except margin)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core cable revenue
    294.1       275.9       18.2       6.6       864.1       814.2       49.9       6.1  
Internet revenue
    81.7       63.1       18.6       29.5       236.2       173.3       62.9       36.3  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total cable revenue
    375.8       339.0       36.8       10.9       1,100.3       987.5       112.8       11.4  
Video Stores revenue
    66.1       66.6       (0.5 )     (0.8 )     200.8       190.1       10.7       5.6  
Intercompany eliminations
    (0.8 )     (1.2 )     0.4       (33.3 )     (2.5 )     (3.6 )     1.1       (30.6 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating revenue
    441.1       404.4       36.7       9.1       1,298.6       1,174.0       124.6       10.6  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating profit (1)
    167.6       139.8       27.8       19.9       486.8       407.1       79.7       19.6  
Cable operating profit margin (2)
    43.1 %     39.5 %     3.6 %             43.0 %     39.9 %     3.1 %        
Video Stores operating profit margin (2)
    8.4 %     9.0 %     (0.6 %)             6.8 %     6.7 %     0.1 %        

(1)   Operating profit is defined as operating income before management fees (which are paid to RCI and eliminated on consolidation), interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-recurring and non-operating items.
 
(2)   Before deduction of management fees paid to RCI and intercompany eliminations.

The 6.6 percent year-over-year increase in core cable revenue was largely driven by price increases introduced during the past year. Increased rates, combined with increased digital penetration, have served to increase average monthly revenue per core cable subscriber to $43.50 in the third quarter from $40.72 in the third quarter of 2002.

The 29.5 percent increase in Internet revenue was driven by the 27.1 percent year-over-year growth in Internet subscriber levels combined with rate increases put in place during the past year and partially offset by the introduction of the lower-priced Internet Lite service.

Relatively flat year-over-year Video Store revenue reflects a combination of factors during the quarter including power outages experienced in Ontario, forest fires that affected much of British Columbia, and fewer hit movie titles compared to the third quarter of 2002.

- 7 -


 

Cable Subscriber Results

                                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
 
(Subscriber statistics in thousands)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Homes passed
                                    3,195.1       3,075.7       119.4       3.9  
Basic cable subscribers
                                    2,260.9       2,260.9              
Basic cable, net additions (losses)
    5.9       (2.2 )     8.1             (9.5 )     (25.5 )     16.0       62.7  
Internet subscribers
                                    755.1       594.2       160.9       27.1  
Internet, net additions
    39.1       53.3       (14.2 )     (26.6 )     115.7       115.5       0.2       0.2  
Digital terminals in service
                                    562.7       418.6       144.1       34.4  
Digital terminals, net additions
    43.9       67.5       (23.6 )     (35.0 )     106.6       104.3       2.3       2.2  
Digital households
                                    492.1       369.0       123.1       33.4  
Digital households, net additions
    35.2       63.4       (28.2 )     (44.5 )     90.6       96.9       (6.3 )     (6.5 )
VIP customers
                                    637.7       578.3       59.4       10.3  
VIP customers, net additions
    13.4       26.8       (13.4 )     (50.0 )     44.7       80.7       (36.0 )     (44.6 )

Cable continues to focus heavily on enhancing its marketing and retention tactics with the aim of increasing subscriber awareness of the benefits and quality of its advanced digital cable and Internet offerings in relation to competing offerings. These efforts were successfully intensified and focused over the past year to reduce and mitigate basic cable subscriber losses, as is evidenced by the significantly reduced year-to-date basic net losses in 2003, compared to 2002, and that the basic subscriber base at the end of the third quarter of 2003 is flat with the same period of 2002.

Basic cable subscriber results in the third quarter, as well as the results in Internet and digital cable, partially reflect third quarter seasonality associated with the return of university students, as well as the timing of marketing and sales initiatives focused on reinstating seasonal customers. In addition, many of Cable’s cable areas are situated in areas of new home development, allowing Cable to capture new subscribers in these areas, which serves to offset losses of subscribers to alternate providers in more mature service areas.

The higher level of digital subscriber additions in the third quarter of 2002 reflects the initial launch of the Incredible Rogers Bundles and changes to Cable’s VIP Customer Loyalty program, both of which occurred during that period. Year-over-year, the digital subscriber household base has grown by 123,097 subscribers or 33.4 percent, to 492,100, resulting in a 21.8 percent penetration of basic cable subscribers.

On a quarterly comparative basis, Internet subscriber net additions in the third quarter of 2002 were aided by the early stages of the launch of the Incredible Rogers Bundles. Year-over-year, the Internet subscriber base has grown by 160,900 subscribers, or 27.1 percent, to 755,100 including scheduled pending connections, resulting in 23.6 percent penetration as a percentage of homes passed.

- 8 -


 

Cable Operating Expenses

                                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
 
(In millions of dollars)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cable and Internet operating expenses
    213.8       205.1       8.7       4.2       627.2       593.1       34.1       5.7  
Video Stores operating expenses
    60.5       60.7       (0.2 )     (0.3 )     187.1       177.4       9.7       5.5  
Intercompany eliminations
    (0.8 )     (1.2 )     0.4       (33.3 )     (2.5 )     (3.6 )     1.1       (30.6 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating expenses
    273.5       264.6       8.9       3.4       811.8       766.9       44.9       5.9  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

The 3.4 percent quarterly increase in operating expenses is attributable to cost increases in cable and Internet operations, offset by a small decline in Video Store costs. The 4.2 percent operating expense increase in cable operations primarily reflects increased programming costs associated with a larger number of digital subscribers and channels as well as increased operating costs related to the growth in the Internet subscriber base. Customer support and service costs remained relatively unchanged, despite the increase in digital and Internet subscribers, as Cable’s customer-focused initiatives, improved network stability and lower churn levels have resulted in lower activity levels per customer, as Cable focused on capturing operating and scale efficiencies.

The Video Stores operating expense decline primarily reflects the decrease in cost of sales directly related to the modest decline in sales experienced in the quarter offset by an increased number of locations, which have grown to 276 at September 30, 2003 from 269 at September 30, 2002.

Cable Property, Plant and Equipment Expenditures

                                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
 
(In millions of dollars)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer premise equipment
    51.3       67.6       (16.3 )     (24.1 )     128.5       171.6       (43.1 )     (25.1 )
Scaleable infrastructure
    19.7       14.2       5.5       38.7       44.8       59.1       (14.3 )     (24.2 )
Line extensions
    12.1       13.1       (1.0 )     (7.6 )     34.0       38.8       (4.8 )     (12.4 )
Upgrade and rebuild
    29.0       39.3       (10.3 )     (26.2 )     84.3       127.4       (43.1 )     (33.8 )
Support capital
    8.6       27.6       (19.0 )     (68.8 )     37.7       63.6       (25.9 )     (40.7 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Core cable PP&E expenditures
    120.7       161.8       (41.1 )     (25.4 )     329.3       460.5       (131.2 )     (28.5 )
Video Stores PP&E expenditures
    1.4       1.7       (0.3 )     (17.6 )     5.8       4.9       0.9       18.4  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Rogers Cable PP&E expenditures
    122.1       163.5       (41.4 )     (25.3 )     335.1       465.4       (130.3 )     (28.0 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

The $41.4 million decline in quarterly PP&E expenditures, compared to the same quarter in 2002, is attributable to reductions in three principle PP&E categories: (1) customer premise equipment (“CPE”), which includes customer equipment and associated installation costs, has decreased due to lower purchase volumes related to reduced levels of customer activations, reductions in modem and digital set-top terminal prices and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar; (2) upgrade and rebuild expenditures, which reflect the completion in several regions of the Company’s fibre-to-the-feeder (“FTTF”) rebuild program, and (3) a reduction in general support capital.

