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Shaw Announces Third Quarter and Year-To-Date Fiscal 2019 Results

  • Consolidated operating income before restructuring costs and amortization1 improved 3.8% year-over-year, excluding certain one-time adjustments
  • Strong Wireless results with approximately 62,000 total net additions and record low postpaid churn as the Company deploys spectrum and network into new markets
  • Acquired 600 MHz spectrum for a total price of $492 million, or $0.78 per MHz-Pop, including 30 MHz across each of British Columbia, Alberta and Southern Ontario as well as 20 MHz in Eastern Ontario, that will be used to improve existing LTE service and lay the foundation for 5G
  • Completed the sale of 80.6 million Class B non-voting participating shares of Corus Entertainment Inc. for net proceeds of approximately $526 million

CALGARY, Alberta, June 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Shaw Communications Inc. (“Shaw” or the “Company”) announces consolidated financial and operating results for the quarter ended May 31, 2019, reported in accordance with the newly adopted IFRS 15 accounting standard, Revenue from contracts with customers (IFRS 15).  Consolidated revenue increased by 2.7% to $1.32 billion compared to the third quarter in fiscal 2018 and operating income before restructuring costs and amortization decreased 1.5% year-over-year to $530 million. Excluding adjustments related to a $13 million retroactive roaming benefit in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 and a $15 million payment to address certain intellectual property (IP) licensing matters in the third quarter of fiscal 2019, consolidated operating income before restructuring costs and amortization increased 3.8% to $545 million in the quarter.

“Freedom Mobile maintained its strong momentum in the quarter, growing wireless subscribers and operating margin. We are reaching more Canadians with our affordable data-centric plans, expanded retail and consumer friendly practices, all of which are changing the competitive landscape. The deployment of low band spectrum is significantly enhancing the customer experience and consistently reducing churn. With our successful acquisition of 600 MHz spectrum across our entire wireless operating footprint, we can continue to improve our network experience and provide affordable options for our customers,” said Brad Shaw, Chief Executive Officer.

Wireless results for the third quarter include postpaid net subscriber additions of approximately 61,000, and prepaid net additions of approximately 800. In April, the Company launched new prepaid service plans that are better aligned with current market offers to attract new subscribers and grow this customer segment. Third quarter prepaid subscriber results demonstrate the significant improvement from prepaid losses in both the prior year and prior quarter. The Company continues to focus on improving its customer experience through the deployment of 700 MHz spectrum, resulting in an 18-basis point reduction year-over-year in postpaid customer churn to a record low 1.18%.

Third quarter Wireline performance reflects improved Consumer Internet subscriber growth of approximately 6,600 RGUs, offset by continued Video and Phone RGU losses, resulting in stable year-over-year Consumer revenue. The Business division delivered consistent top-line growth with revenue increasing 6.4% in the quarter as the penetration of the SmartSuite of services continues to grow.

On April 4th, the Company unveiled Shaw BlueCurve, a technology that provides customers greater control over their home Wi-Fi experience through the BlueCurve Home app and Pods. The launch of Shaw BlueCurve technology is aligned with the Company’s strategic initiative regarding a more agile, innovative, and customer-centric approach to modernizing all aspects of its operations, including a more efficient delivery of products and services. Building on the BlueCurve gateway modem, the Company launched IPTV in Calgary in May and will continue to make this service available to additional markets over the coming months.

During the quarter, we entered into a multi-year IP agreement with a large IP licensing company. With this agreement, we will gain broader access to next-generation video IP offerings across all our platforms. In conjunction with this agreement, we paid approximately $15 million to address certain licensing matters. Excluding the $15 million payment, Wireline operating income before restructuring costs and amortization increased 1.0% compared to the third quarter fiscal 2018 results.

“Our Wireline division is delivering solid and consistent financial and subscriber performance in fiscal 2019. We continue to improve Consumer broadband net additions through increased speeds and innovative new products. The launch of Shaw BlueCurve is the latest way in which we are delivering more value to our customers with speed, coverage and control. Our BlueCurve platform is the foundation on which we will continue to introduce more innovations and drive broadband growth,” said Mr. Shaw.

Selected Financial Highlights

Fiscal 2019 and restated fiscal 2018 results are reported in accordance with IFRS 15. Supplementary information is provided in the accompanying Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”), under the heading “Accounting Standards,” which discusses our previous revenue recognition policies and the changes on adoption of the new standard.