At September 30, 2003, approximately 90 percent of Cable’s cable plant has been upgraded to 750/860 megahertz (“MHz”) FTTF architecture, approximately 96 percent of its plant is capable of transmitting 550 MHz of bandwidth or greater and 95 percent of Cable’s total cable plant is two-way addressable.

- 9 -


 

Rogers Wireless

                                                                   
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
     
 
(In millions of dollars, except margin)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue (1)
                                                               
 
Postpaid (voice and data)
    512.8       426.8       86.0       20.1       1,414.0       1,201.0       213.0       17.7  
 
Prepaid
    21.2       26.9       (5.7 )     (21.2 )     64.0       69.9       (5.9 )     (8.4 )
 
One-way messaging
    6.8       8.8       (2.0 )     (22.7 )     21.1       26.9       (5.8 )     (21.6 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Network revenue
    540.8       462.5       78.3       16.9       1,499.1       1,297.8       201.3       15.5  
Equipment revenue
    59.0       57.7       1.3       2.3       158.4       142.5       15.9       11.2  
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating revenue
    599.8       520.2       79.6       15.3       1,657.5       1,440.3       217.2       15.1  
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Wireless operating profit (2)
    222.3       160.9       61.4       38.2       560.7       404.5       156.2       38.6  
Operating profit margin - based on network revenue
    41.1 %     34.8 %     6.3 %             37.4 %     31.2 %     6.2 %        

(1)   The previous periods’ presentation of revenue categories has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
 
(2)   Operating profit is defined as operating income before management fees (which are paid to RCI and eliminated on consolidation), depreciation, amortization, interest, income taxes and non-operating and non-recurring items.

The 16.9 percent increase in network revenue was driven by an 11.0 percent increase in the total number of wireless voice and data subscribers compared to the third quarter of 2002, combined with a 6.0 percent increase in blended ARPU. The increase in the year-over-year quarterly ARPU, a trend that has continued for the last four consecutive quarters, is attributable to improved customer mix, increased penetration of enhanced voice services, the growth of wireless data usage and the general stability of industry pricing. Wireless also continues to experience substantial growth in inbound and outbound customer roaming revenues. The growth in roaming revenues is largely a result of the deployment by Wireless’ national GSM/GPRS network platform in early 2002, which has provided for seamless roaming to Wireless’ subscribers who travel internationally, as well as the increased ability to capture roaming revenues from international visitors to Canada.

The 38.2 percent year-over-year increase in quarterly operating profit was a result of the 16.9 percent network revenue growth, partially offset by an increase of 5.6 percent in total operating expenses, including sales and marketing costs, and reflects Wireless’ success in scaling the business by leveraging existing operating costs as revenue grows.

- 10 -


 

Wireless Subscriber Results

                                                                   
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
     
 
(Subscriber statistics in thousands, except ARPU, churn and usage)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postpaid (Voice and Data)(1)
                                                               
 
Gross additions
    252.2       225.2       27.0       12.0       683.1       624.6       58.5       9.4  
 
Net additions
    97.0       75.1       21.9       29.2       234.0       207.9       26.1       12.6  
 
Total subscribers
                                    2,863.3       2,501.9       361.4       14.4  
 
ARPU ($)
    60.78       57.86       2.92       5.0       57.50       55.80       1.70       3.0  
 
Average monthly usage (minutes)
    374       323       51       15.8       360       318       42       13.2  
 
Churn (%)
    1.85       2.05       (0.20 )     (9.8 )     1.84       1.95       (0.11 )     (5.6 )
Prepaid
                                                               
 
Gross additions
    73.4       62.4       11.0       17.6       190.0       164.2       25.8       15.7  
 
Net additions (losses)
    18.2       17.4       0.8       4.6       (4.4 )     20.4       (24.8 )      
 
Adjustment to subscriber base (2)
                                    (20.9 )           (20.9 )      
 
Total subscribers (2)
                                    753.4       755.0       (1.6 )     (0.2 )
 
ARPU ($) (3)
    9.46       12.01       (2.55 )     (21.2 )     9.40       10.47       (1.07 )     (10.2 )
 
Churn (%)
    2.48       2.02       0.46       22.8       2.85       2.16       0.69       31.9  
Total - Postpaid and Prepaid
                                                               
 
Gross additions
    325.6       287.6       38.0       13.2       873.1       788.8       84.3       10.7  
 
Net additions
    115.2       92.5       22.7       24.5       229.6       228.3       1.3       0.6  
 
Adjustment to subscriber base (2)
                                    (20.9 )           (20.9 )      
 
Total subscribers (2)
                                    3,616.7       3,256.9       359.8       11.0  
 
ARPU (blended) ($)(3)
    50.03       47.20       2.83       6.0       47.07       45.06       2.01       4.5  
One-Way Messaging
                                                               
 
Gross additions
    8.3       14.9       (6.6 )     (44.3 )     33.5       46.6       (13.1 )     (28.1 )
 
Net additions
    (14.8 )     (16.7 )     1.9       (11.4 )     (43.9 )     (54.0 )     10.1       (18.7 )
 
Total subscribers
                                    258.4       316.6       (58.2 )     (18.4 )
 
ARPU ($)
    8.58       9.07       (0.49 )     (5.4 )     8.36       8.75       (0.39 )     (4.5 )
 
Churn (%)
    2.89       3.21       (0.32 )     (10.0 )     3.04       3.24       (0.20 )     (6.2 )

(1)   The previous periods’ subscriber and per subscriber presentation has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
 
(2)   The Company’s policy is to treat prepaid subscribers with no usage for a six-month period as a reduction of the prepaid subscriber base. As part of a review of prepaid subscriber usage in the second quarter of 2003, the Company determined that a number of subscribers, totalling 20,900, who only had non-revenue usage (i.e. calls to customer service) over a period of several months were being included in the prepaid subscriber base. The Company determined that these subscribers should not have been included in the prepaid subscriber base and, as such, made an adjustment to the opening prepaid subscriber base. The Company has amended its policy to reflect all prepaid subscribers with no revenue-generating usage in a six-month period as deactivations.
 
(3)   Prepaid ARPU is calculated on net wholesale revenues to the Company.

Postpaid voice and data subscriber additions in the quarter represented 77.5 percent of total gross additions and 84.2 percent of total net additions. Wireless continued its strategy of targeting higher-value postpaid subscribers in the quarter, adding a significant number of postpaid subscribers, while at the same time increasing the number of prepaid subscribers.