        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars except per share amounts)2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change % 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change %
Revenue 1,324   1,289  2.7   3,995   3,863  3.4
Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization(2) 530   538  (1.5)  1,624   1,501  8.2
Operating margin(2)40.0%41.7%(4.1) 40.7%38.9%4.6
Free cash flow(2) 176   167  5.4   500   355  40.8
Net income (loss) from continuing operations 229   (99)>100.0  571   (157)>100.0
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax –  –  –   –  (6)100.0
Net income (loss) 229   (99)>100.0  571   (163)>100.0
Basic earnings (loss) per share 0.44   (0.20)   1.10   (0.34) 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share 0.44   (0.20)   1.10   (0.34) 

(1)          Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15 and also reflect a change in accounting policy related to the treatment of digital cable terminals (“DCTs”) to record them as property, plant and equipment rather than inventory upon acquisition. See “Accounting Standards” in the accompanying MD&A.
(2)          See definitions and discussion under “Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures” in the accompanying MD&A.

In the quarter, the Company added approximately 62,000 net Wireless RGUs, consisting of 61,300 postpaid and 800 prepaid additions. The continued increase in the postpaid subscriber base reflects customer demand for the Big Gig data-centric pricing and packaging options. The increase in the prepaid customer base reflects the new plans that were launched in the market in early April.

Wireless service revenue for the three-month period increased by 22% to $178 million over the comparable period in fiscal 2018 due to the growing penetration of Big Gig data plans. Wireless equipment revenue decreased by 9% to $73 million as a higher proportion of customers elected the Bring Your Own Device (“BYOD”) option compared to the prior period. Third quarter ABPU grew approximately 6.2% year-over-year to $42.30 reflecting the increased number of customers that are subscribing to higher service plans and have purchased a device through Freedom Mobile. Wireless ARPU grew 2.2% to $38.36 reflecting the promotions in the market and increase in prepaid customers.

Wireless operating income before restructuring costs and amortization of $55 million improved 3.8% year-over-year. Excluding the $13 million benefit from retroactive roaming rates recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, operating income before restructuring costs and amortization grew 38% due primarily to increased service revenue and improved efficiencies from additional scale.

Wireline RGUs declined by approximately 35,100 in the quarter compared to a loss of approximately 14,400 in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The current quarter includes growth in Consumer Internet RGUs of approximately 6,600 whereas the mature products within the Consumer division, including Video, Satellite and Phone declined in the aggregate by 42,600 RGUs. The Company remains focused on growing broadband subscribers, primarily through two-year ValuePlans, and on attracting and retaining high quality video subscribers which supports its consumer profitability objectives.

Third quarter Wireline revenue and operating income before restructuring costs and amortization of $1,075 million and $475 million increased by 1.0% and decreased 2.1% year-over-year, respectively. Excluding the $15 million licensing payment, Wireline operating income before restructuring costs and amortization increased 1.0% to approximately $490 million. Consumer revenue remained flat at $925 million compared to the prior year as contributions from rate adjustments and growth in Internet revenue were offset by declines in Video, Satellite and Phone subscribers and revenue. Business revenue increased 6.4% year-over-year to $150 million, reflecting continued demand for the SmartSuite of business products.

Capital expenditures in the third quarter of $280 million compared to $308 million a year ago. Wireline capital spending decreased by approximately $47 million primarily due to lower network investments and success-based customer premise equipment. Wireless spending increased by approximately $19 million year-over-year due to continued deployment of 700 MHz spectrum and expansion of the wireless network into new markets.

Free cash flow for the quarter of $176 million compared to $167 million in the prior year. The increase was largely due to lower capital expenditures and lower cash taxes, offset in part by lower operating income before restructuring costs and amortization and lower dividends received from equity accounted associates.

Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 of $229 million compared to a net loss of $99 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The increase of $328 million was primarily due to a lower loss associated with the investment in Corus, a deferred tax benefit associated with the future reduction in Alberta’s corporate tax rate announced in May 2019, and gains on the dispositions of certain real estate holdings and minor investments in fiscal 2019.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, approximately 350 employees exited the Company, bringing the total number of employees who departed under the Voluntary Departure Program (“VDP”) to approximately 2,060 since the program commenced in March 2018. On a year-to-date basis, the Company has achieved operating cost savings of approximately $73 million and capital cost savings of approximately $25 million. See also “Introduction,” “Other Income and Expense Items,” and “Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements,” in the accompanying MD&A for a discussion of the Total Business Transformation (“TBT”), the VDP and the risks and assumptions associated therewith.

The Company is refining its fiscal 2019 guidance which excludes the $15 million payment to address certain IP licensing matters. It expects consolidated operating income before restructuring costs and amortization growth of approximately 6% over fiscal 2018; capital investments of approximately $1.2 billion; and free cash flow of approximately $550 million. The Company’s guidance includes assumptions related to cost savings that will be achieved through the TBT initiative (specifically the VDP savings) that have also been refined and are expected to amount to a combined $135 million in fiscal 2019 which is materially in line with the $140 million original estimate. The savings during the fiscal year are now expected to be approximately $95 million attributed to operating expenses and approximately $40 million attributed to capital expenditures, which represents a minor shift from original guidance. See also “Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements” in the accompanying MD&A.

Mr. Shaw concluded, “We continue to deliver results that are consistent with our overall plan for fiscal 2019. Through our unwavering focus on execution, we are growing our wireless and broadband customers, managing through the VDP exits and making the appropriate investments to capitalize on future growth. During the quarter, we also completed two significant transactions that are aligned with our strategic focus, including the purchase of 600 MHz spectrum and the sale of our Corus investment. Considering both of the transactions, our balance sheet continues to be strong with leverage at the low end of our target range.”

Shaw Communications Inc. is a leading Canadian connectivity company. The Wireline division consists of Consumer and Business services. Consumer serves residential customers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, video and digital phone. Business provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, digital phone and video services. The Wireless division provides wireless voice and LTE data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure.  

Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE – SJR, and TSXV – SJR.A). For more information, please visit www.shaw.ca

The accompanying MD&A forms part of this news release and the “Caution concerning forward-looking statements” applies to all the forward-looking statements made in this news release. 

For more information, please contact:
Shaw Investor Relations
Investor.relations@sjrb.ca

  1. See definitions and discussion under “Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures” in the accompanying MD&A.
  2. See definitions and discussion of ABPU, ARPU, RGUs and Wireless Postpaid Churn under “Key Performance Drivers” in the accompanying MD&A.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019

June 27, 2019

 Contents

Introduction8
Selected financial and operational highlights11
Overview14
Outlook16
Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures16
Discussion of operations20
Supplementary quarterly financial information23
Other income and expense items24
Financial position26
Liquidity and capital resources27
Accounting standards30
Related party transactions39
Financial instruments39
Internal controls and procedures39
Risks and uncertainties40
Government Regulations and Regulatory40

 Advisories

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Shaw Communications Inc. is dated June 27, 2019 and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the quarter ended May 31, 2019 and the 2018 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, the Notes thereto and related MD&A included in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report. The financial information presented herein has been prepared on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) for interim financial statements and is expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. References to “Shaw,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” mean Shaw Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries and consolidated entities, unless the context otherwise requires.

Caution concerning forward-looking statements

Statements included in this MD&A that are not historic constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements can generally be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “target,” “goal” and similar expressions (although not all forward-looking statements contain such words). Forward looking statements in this MD&A include, but are not limited to statements related to:

  • future capital expenditures;
  • proposed asset acquisitions and dispositions;
  • expected cost efficiencies;
  • financial guidance and expectations for future performance;
  • business and technology strategies and measures to implement strategies;
  • competitive strengths;
  • expected project schedules, regulatory timelines, completion/in-service dates for the Company’s capital and other projects;
  • the expected number of retail outlets;
  • the expected impact of new accounting standards, recently adopted or expected to be adopted in the future;
  • the expected impact of government regulations or regulatory developments on the Company’s business, operations, and/or financial performance;
  • timing of new product and service launches;
  • the deployment of: (i) network infrastructure to improve capacity and coverage and (ii) new technologies, including but not limited to next generation wireless and wireline technologies such as 5G and IPTV, respectively;
  • the expected growth in the Company’s market share;
  • the expected growth in subscribers and the products/services to which they subscribe;
  • the cost of acquiring and retaining subscribers and deployment of new services;
  • the total restructuring charges (related primarily to severance and employee related costs as well as additional costs directly associated with the Company’s Total Business Transformation (“TBT”) initiative);
  • the anticipated annual cost reductions related to the Voluntary Departure Program (“VDP”) (including reductions in operating and capital expenditures) and the timing of realization thereof;
  • the impact that employee exits will have on Shaw’s business operations;
  • the outcome of the TBT initiative, including the timing thereof and the total savings at completion; and
  • the expansion and growth of the Company’s business and operations and other goals and plans. 