The 5.0 percent increase in postpaid voice and data ARPU, compared to the third quarter of the previous year, reflects Wireless’ success in attracting a greater mix of postpaid customers, increased penetration of enhanced voice services, the impact of wireless data growth, the general stability of industry pricing and the growth in roaming revenues. The 127.2 percent increase in data revenues in the quarter, from $8.4 million in 2002 to $19.1 million, represents approximately 38 percent of the $2.92 increase in postpaid ARPU. The decline in prepaid ARPU on a year-over-year basis was primarily a result of the introduction of more competitive prepaid offers in the quarter, which also helped increase the number of prepaid subscribers acquired during the quarter.

Wireless remains committed to its strategy of attracting high-value postpaid subscribers while at the same time recognizing the significance of the prepaid market segment. As a result, in early October 2003, Wireless introduced ‘totalphone’, a hybrid wireless offering with features of both prepaid and postpaid service offerings.

The continuing trend of improved postpaid voice and data subscriber churn, as reflected in the 1.85 percent monthly rate in the current quarter, is related to Wireless’ enhanced focus on customer retention and an ongoing focus on longer term contracts for new and renewing subscribers. The increase in

- 11 -


 

prepaid subscriber churn to 2.48 percent in the quarter is generally attributable to aggressive competitive prepaid offers in the market.

One-way messaging (or paging) subscriber churn declined in the third quarter to 2.89 percent from 3.21 percent in the same period of 2002. With 258,400 paging subscribers, Wireless continues to view paging as a profitable but mature business segment and recognizes that churn will likely continue at relatively high rates as one-way messaging subscribers increasingly utilize the benefits of two-way messaging and converged voice and data devices.

Wireless Operating Expenses

                                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
 
(In millions of dollars, except per subscriber statistics)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses before sales and marketing costs (1)(2)
    198.0       190.8       7.2       3.8       586.1       578.1       8.0       1.4  
Sales and marketing costs
    120.5       110.8       9.7       8.8       352.3       315.1       37.2       11.8  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
    318.5       301.6       16.9       5.6       938.4       893.2       45.2       5.1  
Average monthly operating expenses per subscriber before sales and marketing (1)(2)
    17.26       18.02       (0.76 )     (4.2 )     17.28       18.48       (1.20 )     (6.5 )
Sales and marketing costs per gross subscriber addition (1)
    361       366       (5 )     (1.4 )     389       377       12       3.2  

(1)   The previous periods’ presentation has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Customer retention costs are included in operating expenses before sales and marketing costs.
 
(2)   Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 exclude the benefit of non-recurring items of $12.3 million.

The 3.8% increase in total operating expenses (including customer retention costs) before sales and marketing costs, compared to the third quarter of 2002, is attributable to customer retention spending offset by savings in other operations of Wireless. Average monthly operating expense per subscriber continues to decline, down 4.2 percent in the quarter compared to the same quarter of 2002. The decline reflects the success in capturing operating and scale efficiencies, as the total subscriber base has continued to increase compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002, while operating expense levels were held relatively flat.

The modest year-over-year decline in sales and marketing cost per gross addition reflects higher gross sales volumes, offset by the impact of slightly higher variable costs per gross addition related to the cost of acquiring a significant proportion of higher-value and term-contract postpaid customers. In the quarter, approximately 89 percent of gross postpaid wireless voice and data additions were on a term contract of 24 months or greater.

Wireless Property, Plant and Equipment Expenditures

                                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
 
(In millions of dollars)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
    116.4       126.0       (9.6 )     (7.6 )     292.9       376.2       (83.3 )     (22.1 )

PP&E expenditures for the third quarter were $116.4 million, lower than the third quarter of 2002 by $9.6 million. Network related PP&E expenditures totalled $94.9 million in the quarter compared to $92.1 million in the third quarter of 2002. Network spending in both the third quarter of 2003 and 2002 was related mainly to capacity expansion. Network spending in 2003 also included the deployment of GSM/GPRS network functionality in the 850 MHz frequency band. In addition, in the third quarter of 2003, Wireless spent $17.2 million on information technology compared to $11.4 million in the third quarter of 2002. Information technology spending in both years is primarily related to customer service projects. Facilities-related and other PP&E expenditures, which comprises the remainder of PP&E expenditures, declined by $18.0 million year-over-year, primarily attributable to the substantial completion of the expansion of the corporate head office facility and the Moncton call centre.

- 12 -


 

Rogers Media

                                                                   
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
     
 
(In millions of dollars)   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg   2003   2002   Chg   % Chg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
                                                               
 
Publishing
    62.8       64.3       (1.5 )     (2.3 )     208.1       208.9       (0.8 )     (0.4 )
 
Radio
    41.8       41.3       0.5       1.2       124.5       117.9       6.6       5.6  
 
Television
    42.0       33.8       8.2       24.3       128.2       105.7       22.5       21.3  
 
The Shopping Channel
    48.6       48.0       0.6       1.3       151.1       145.3       5.8       4.0  
 
Intercompany eliminations
    (0.5 )           (0.5 )           (0.8 )           (0.8 )      
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating revenue
    194.7       187.4       7.3       3.9       611.1       577.8       33.3       5.8  
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating profit (1)
                                                               
 
Publishing
    2.6       3.9       (1.3 )     (33.3 )     16.2       17.8       (1.6 )     (9.0 )
 
Radio
    8.5       11.0       (2.5 )     (22.7 )     24.7       30.2       (5.5 )     (18.2 )
 
Television
    8.0       3.4       4.6             18.7       2.2       16.5        
 
The Shopping Channel
    3.6       3.4       0.2       5.9       11.0       10.9       0.1        
 
Corporate items and eliminations
    (1.7 )     (2.9 )     1.2       (41.4 )     (6.5 )     (7.9 )     1.4       (17.7 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total operating profit (1)
    21.0       18.8       2.2       11.7       64.1       53.2       10.9       20.5  
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

(1)   Operating profit is defined as operating income before management fees (which are paid to RCI and eliminated on consolidation), interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-recurring and non-operating items.

The $7.3 million increase in Media’s quarterly revenues was driven principally by the Television division, reflecting the continued strong year-over-year growth at Sportsnet and the launch of OMNI.2 in the third quarter of 2002. Continued softness in certain advertising markets negatively impacted results at Publishing and Radio, while the Shopping Channel was negatively impacted by a province-wide power outage in Ontario. Revenue in the Radio division was also impacted by format changes made during 2003. Format changes in radio broadcasting usually negatively impact advertising revenues for several months as the new format grows its audience share and establishes itself with advertisers.

The $2.2 million, or 11.7 percent, year-over-year increase in quarterly operating profit for Media was driven by healthy growth in the Television division reflecting strong results at both Sportsnet and OMNI. The improved results at Television were offset by the unfavourable impact advertising had on Publishing and Radio operating profits. In addition, Radio was further impacted on the operating expense side by additional advertising and promotional expenditures incurred during format changes.