All of the forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances as of the current date. The Company’s management believes that its assumptions and analysis in this MD&A are reasonable and that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are also reasonable based on the information available on the date such statements are made and the process used to prepare the information. These assumptions, many of which are confidential, include but are not limited to management expectations with respect to:

  • general economic, market and business conditions;
  • future interest rates;
  • previous performance being indicative of future performance;
  • future income tax and exchange rates;
  • technology deployment;
  • future expectations and demands of our customers;
  • subscriber growth;
  • the Company being able to successfully deploy: (i) network infrastructure required to improve capacity and coverage and (ii) new technologies, including but not limited to next generation wireless and wireline technologies such as 5G and IPTV, respectively;
  • short-term incremental costs associated with growth in Wireless handset sales;
  • pricing, usage and churn rates;
  • availability of devices;
  • content and equipment costs;
  • industry structure, conditions and stability;
  • government regulation and legislation;
  • the completion of proposed transactions;
  • the TBT initiative being completed in a timely and cost-effective manner and yielding the expected results and benefits, including: (i) resulting in a leaner, more integrated and agile company with improved efficiencies and execution to better meet Shaw’s consumers’ needs and expectations (including the products and services offered to its customers) and (ii) realizing the expected cost reductions;
  • the Company being able to complete the employee exits pursuant to the VDP with minimal impact on business operations within the anticipated timeframes and for the budgeted amount;
  • the cost estimates for any outsourcing requirements and new roles in connection with the VDP;
  • the Company being able to gain access to sufficient retail distribution channels;
  • the Company being able to access the spectrum resources required to execute on its current and long term strategic initiatives; and
  • the integration of recent acquisitions.

You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Many risk factors, including those not within the Company's control, may cause the Company's actual results to be materially different from the views expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to:

  • changes in general economic, market and business conditions;
  • changing interest rates, income taxes and exchange rates;
  • changes in the competitive environment in the markets in which the Company operates and from the development of new markets for emerging technologies;
  • changing industry trends, technological developments, and other changing conditions in the entertainment, information and communications industries;
  • the Company’s failure to execute its strategic plans and complete capital and other projects by the completion date;
  • the Company’s failure to grow subscribers;
  • the Company’s failure to grow market share;
  • the Company’s failure to close any transactions;
  • the Company’s failure to have the spectrum resources required to execute on its current and long term strategic initiatives;
  • the Company’s failure to gain sufficient access to retail distribution channels;
  • the Company failure to complete the deployment of: (i) network infrastructure required to improve capacity and coverage and (ii) new technologies, including but not limited to next generation wireless and wireline technologies such as 5G and IPTV, respectively;
  • the Company’s failure to achieve cost efficiencies;
  • the Company’s failure to implement the TBT initiative as planned and realize the anticipated benefits therefrom, including: (i) the failure of the TBT to result in a leaner, more integrated and agile company with improved efficiencies and execution to better meet Shaw’s consumers’ needs and expectations (including the products and services offered to its customers) and (ii) the failure to realize the expected cost reductions;
  • the Company’s failure to complete employee exits pursuant to the VDP with minimal impact on operations;
  • disruptions to service, including due to network failure or disputes with key suppliers;
  • technology, privacy, cyber security and reputational risks;
  • opportunities that may be presented to and pursued by the Company;
  • changes in laws, regulations and decisions by regulators that affect the Company or the markets in which it operates;
  • the Company’s status as a holding company with separate operating subsidiaries; and
  • other factors described in this MD&A under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” and in the MD&A for the year ended August 31, 2018 under the heading “Known events, Trends, Risks, and Uncertainties.” 

The foregoing is not an exhaustive list of all possible risk factors.

Should one or more of these risks materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein.

This MD&A provides certain future-oriented financial information or financial outlook (as such terms are defined in applicable securities laws), including the financial guidance and assumptions disclosed under “Outlook,” the expected annualized savings to be realized from the VDP and the total anticipated TBT restructuring costs for fiscal 2019. Shaw discloses this information because it believes that certain investors, analysts and others utilize this and other forward-looking information to assess Shaw's expected operational and financial performance, and as an indicator of its ability to service debt and pay dividends to shareholders. The Company cautions that such financial information may not be appropriate for this or other purposes.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was originally made and, except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in related assumptions, events, conditions or circumstances. All forward looking statements contained in this MD&A are expressly qualified by this statement.

Additional Information

Additional information concerning the Company, including the Company’s Annual Information Form is available through the Internet on SEDAR which may be accessed at www.sedar.com. Copies of such information may also be obtained on the Company’s website at www.shaw.ca, or on request and without charge from the Corporate Secretary of the Company, Suite 900, 630 – 3rd Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 4L4, telephone (403) 750-4500.

Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures

Certain measures in this MD&A do not have standard meanings prescribed by IFRS and are therefore considered non-IFRS measures. These measures are provided to enhance the reader’s overall understanding of our financial performance or current financial condition.  They are included to provide investors and management with an alternative method for assessing our operating results in a manner that is focused on the performance of our ongoing operations and to provide a more consistent basis for comparison between periods. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, IFRS and do not have standardized meanings. Therefore, they are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. 

Please refer to “Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures” in this MD&A for a discussion and reconciliation of non-IFRS measures, including operating income before restructuring costs and amortization, free cash flow, and the net debt leverage ratio.

Introduction

In fiscal 2019, we continue to deliver results that are consistent with our overall plan by executing on our operating priorities. Through our unwavering focus on execution, we are growing our wireless and broadband customers, identifying sustainable cost savings in our core Wireline business, and making the appropriate investments to capitalize on future growth. The disposal of our equity investment in Corus Entertainment Inc. (“Corus”) in the quarter, further solidifies our balance sheet and allows us to continue our transformation into an agile, lean and digital-first organization that is focused on providing a seamless connectivity experience that meets the needs of its customers now and into the future.

Wireless

Our Wireless operations have enabled a strategic and transformative shift that supports our long-term, sustainable growth ambitions. Our footprint now covers approximately 17 million people in some of Canada’s largest urban centres, or almost half of the Canadian population. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2019, we launched in a number of new markets including Victoria, British Columbia and Red Deer, Alberta in February, and six additional communities in Eastern Ontario in March.

Freedom Mobile maintained its strong momentum in the quarter, growing wireless subscribers and operating margin.  The growth and retention of our subscriber base and improving financial performance reflect the appeal of our differentiated value proposition. Our affordable and innovative Big Gig data plans, combined with the latest devices available in the market, continue to attract high lifetime value customers to Freedom Mobile. In April, the Company launched new prepaid service plans that are better aligned with current market offers in order to attract new subscribers and grow this customer segment. Early results indicate that the new plans are having an impact on subscriber results. In addition, our Wireless service is accessible to more Canadians through the addition of approximately 240 locations in 2018, with national retail partners including Loblaws’ “The Mobile Shop” and Walmart. When combined with our existing corporate and dealer store network, Freedom Mobile expects to have over 650 retail locations operational at the end of 2019. As we continue to reach more Canadians with our affordable data-centric plans, expanded retail presence and consumer friendly practices, we are changing the competitive landscape.

Supporting our Wireless revenue growth and improved Wireless postpaid churn results are the significant investments in our network and customer service capabilities. We are executing a step-by-step operating plan to improve our network and deploy spectrum in the most efficient way. We continue to deploy our Extended Range LTE in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Southwestern Ontario, which leverages our 700 MHz spectrum to provide customers with improved in-building service as well as extending service at the edge of the current coverage area. The deployment of the 700 MHz spectrum is expected to continue throughout fiscal 2019 and 2020. With our successful acquisition of 600 MHz spectrum across our entire wireless operating footprint, we can continue to improve our network experience and provide affordable options for our customers.

The Company also continues to deploy small cell technology (low-powered wireless transmitters and receivers with a range of 100 meters to 200 meters), designed to provide network coverage to smaller areas. As tall high-power macro towers keep the network signal strong across large distances, small cells suit more densely developed areas like city centres and popular venues by providing LTE/VoLTE quality, speed, capacity and coverage improvements in these high traffic areas. These network investments support continued growth in our Wireless business by significantly enhancing the customer experience while consistently reducing churn and are the building blocks for emerging technologies, such as 5G.

Wireline

We continue to focus on the execution and delivery of stable and profitable Wireline results. This includes growing broadband subscribers, primarily through two-year ValuePlans, and attracting and retaining high lifetime value video subscribers which support our consumer profitability objectives.

Our team is modernizing several aspects of our operations as we work to better meet the needs of today’s customer. We are leveraging insights from data to help us better understand customer preferences and provide them with the services they want, including the recently introduced Shaw BlueCurve Home app and Pods. We are shifting customer interactions to digital platforms and driving more self-help, self-install and self-service.