- 13 -


 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital for the third quarter increased by $104.3 million to $277.6 million, up from $173.3 million in the third quarter of 2002, reflecting the increase in operating profit. Taking into account the changes in working capital items, cash flow from operating activities for the quarter increased by $148.8 million to $367.9 million, up from $219.1 million in the previous period. Details of the changes in non-cash working capital for the third quarter of 2003 and 2002 are detailed in Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In aggregate, other sources of funds during the third quarter totalled approximately $45.7 million. The sources of these funds were: (1) $26.0 million of proceeds received from net advances under bank credit facilities; (2) $4.0 million from the issue of Class B Non-Voting shares under employee share purchase plans and the exercise of employee stock options, and (3) aggregate $15.7 million net proceeds from the sale of publicly traded investments.

The funds used during the third quarter totalled approximately $742.7 million and were composed of: (1) repayment of debt, as detailed below in the financing section, aggregating $455.8 million including prepayment premiums; (2) the purchase of $244.7 million of PP&E; (3) $19.9 million in dividends and distributions, comprised of $11.6 million in dividends on Class A Voting and Class B Non-Voting shares of the Company and $8.3 million in distributions on Convertible Preferred Securities; (4) other net investments of $20.7 million, of which $22.2 million relates to advances to the Toronto Blue Jays, and (5) the repayment of obligations under mortgages and capital leases of $1.6 million.

As a result of the above, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents decreased in the third quarter by $329.1 million, which, together with the opening cash of $350.4 million, resulted in a closing balance of $21.3 million of cash and cash equivalents.

The Company’s available liquidity at September 30, 2003, was over $1.9 billion, represented primarily by availability under committed bank credit facilities at Cable, Wireless and Media.

Financing

During the third quarter of 2003 as part of its ongoing de-leveraging focus, RCI redeemed two debt issues. On July 17, 2003, RCI redeemed its US$205.357 million 8 7/8% Senior Notes due in 2007 at a redemption price of 102.958% of the aggregate principal amount. On August 6, 2003, RCI redeemed its $165.0 million 8 3/4% Senior Notes due in 2007 at a redemption price of 102.917% of the aggregate principal amount.

Risks and Uncertainties

The following represents updates and additions to the risks and uncertainties as detailed in the Company’s latest annual Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Cable

Cable requires access to support structures and municipal rights of way in order to deploy facilities. In a recent decision, the Supreme Court of Canada determined that the CRTC does not have the jurisdiction to establish the terms and conditions of access to the poles of hydroelectric companies. As a result of this decision, the costs of obtaining access to support structures of hydroelectric companies could be increased. Separately, a number of municipalities have also appealed a decision of the CRTC asserting jurisdiction over the terms and conditions of access to municipal rights of way by telecommunications carriers and broadcast distribution undertakings such as RCI. The Federal Court of Canada has denied this appeal. The municipalities sought leave to appeal to the Supreme

- 14 -


 

Court of Canada. That leave to appeal was recently denied. As a result, the risk of increased municipal access payments has been considerably reduced.

On January 24, 2003, the Company filed a notice of application to the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario for a declaration that the 1,329,007 shares issued by the Company on February 7, 2003, satisfies the Company’s remaining obligations to the former shareholders (the “vendors”) related to the February 7, 2001 acquisition by Rogers of 100 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of Cable Atlantic Inc. (“Cable Atlantic”). On August 12, 2003, the vendors of Cable Atlantic filed a statement of defence and counterclaim. The vendors’ assert in their statement of defence and counterclaim, amongst other things, a claim for damages of up to $40 million. On September 19, 2003, the Company filed a reply and defence to the vendors’ counterclaim with the court disputing the claim.

Guidance

The Company is revising elements of its 2003 annual guidance for Wireless.

Wireless network revenue guidance for 2003 is revised upward from the range of $1,930 million to $1,970 million to a range of $2,000 million to $2,030 million. Wireless operating profit before management fees guidance is revised upward from the range of $640 million to $660 million to a range of $710 million to $730 million.

Other previously issued guidance ranges for 2003 remain unchanged.

- 15 -


 

Rogers Communications Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income

                                     
        Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
       
 
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)   2003   2002   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
  $ 1,218,282     $ 1,099,105     $ 3,525,083     $ 3,156,049  
Operating, general and administrative expenses
    818,176       788,341       2,445,497       2,317,895  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating income before the following
    400,106       310,764       1,079,586       838,154  
Change in estimates of sales tax and CRTC contribution liabilities
                      (12,331 )
Depreciation and amortization
    261,666       246,534       766,413       729,622  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating income
    138,440       64,230       313,173       120,863  
Interest on long-term debt
    (121,944 )     (133,107 )     (373,501 )     (359,777 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    16,496       (68,877 )     (60,328 )     (238,914 )
Gain on sale of other investments
    12,892             12,892       2,062  
Writedown of investments
          (2,600 )           (222,129 )
Losses from investments accounted for by the equity method
    (11,490 )     (5,162 )     (37,051 )     (67,294 )
Gain (loss) on repayment of long-term debt
    (17,242 )     21,968       (24,839 )     1,880  
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
    5,378       (63,476 )     242,064       (869 )
Investment and other income (loss)
    (1,583 )     579       1,370       8,495  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest
    4,451       (117,568 )     134,108       (516,769 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income tax expense (reduction)
                               
 
Current
    3,039       2,198       10,359       10,503  
 
Future
          (13,762 )     3,185       (117,065 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    3,039       (11,564 )     13,544       (106,562 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before non-controlling interest
    1,412       (106,004 )     120,564       (410,207 )
Non-controlling interest
    (18,854 )     6,241       (60,210 )     24,086  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss) for the period
  $ (17,442 )   $ (99,763 )   $ 60,354     $ (386,121 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Earnings (loss) per share (Note 5):
                               
   
Basic
  $ (0.13 )   $ (0.68 )   $ 0.11     $ (2.17 )
   
Diluted
    (0.13 )     (0.68 )     0.10       (2.17 )
 
   
     
     
     
 

- 16 -


 

Rogers Communications Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                                       
          Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands of dollars)   2003   2002   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
Cash provided by (used in):
                               
Operating activities:
                               
 
Net income (loss) for the period
  $ (17,442 )   $ (99,763 )   $ 60,354     $ (386,121 )
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operating activities:
                               
     
Depreciation and amortization
    261,666       246,534       766,413       729,622  
     
Future income taxes
          (13,762 )     3,185       (117,065 )
     
Non-controlling interest
    18,854       (6,241 )     60,210       (24,086 )
     
Change in estimate of sales tax liability
                      (19,157 )
     
Unrealized foreign exchange gain
    (4,094 )     58,077       (237,259 )     (3,411 )
     
Gain on sale of investments
    (12,892 )           (12,892 )     (2,062 )
     
Writedown of investments, net of gains
          2,600             222,129  
     
Loss (gain) on repayment of long-term debt
    17,242       (21,968 )     24,839       (1,880 )
     
Losses from investments accounted for by the equity method
    11,490       5,162       37,051       67,294  
     
Accrued interest due on repayment of certain notes payable
    2,529       2,705       7,728       8,006  
     
Dividends from associated companies
    249             624       486  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    277,602       173,344       710,253       473,755  
     
Change in non-cash working capital items (Note 7)
    90,274       45,781       (105,765 )     38,813  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    367,876       219,125       604,488       512,568  
Financing activities:
                               
 
Issue of long-term debt
    236,500       222,200       1,334,900       2,715,158  
 
Repayment of long-term debt
    (654,908 )     (306,588 )     (1,436,527 )     (1,789,188 )
 