We are starting to see the results of these efforts as our teams begin to think and work differently to deliver a modern connectivity experience anchored in broadband. We have deployed DOCSIS 3.1 over our extensive wireline network to give us the ability to deliver gigabit speeds across virtually all of our cable footprint. As the key product in the customer’s home, our broadband service has a significant and cost-effective competitive advantage.

We remain focused on growing our Wireline broadband customer base and improving execution. In the third quarter, we added approximately 6,600 Consumer Internet subscribers and significantly improved Wireline profitability through disciplined cost control, including the execution of the VDP. While we are only part of the way through our journey towards a modern Shaw, we are encouraged by the progress we have made as we improve upon the fundamentals of our Wireline business, further supporting the delivery of our broadband strategy through fiscal 2019.

The Company has announced several significant Wireline enhancements related to its broadband service for its customers. In late November, Shaw doubled Internet speeds of its top residential tiers and, in April, the Company unveiled Shaw BlueCurve, a technology that provides customers greater control over their home Wi-Fi experience through the BlueCurve Home app and Pods.

Shaw BlueCurve is a simple and powerful new technology that gives customers more coverage and greater control over their home Wi-Fi experience while at the same time helping redefine their relationship with in-home connected devices. The BlueCurve Home app is the latest innovative product that Shaw has introduced to market through its partnership with Comcast, and it is available with Shaw’s BlueCurve Gateway modem – the hub of our customers’ in-home content and connectivity experience. Shaw BlueCurve Pods expand in-home coverage by creating a mesh Wi-Fi network which blankets your home with wireless coverage and reduces the challenges of Wi-Fi dead spots.

The launch of Shaw BlueCurve technology is aligned with the Company’s strategic initiative regarding a more agile, innovative, and customer-centric approach to modernizing all aspects of its operations, including a more efficient delivery of products and services. Building on the BlueCurve gateway modem, the Company launched IPTV in Calgary in May and will continue to make this service available to additional markets over the coming months.

We are capitalizing on the network investments that we have made, and continue to make, in pursuit of providing customers with an enhanced connectivity experience. The launch of Shaw BlueCurve is the latest way in which we are delivering more value to our customers with speed, coverage and control. Our BlueCurve platform is the foundation on which we will continue to introduce more innovations and, through this enhanced customer experience, we can more effectively differentiate ourselves from the competition and drive broadband growth, while building upon our journey to a modern Shaw.

Our Wireline Business division contributed solid results again this quarter, leveraging our SmartSuite products that deliver enterprise-grade services to small and medium size businesses. SmartSuite products are the foundation for growth in Shaw Business and we expect to continue increasing market share, revenue and profitability, as we focus on delivering our services in targeted strategic verticals. Our SmartSuite products can scale to larger businesses as well, giving us opportunities to deliver services across Canada. Shaw Business customers will also benefit from speed increases that are now eligible on Business Internet and SmartWiFi 150 and 300 plans moving to 300Mbps and 600Mbps, respectively. Shaw Business also announced the launch of gigabit download speeds, which will help customers keep up with the demands of their growing businesses.

Selected financial and operational highlights

Fiscal 2019 and restated fiscal 2018 results are reported in accordance with the newly adopted IFRS 15, Revenue from contracts with customers (“IFRS 15”). Supplementary information is provided in "Accounting Standards", reflecting the previous revenue recognition policies and the changes from the adoption of the new standard.

Basis of presentation

On May 31, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement to sell a group of assets comprising the operations of Shaw Tracking, a fleet tracking operation reported within the Company’s Wireline segment, to an external party. The transaction closed on September 15, 2017.

Accordingly, the operating results and operating cash flows for the Shaw Tracking business (an operating segment within the Wireline division) are presented as discontinued operations separate from the Company’s continuing operations. This MD&A reflects the results of continuing operations, unless otherwise noted.

Financial Highlights

        
        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars except per share amounts)2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change % 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change %
Operations:       
Revenue 1,324   1,289  2.7   3,995   3,863  3.4
Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization(2) 530   538  (1.5)  1,624   1,501  8.2
Operating margin(2)40.0%41.7%(4.1) 40.7%38.9%4.6
Net income (loss) from continuing operations 229   (99)>100.0  571   (157)>100.0
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax –  –  –   –  (6)100.0
Net income (loss) 229   (99)>100.0  571   (163)>100.0
Per share data:       
Basic earnings (loss) per share       
Continuing operations 0.44   (0.20)   1.10   (0.33) 
Discontinued operations –  –    –  (0.01) 
  0.44   (0.20)   1.10   (0.34) 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share       
Continuing operations 0.44   (0.20)   1.10   (0.33) 
Discontinued operations –  –    –  (0.01) 
  0.44   (0.20)   1.10   (0.34) 
Weighted average participating shares for basic earnings per share outstanding during period (millions) 512   503     510   500   
Funds flow from continuing operations(3) 471   437  7.8   1,354   755  79.3
Free cash flow(2) 176   167   5.4    500   355   40.8 