Proceeds on termination of cross-currency interest rate exchange agreements
          76,920             193,710  
 
Premium on repayment of long-term debt
    (13,032 )     (1,534 )     (19,348 )     (21,773 )
 
Financing costs incurred
                (6,220 )     (25,557 )
 
Issue of capital stock
    4,009       745       248,046       5,073  
 
Distributions on Convertible Preferred Securities and Dividends on Class A Voting, Class B Non-Voting and Series E Preferred Shares
    (19,857 )     (8,250 )     (36,357 )     (24,750 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (447,288 )     (16,507 )     84,494       1,052,673  
Investing activities:
                               
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (244,722 )     (303,740 )     (655,984 )     (872,058 )
 
Proceeds on sale of investments
    15,696             15,696       2,769  
 
Acquisitions of subsidiary companies, net of cash acquired
                      (103,425 )
 
Other investments
    (20,700 )     (25,956 )     (54,305 )     (62,964 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (249,726 )     (329,696 )     (694,593 )     (1,035,678 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (329,138 )     (127,078 )     (5,611 )     529,563  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    350,411       673,842       26,884       17,201  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 21,273     $ 546,764     $ 21,273     $ 546,764  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Supplemental cash flow information:
                               
 
Interest paid
  $ 80,863     $ 64,038     $ 316,660     $ 276,472  
 
Income taxes paid
    19,921       3,073       27,692       12,290  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
                               
 
Accretion on Preferred Securities
  $     $ 20,173     $     $ 37,246  
 
Accretion on Collateralized Securities
          19,745             19,745  
 
Class B Non-Voting shares issued on conversion of Series B and E Convertible Preferred shares
                12       1,800  
 
Class B Non-Voting shares issued in consideration for acquisition of shares of Cogeco Cable Inc.
                35,181        
 
Class B Non-Voting shares issued in consideration for Class B Restricted Voting shares of Rogers Wireless Communications Inc.
                      104,766  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 

Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash and short-term deposits, which have an original maturity of less than 90 days, less bank advances.

- 17 -


 

Rogers Communications Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets

                   
      September 30,   December 31,
(In thousands of dollars)   2003   2002

 
 
Assets
               
Property, plant and equipment
  $ 4,975,265     $ 5,051,998  
Goodwill
    1,889,992       1,892,060  
Other intangible assets
    421,074       423,674  
Investments (Note 2)
    271,277       223,937  
Cash and cash equivalents
    21,273       26,884  
Accounts receivable
    528,824       512,127  
Deferred charges
    153,786       184,840  
Other assets
    219,612       208,983  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 8,481,103     $ 8,524,503  
 
   
     
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
 
Long-term debt (Note 3)
  $ 5,356,314     $ 5,687,471  
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    1,061,659       1,140,578  
 
Unearned revenue
    108,325       110,320  
 
Deferred gain
    19,880       21,847  
 
Future income taxes
    27,716       27,716  
 
   
     
 
 
    6,573,894       6,987,932  
Non-controlling interest
    192,747       132,536  
Shareholders’ equity (Note 4)
    1,714,462       1,404,035  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 8,481,103     $ 8,524,503  
 
   
     
 

Rogers Communications Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Deficit

                 
    Nine Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
(In thousands of dollars)   2003   2002

 
 
Deficit, beginning of period
  $ (415,589 )   $ (660,022 )
Net income (loss) for the period
    60,354       (386,121 )
Dividends on Class A Voting Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares
    (11,602 )      
Dividends on Series E Preferred Shares
    (6 )      
Distribution on Convertible Preferred Securities
    (21,546 )     (15,197 )
Accretion on Collateralized Equity Securities
          (19,745 )
Accretion on Preferred Securities
          (26,511 )
 
   
     
 
Deficit, end of period
  $ (388,389 )   $ (1,107,596 )
 
   
     
 

- 18 -


 

Rogers Communications Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 and 2002

These interim unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements do not include all of the disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and should be read in conjunction with the annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements including the Notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2002.

1.   Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

The interim unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Rogers Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “Rogers” or “the Company”). The Notes presented in these interim Consolidated Financial Statements include only significant changes and transactions occurring since the Company’s last year-end and are not fully inclusive of all matters normally disclosed in the Company’s annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements.

These interim Consolidated Financial Statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as the most recent annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

2.   Investments, at Book Value

                                 
                    September 30,   December 31,
(In thousands of dollars)           2003   2002

  Quoted  
 
            Market   Book   Book
Description   Value   Value   Value

 
 
 
Investments accounted for by the equity method
                       
Blue Jays Holdco
                  $ 136,906     $ 122,844  
Other
                    5,926       7,079  
 
                   
     
 
 
                    142,832       129,923  
Investments accounted for by the cost method, net of writedowns
                       
Publicly traded companies:
                               
Cogeco Cable Inc.
  7,253,800  Subordinate Voting   $ 130,568       75,758       40,454  
 
             Common shares                        
 
                 (2002 - 4,253,800)                        
Cogeco Inc.
  2,724,800  Subordinate Voting     45,995       28,610       28,610  
 
              Common shares                        
Other publicly traded companies
            30,839       7,507       10,323  
 
           
     
     
 
 
            207,402       111,875       79,387  
Private companies
                    16,570       14,627  
 
                   
     
 
 
                  $ 271,277     $ 223,937  
 
                   
     
 

- 19 -


 

(i)   Blue Jays Holdco
 
    The increase in the carrying value of Blue Jays Holdco from December 31, 2002, of $14.1 million reflects the equity loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, of $39.6 million (2002 - $69.7 million), offset by cash advances in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, of $53.7 million (2002 - $54.2 million).
 
    In conjunction with the arrangement established in 2001, Blue Jays Holdco pays a dividend at a rate of 9.167% per annum on the Class A Preferred Shares that Rogers Telecommunications Ltd. (“RTL”) holds of Blue Jays Holdco. During 2003, Blue Jays Holdco satisfied the dividend by transferring income tax loss carryforwards to RTL of approximately $24.0 million (2002 - $27.0 million) with an agreed upon value of $2.4 million (2002 - $2.7 million).
 
(ii)   Investment in Cogeco Cable Inc.
 
    In March 2003, the Company entered into agreements to purchase 3.0 million Subordinate Voting shares of Cogeco Cable Inc. (“Cogeco”) in exchange for 2.7 million Class B Non-Voting shares of the Company from a group of investors unaffiliated with Cogeco. This transaction and number of shares exchanged was based on the closing market value of Cogeco on the date of the transaction of $11.727 per share (Note 4(i)) and had the effect of increasing the Company’s investment in Cogeco by $35.5 million, representing an approximate 18.19 percent equity ownership.

- 20 -


 

3.   Long-Term Debt

                                         
                    Interest   September 30,   December 31,
(In thousands of dollars)   Rate   2003   2002

 
 
 
(A) Corporate:
                                       
 
  (i)   Convertible Debentures, due 2005     5-3/4 %   $ 280,859     $ 320,007  
 
  (ii)   Senior Notes, due 2006     9-1/8 %           86,314  
 
  (iii)   Senior Notes, due 2006     10-1/2 %     75,000       75,000  
 
  (iv)   Senior Notes, due 2007     8-7/8 %           324,382  
 
  (v)   Senior Notes, due 2007     8-3/4 %           165,000  
(B) Cable:
                                       
 
  (i)   Bank credit facilities   Floating           37,000  
 
  (ii)   Senior Secured Second Priority Notes, due 2005     10 %     410,933       412,789  
 
  (iii)   Senior Secured Second Priority Notes, due 2007     7.600 %     450,000       450,000  
 
  (iv)   Senior Secured Second Priority Debentures, due 2007     10 %           118,167  
 
  (v)   Senior Secured Second Priority Notes, due 2012     7.875 %     547,430       547,430  
 
  (vi)   Senior Secured Second Priority Debentures, due 2014     9.65 %     300,000       300,000  
 
  (vii)   Senior Secured Second Priority Notes, due 2013     6.25 %     471,608        
 
  (viii)   Senior Second Priority Debentures, due 2032     8.75 %     312,700       312,700  
 
  (ix)   Senior Subordinated Debentures, due 2015     11 %     156,812       171,406  
(C) Wireless:
                                       
 
  (i)   Bank credit facilities   Floating     100,000       149,000  
 
  (ii)   Senior Secured Notes, due 2006     10-1/2 %     160,000       160,000  
 
  (iii)   Senior Secured Notes, due 2007     8.30 %     264,827       309,775  
 
  (iv)   Senior Secured Debentures, due 2008     9-3/8 %     433,121       433,121  
 
  (v)   Senior Secured Notes, due 2011     9-5/8 %     764,143       764,143  
 
  (vi)   Senior Secured Debentures, due 2016     9-3/4 %     208,656       229,987  
 
  (vii)   Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2007     8.80 %     241,830       282,875  
(D) Media:
                                       
 
          Bank credit facility   Floating     144,000        
Obligations under mortgages, capital leases and other
  Various     34,395       38,375  
 
       
     
 
 
        $5,356,314
      $5,687,471
 

- 21 -


 

Issued:

In June 2003, Cable issued US$350 million 6.25% Senior (Secured) Second Priority Notes due 2013.

Redeemed:

In April 2003, RCI redeemed US$54.643 million 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2006 at a redemption price of 101.521% of the aggregate principal amount.

In June 2003, Cable redeemed US$74.808 million aggregate principal amount of its 10% Senior Secured Second Priority Debentures due 2007 at a redemption price of 105.00% of the aggregate principal amount.

On July 17, 2003, RCI redeemed US$205.357 million 8 7/8% Senior Notes due in 2007 at a redemption price of 102.958% of the aggregate principal amount.

On August 6, 2003, RCI redeemed $165.0 million 8 3/4% Senior Notes due in 2007 at a redemption price of 102.917% of the aggregate principal amount.

As a result of the redemptions described above, the Company recorded a loss on the repayment of debt of $24.8 million, consisting of a prepayment premium of $19.3 million and the write-off of deferred financing costs of $5.5 million.

4.     Shareholders’ Equity

                           
              September 30,   December 31,
(In thousands of dollars)   2003   2002

 
 
Capital stock issued, at stated value:
                       
Preferred shares:
                       
 
Held by subsidiary companies:
                       
 
  60,000   Series XXVII   $ 60,000     $ 60,000  
 
  818,300   Series XXX     10,000       10,000  
 
  300,000   Series XXXI     300,000       300,000  
 
           
     
 
 
            370,000       370,000  
 
Held by members of the Company’s share purchase plans:
                       
 
  117,402   Series E Convertible shares (2002-135,836)     2,012       2,327  
Common shares:
                       
 
  56,235,394   Class A Voting shares     72,313       72,320  
 
           (2002 - 56,240,494)                
 
  176,239,783   Class B Non-Voting shares                
 
           (2002 - 158,784,358)     286,350       257,989  
 
           
     
 
 
            730,675       702,636  
Deduct:
                       
 
Amounts receivable from employees under certain share purchase plans
            2,330       6,274  
 
Preferred shares of the Company held by subsidiary companies
            370,000       370,000  
 
           
     
 
Total capital stock
            358,345       326,362  
Convertible Preferred Securities
            576,000       576,000  
Contributed surplus
            1,168,506       917,262  
Deficit
            (388,389 )     (415,589 )
 
           
     
 
Shareholders’ Equity
          $ 1,714,462     $ 1,404,035  
 
           
     
 

- 22 -


 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company completed the following capital stock transactions:

  (i)   2,700,000 Class B Non-Voting shares with a value of $35.2 million were issued as consideration for the acquisition of 3,000,000 Subordinated Voting shares of Cogeco Cable Inc. (Note 2(ii));
 
  (ii)   On February 7, 2003, as per the conditions of the 2001 acquisition of Cable Atlantic Inc., the Company issued 1,329,007 Class B Non-Voting shares to the vendors. The vendors have disputed the Company’s calculation of the requisite number of shares to be issued. On January 24, 2003, the Company commenced an application to the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario for a declaration that the number of shares issued by the Company satisfies the Company’s obligations to the vendors. On August 12, 2003, the vendors’ assert in their statement of defence and counterclaim, amongst other things a claim for damages of up to $40 million. On September 19, 2003, the Company filed a reply and defence to the vendors’ counterclaim with the court disputing the claim;
 
  (iii)   15,221 Series E Convertible Preferred shares with a value of $0.3 million were converted to 15,221 Class B Non-Voting shares and 3,213 Series E Convertible Preferred shares were cancelled;
 
  (iv)   683,450 Class B Non-Voting shares were issued to employees upon the exercise of stock options for cash of $5.5 million;
 
  (v)   On June 12, 2003, 12,722,647 Class B Non-Voting shares were issued to a syndicate of Canadian underwriters for net cash proceeds of approximately $239.0 million, and
 
  (vi)   5,100 Class A Voting shares were converted to 5,100 Class B Non-Voting shares.

As a result of the above transactions, $251.2 million of the issued amounts related to Class B Non-Voting shares was recorded in contributed surplus.

5.     Calculation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share

                                         
            Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)   2003   2002   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
Numerator:
                               
 
Net income (loss) for the period
  $ (17,442 )   $ (99,763 )   $ 60,354     $ (386,121 )
 
Distribution on Convertible Preferred Securities
    (8,250 )     (5,066 )     (21,546 )     (15,197 )
 
Dividends accreted on Convertible Preferred Securities
    (5,035 )     (4,820 )     (14,943 )     (14,304 )
 
Accretions on Preferred Securities
          (15,631 )           (26,511 )
 
Accretions on Collateralized Equity Securities
          (19,745 )           (19,745 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
       
 
  $ (30,727 )   $ (145,025 )   $ 23,865     $ (461,878 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
Denominator:
                               
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                               
   
Basic
    232,221       214,603       223,608       213,186  
   
Series E Convertible Shares
                120        
   
Employee stock options
                3,606        
   
Cable Atlantic (Note 4 (ii))
                281        
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding:
    232,221       214,603       227,615       213,186  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share
                               
   
Basic
    ($0.13 )     ($0.68 )   $ 0.11       ($2.17 )
   