(1)          Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15 and also reflect a change in accounting policy related to the treatment of digital cable terminals (“DCTs”) to record them as property, plant and equipment rather than as inventory upon acquisition. See “Accounting Standards.”
(2)          See definitions and discussion under “Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures.”
(3)          Funds flow from operations is before changes in non-cash balances related to operations as presented in the unaudited interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 

Key Performance Drivers

Shaw measures the success of its strategies using a number of key performance drivers which are defined and described under “Key Performance Drivers - Statistical Measures” in the 2018 Annual MD&A and in this MD&A below, which includes a discussion as to their relevance, definitions, calculation methods and underlying assumptions.  The following key performance indicators are not measurements in accordance with IFRS, should not be considered alternatives to revenue, net income or any other measure of performance under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Commencing this fiscal year, we are disclosing Wireless average billing per subscriber unit (“ABPU”) and Wireless postpaid churn (as defined below) as key performance indicators. 

Subscriber (or revenue generating unit (“RGU”)) highlights

        
        
   Change Change
   Three months ended Nine months ended
 May 31,
2019
August 31,
2018
May 31,
2019
May 31,
2018
 May 31,
2019
May 31,
2018
Wireline – Consumer       
Video – Cable 1,508,208  1,585,232  (24,303) (16,332)  (77,024) (52,055)
Video – Satellite 715,017  750,403  3,134   9,066    (35,386) (15,740)
Internet 1,900,302  1,876,944  6,647   (3,754)  23,358   19,416  
Phone 795,457  853,847  (21,517) (13,264)  (58,390) (45,524)
Total Consumer 4,918,984  5,066,426  (36,039) (24,284)  (147,442) (93,903)
Wireline – Business        
Video – Cable 43,586  49,606  (4,301) (251)  (6,020) (1,356)
Video – Satellite 35,593  34,831  (626) 531    762   1,349  
Internet 173,094  172,859  427   813    235   481  
Phone 374,765  354,912  5,368   8,766    19,853   19,518  
Total Business 627,038  612,208  868   9,859    14,830   19,992  
Total Wireline 5,546,022  5,678,634  (35,171) (14,425)  (132,612) (73,911)
Wireless       
Postpaid 1,241,736  1,029,720  61,279   54,189    212,016   180,747  
Prepaid 336,619  373,138  820   (7,530)  (36,519) (10,076)
Total Wireless 1,578,355  1,402,858  62,099   46,659    175,497   170,671  
Total Subscribers 7,124,377  7,081,492  26,928   32,234    42,885   96,760  

In Wireless, the Company continued to add subscribers, gaining a net combined 62,099 postpaid and prepaid subscribers in the quarter. The continued increase in the postpaid subscriber base reflects our expanding and improving network and customer demand for the Big Gig data-centric pricing and packaging options. The increase in the prepaid customer base reflects the new plans that were launched in the market in early April.

Wireline RGUs declined by 35,171 in the quarter compared to a loss of 14,425 RGUs in the third quarter of 2018. The current quarter includes growth in Consumer Internet RGUs of approximately 6,600 whereas the mature products within the Consumer division, including Video, Satellite and Phone declined in aggregate by 42,600 RGUs. The Company remains focused on growing broadband subscribers, primarily through two-year ValuePlans, and on attracting and retaining high lifetime value video subscribers which support its consumer profitability objectives.

Wireless Postpaid Churn

To assist in understanding the performance of our Wireless business, this fiscal year we commenced disclosing Wireless postpaid subscriber or RGU churn (“postpaid churn”).  Subscriber churn measures success in retaining subscribers. Wireless postpaid churn is a measure of the number of postpaid subscribers that deactivated during a period as a percentage of the average postpaid subscriber base during a period, calculated on a monthly basis. It is calculated by dividing the number of Wireless postpaid subscribers that deactivated (in a month) by the average number of postpaid subscribers during the month. When used or reported for a period greater than one month, postpaid churn represents the sum of the number of subscribers deactivating for each period incurred divided by the sum of the average number of postpaid subscribers of each period incurred.