Diluted
    ($0.13 )     ($0.68 )   $ 0.10       ($2.17 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 

- 23 -


 

6.     Segmented Information

                                           
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2003                           Corporate items   Consolidated
(in thousands of dollars)   Cable   Wireless   Media   and eliminations   Totals

 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
  $ 441,128     $ 599,792     $ 194,691     $ (17,329 )   $ 1,218,282  
Operating, general and administrative expenses
    273,543       377,497       173,703       (6,567 )     818,176  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss) before the undernoted:
    167,585       222,295       20,988       (10,762 )     400,106  
Management fees
    8,823       2,834       2,459       (14,116 )      
Depreciation and amortization
    122,938       129,069       8,924       735       261,666  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income
    35,824       90,392       9,605       2,619       138,440  
Interest:
                                       
 
Long-term debt
    (61,823 )     (49,339 )     (2,036 )     (8,746 )     (121,944 )
 
Intercompany
    (7 )           (11,224 )     11,231        
Intercompany Dividends
    1,504             10,925       (12,429 )      
Gain on sale of investments
          305       1,107       11,480       12,892  
Income (loss) from investments accounted for by the equity method
                459       (11,949 )     (11,490 )
Loss on repayment of long-term debt
                      (17,242 )     (17,242 )
Foreign exchange gain
    1,507       2,008       85       1,778       5,378  
Investment and other income (loss)
    (270 )     546       (626 )     (1,233 )     (1,583 )
Income tax expense
    (1,735 )     (1,171 )     (119 )     (14 )     (3,039 )
Non-controlling interest
                      (18,854 )     (18,854 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net Income (loss) for the period
  $ (25,000 )   $ 42,741     $ 8,176     $ (43,359 )   $ (17,442 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Plant, property and equipment expenditures
  $ 122,081     $ 116,379     $ 6,069     $ 193     $ 244,722  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

                                           
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2002                           Corporate items   Consolidated
(in thousands of dollars)   Cable   Wireless   Media   and eliminations   Totals

 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
  $ 404,420     $ 520,233     $ 187,394     $ (12,942 )   $ 1,099,105  
Operating, general and administrative expenses
    264,649       359,327       168,590       (4,225 )     788,341  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss) before the undernoted:
    139,771       160,906       18,804       (8,717 )     310,764  
Management fees
    8,040       2,752       2,610       (13,402 )      
Depreciation and amortization
    119,265       116,646       6,986       3,637       246,534  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income
    12,466       41,508       9,208       1,048       64,230  
Interest:
                                       
 
Long-term debt
    (58,512 )     (50,105 )     (4,555 )     (19,935 )     (133,107 )
 
Intercompany
                (14,949 )     14,949        
Intercompany Dividends
    1,438             17,799       (19,237 )      
Writedown of investments
                      (2,600 )     (2,600 )
Loss on repayment of long-term debt
    (792 )     22,759             1       21,968  
Income (loss) from investments accounted for by the equity method
                144       (5,306 )     (5,162 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
    (3,663 )     (27,182 )     (180 )     (32,451 )     (63,476 )
Investment and other income (loss)
    (1,931 )     4       175       2,331       579  
Income tax reduction (expense)
    16,575       (1,127 )     3,244       (7,128 )     11,564  
Non-controlling interest
                      6,241       6,241  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net Income (loss) for the period
  $ (34,419 )   $ (14,143 )   $ 10,886     $ (62,087 )   $ (99,763 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Plant, property and equipment expenditures
  $ 163,460     $ 126,016     $ 12,708     $ 1,556     $ 303,740  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

- 24 -


 

6.   Segmented Information (cont’d)

                                           
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003                           Corporate items   Consolidated
(In thousands of dollars)   Cable   Wireless   Media   and eliminations   total

 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
  $ 1,298,573     $ 1,657,519     $ 611,123     $ (42,132 )   $ 3,525,083  
Operating, general and administrative expenses
    811,822       1,096,868       547,017       (10,210 )     2,445,497  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss) before the undernoted:
    486,751       560,651       64,106       (31,922 )     1,079,586  
Management fees
    25,972       8,502       8,173       (42,647 )      
Depreciation and amortization
    363,448       373,425       26,846       2,694       766,413  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income
    97,331       178,724       29,087       8,031       313,173  
Interest:
                                       
 
Long-term debt
    (177,754 )     (146,948 )     (5,453 )     (43,346 )     (373,501 )
 
Intercompany
    (2,858 )           (35,729 )     38,587        
Intercompany dividends
    4,488             32,433       (36,921 )      
Gain on sale of investments
          305       1,107       11,480       12,892  
Loss on repayment of long-term debt
    (5,945 )                 (18,894 )     (24,839 )
Loss from investments accounted for by the equity method
                1,059       (38,110 )     (37,051 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
    34,843       107,780       (323 )     99,764       242,064  
Investment and other income (loss)
    97       556       (297 )     1,014       1,370  
Income tax expense
    (5,820 )     (3,927 )     (549 )     (3,248 )     (13,544 )
Non-controlling interest
                      (60,210 )     (60,210 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss) for the period
  $ (55,618 )   $ 136,490     $ 21,335     $ (41,853 )   $ 60,354  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Plant, property and equipment expenditures
  $ 335,125     $ 292,865     $ 27,583     $ 411     $ 655,984  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Goodwill
  $ 926,445     $ 7,058     $ 580,230     $ 376,259     $ 1,889,992  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Identifiable assets
  $ 3,759,286     $ 3,140,001     $ 1,454,614     $ 127,202     $ 8,481,103  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
                                           
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002                           Corporate items   Consolidated
(In thousands of dollars)   Cable   Wireless   Media   and eliminations   total

 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
  $ 1,173,953     $ 1,440,275     $ 577,781     $ (35,960 )   $ 3,156,049  
Operating, general and administrative expenses
    766,801       1,035,737       524,614       (9,257 )     2,317,895  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss) before the undernoted:
    407,152       404,538       53,167       (26,703 )     838,154  
Management fees
    23,356       8,255       7,694       (39,305 )      
Change in estimates of sales tax and CRTC contribution liabilities
          (12,331 )                 (12,331 )
Depreciation and amortization
    358,916       336,976       22,841       10,889       729,622  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income
    24,880       71,638       22,632       1,713       120,863  
Interest:
                                       
 
Long-term debt
    (148,914 )     (145,503 )     (10,674 )     (54,686 )     (359,777 )
 
Intercompany
    (3,409 )           (44,327 )     47,736        
Intercompany dividends
    3,997             52,643       (56,640 )      
Gain on sale of investments
                      2,062       2,062  
Writedown of investments
    (9,500 )                 (212,629 )     (222,129 )
Loss on repayment of long-term debt
    (20,880 )     22,759             1       1,880  
Loss from investments accounted for by the equity method
                (830 )     (66,464 )     (67,294 )
Foreign exchange gain
    (1,862 )     3,315       (24 )     (2,298 )     (869 )
Investment and other income (loss)
    (2,960 )     82       300       11,073       8,495  
Income tax reduction (expense)
    129,248       (4,129 )     2,125       (20,682 )     106,562  
Non-controlling interest
                      24,086       24,086  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Loss for the period
  $ (29,400 )   $ (51,838 )   $ 21,845     $ (326,728 )   $ (386,121 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Plant, property and equipment expenditures
  $ 465,414     $ 376,247     $ 27,928     $ 2,469     $ 872,058  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Goodwill
  $ 926,445     $ 7,058     $ 579,136     $ 759,565     $ 2,272,204  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Identifiable assets
  $ 3,755,352     $ 3,059,756     $ 1,684,394     $ 977,770     $ 9,477,272  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

- 25 -


 

7.   Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
 
    The change in non-cash working capital items is comprised of the following:

                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands of dollars)   2003   2002   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable
  $ (46,740 )   $ (13,119 )   $ (16,817 )   $ 50,855  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    128,236     $ 96,809       (81,067 )     38,890  
Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue and other assets
    8,778     $ (37,909 )     (7,881 )     (50,932 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 90,274     $ 45,781     $ (105,765 )   $ 38,813  
 
   
     
     
     
 

8.   Related Party Transactions
 
(i)   The Company has entered into certain transactions in the normal course of business with AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (“AWE”), a shareholder of a subsidiary company, and with certain broadcasters in which the Company has an equity interest as follows:

                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands of dollars)   2003   2002   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
Roaming revenue billed to AWE
  $ (4,409 )   $ (4,806 )   $ (10,098 )   $ (10,634 )
Roaming expense paid to AWE
    3,081       4,081       10,868       13,985  
Fees paid to AWE for over-air activation
    61       156       234       527  
Access fees paid to broadcasters accounted for by the equity method
    10,343       7,913       25,157       15,953  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 9,076     $ 7,344     $ 26,161     $ 19,831  
 
   
     
     
     
 

(ii)   In addition to the transactions described above, the Company conducts certain transactions in the normal course of business with organizations, the partners or senior officers of which are directors of the Company and/or its subsidiary companies. Amounts paid by the Company to such organizations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, excluding the amounts disclosed above, for telecommunications services and broadcast access fees totalled approximately $43.4 million (2002 - $49.6 million). In addition, the Company also paid amounts to such organizations during the nine-month period for legal services, commissions on premiums for insurance coverage, and other advisory and financing fees of approximately $7.1 million (2002 - $5.2 million).

- 26 -


 

9.   Stock-Based Compensation
 
    For stock options granted to employees, had the Company determined compensation costs based on the “fair values” at grant dates of the stock options granted by RCI and Wireless consistent with the method prescribed under CICA Handbook Section 3870, the Company’s loss per share would have been reported as the pro forma amounts indicated below:

                                   
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)   2003   2002   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
(Based on all issued and outstanding options)
                               
Net income (loss) for the period, as reported
  $ (17,442 )   $ (99,763 )   $ 60,354     $ (386,121 )
 
Stock-based compensation expense - RCI
    (8,970 )     (6,815 )     (25,400 )     (18,577 )
 
Stock-based compensation expense - RWCI
    (3,081 )     (3,484 )     (8,917 )     (9,646 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Pro forma net income (loss) for the period
  $ (29,493 )   $ (110,062 )   $ 26,037     $ (414,344 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Earnings (loss) per share, as reported - basic
  $ (0.13 )   $ (0.68 )   $ 0.11     $ (2.17 )
Effect of stock-based compensation
    (0.05 )     (0.04 )     (0.16 )     (0.13 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Pro forma earnings (loss) per share- basic
  $ (0.18 )   $ (0.72 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (2.30 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Earnings (loss) per share, as reported - diluted
  ($ 0.13 )   ($ 0.68 )   $ 0.10     ($ 2.17 )
Effect of stock-based compensation
    (0.05 )     (0.04 )     (0.15 )     (0.13 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Pro forma earnings (loss) per share- basic and diluted
  $ (0.18 )   $ (0.72 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (2.30 )
 
   
     
     
     
 

    Under the transitional rules, CICA Handbook Section 3870 allows companies to include only options issued subsequent to December 31, 2001, in the pro forma calculation of net income (loss) for the year. Based on stock options issued subsequent to December 31, 2001, stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, would have been $4.1 million (2002 - $0.5 million) and pro forma net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 would have been $56.3 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted Earnings per Share (2002 – loss of $386.6 million or $2.17 per share).
 
    The weighted average estimated fair value at the date of the grant for the RCI options granted for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, was $10.64 per share (2002 - $10.59). No options were granted in the three-month periods ending September 30, 2003 and 2002. The weighted average fair value, at the date of the grant for the Wireless options granted for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $10.59 per share (2002 - $9.02). The “fair value” of each option granted was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

                   
      Nine Months Ended September 30,
      2003   2002
     
 
Risk-free interest rate - RCI’s options
    4.41 %     4.80 %
Risk-free interest rate - RWCI’s options
    4.66 %     5.02 %
Dividend yield
           
Volatility factor of the future expected market price of RWCI’s
               
 
Class B Restricted Voting shares
    56.14 %     50.03 %
Volatility factor of the future expected market price of RCI’s
               
 
Class B Non-Voting shares
    49.88 %     48.83 %
Weighted average expected life RWCI’s options
     5 years   5 years
Weighted average expected life of RCI’s options
  6.6 years   5 years

    For the purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated “fair value” of the options is amortized to expense over the options vesting period on a pro-rated straight-line basis.

- 27 -


 

10.   Guarantees
 
    The Company has made certain warranties and indemnities to the purchasers with respect to the sale of shares of Bowdens Media Monitoring Limited and Rogers American Cablesystems Inc. (Cable Alaska). These warranties and indemnifications expire in 2005 and are limited in both cases to the total purchase price paid being $40.3 million and $29.4 million, respectively. To date, there have been no claims under the warranties and indemnities and the Company does not anticipate that any will occur.

- 28 -


 

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information
 
    This news release includes certain forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions that actual future performance will be affected by a number of factors, including technological change, regulatory change and competitive factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Therefore, future events and results may vary substantially from what the Company currently foresees. The Company is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Important additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis portion of the Company’s most recent Annual Report, filed with the Ontario Securities Commission.
 
    Throughout this document, percentage changes are calculated using numbers rounded to the decimal to which they appear. All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
 
    About the Company
 
    Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B; NYSE: RG) is Canada’s national communications company, which is engaged in cable television, broadband Internet access and video retailing through Rogers Cable Inc.; digital PCS, cellular, wireless data communications and paging through Rogers Wireless Communications Inc.; and radio, television broadcasting, televised shopping and publishing businesses through Rogers Media Inc.
 
    For further information (investors and analysts)
 
    Bruce M. Mann, 416.935.3532, bmann2@rci.rogers.com

Eric A. Wright, 416.935.3550, ewright@rci.rogers.com
 
    For further information (media)
 
    Jan L. Innes, 416.935.3525, jinnes@rci.rogers.com
 
    Quarterly Investment Community Conference Call
 
    As previously announced, a live Webcast of the quarterly results conference call with the investment community will be broadcast via the Internet at www.rogers.com/webcast beginning at 10:00 a.m. ETN on October 17, 2003. A re-broadcast of this call will be available on the Webcast Archive page of the Investor Relations section of www.rogers.com for a period of at least two weeks following the call.

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