Postpaid churn of 1.18% in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 compares to 1.36% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 reflecting the significant and ongoing enhancements to the wireless customer experience including our expanding and improving network and the Big Gig data-centric pricing and packaging options. 

Wireless average billing per subscriber unit (“ABPU”)

To assist in understanding the underlying economics of our Wireless business, this fiscal year we commenced disclosing Wireless average billing per subscriber per month (“ABPU”). This measure is an industry metric that is useful in assessing the operating performance of a wireless entity. We use ABPU as a measure that approximates the average amount the Company invoices an individual subscriber unit on a monthly basis. ABPU helps us to identify trends and measures the Company’s success in attracting and retaining higher lifetime value subscribers. Wireless ABPU is calculated as service revenue (excluding the allocation of the device subsidy attributable to service revenue under IFRS 15) plus the monthly re-payments of the outstanding device balance owing from customers on contract, divided by the average number of subscribers on the network during the period and is expressed as a rate per month.

ABPU of $42.30 in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 compares to $39.84 in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, reflecting the increased number of customers that are subscribing to higher value service plans and purchasing a device through Freedom Mobile.

Wireless average revenue per subscriber unit (“ARPU”)

Wireless ARPU is calculated as service revenue divided by the average number of subscribers on the network during the period and is expressed as a rate per month. This measure is an industry metric that is useful in assessing the operating performance of a wireless entity. ARPU also helps to identify trends and measure the Company’s success in attracting and retaining higher-value subscribers.

ARPU of $38.36 in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 compares to $37.54 in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 and reflects the impact of changes in accounting policies upon the adoption of IFRS 15, whereby a portion of the device subsidy, previously fully allocated as a reduction to equipment revenue, is now partially allocated as a reduction to service revenue.

Overview

For detailed discussion of divisional performance see “Discussion of operations”. Highlights of the consolidated first quarter financial results are as follows:  

Revenue

Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 of $1.32 billion increased $35 million or 2.7% from $1.29 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, highlighted by the following:

  • The year-over-year increase in revenue was primarily due to a $25 million or 11.1% increase in the Wireless division driven by higher service revenues which contributed an incremental $32 million or 21.9% to consolidated revenue primarily due to higher postpaid RGUs (approximately 297,000 since May 31, 2018) and a 6.2% and 2.2% year-over-year increase in ABPU to $42.30 and  ARPU to $38.36, respectively. This was partially offset by a $7 million or 8.8% decrease in equipment revenue compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2018.
  • The Business division contributed $9 million or 6.4% growth over the third quarter of fiscal 2018 to consolidated revenue reflecting continued demand for the SmartSuite of business products.
  • Consumer division revenue for the quarter increased $2 million or 0.2% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2018 as contributions from rate adjustments and growth in Internet revenue were offset by declines in Video, Satellite and Phone subscribers and revenue.   

Compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019, consolidated revenue for the quarter increased 0.6% or $8 million. The increase in revenue over the prior quarter relates primarily to an increase of $9 million in service revenue in the Wireless division, higher ABPU (up from $41.34 in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 to $42.30 in the current quarter) and higher ARPU (up from $37.58 in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 to $38.36 in the current quarter) and a $4 million increase in Wireline revenues partially offset by a $5 million decrease in Wireless equipment revenue.

Revenue for the nine-month period ended May 31, 2019 of $3.99 billion increased $132 million or 3.4% from $3.86 billion for the comparable period in fiscal 2018.

  • The year-over-year improvement in revenue was primarily due to the Wireless division contributing revenues of $771 million, an increase of $110 million or 16.6% compared to the comparable nine-month period of fiscal 2018.
  • The Business division contributed $24 million or 5.7% to the consolidated revenue improvements for the nine-month period driven primarily by customer growth. 
  • Consumer division revenues were consistent with the comparable nine-month period of fiscal 2018.

Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization

Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 of $530 million decreased by $8 million or 1.5% from $538 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, highlighted by the following: 

  • The year-over-year improvement in the Wireless division of $2 million was mainly due to postpaid RGU growth and the 6.2% increase in ABPU partially offset by the impact of the $13 million credit for a retroactive domestic roaming rate adjustment received in the prior year. Excluding the impact of this credit in 2018, Wireless operating income before restructuring costs and amortization increased 38%.
  • The year-over-year decrease in the Wireline division of $10 million was driven primarily by a $15 million payment to address certain intellectual property (“IP”) licensing matters in the quarter partially offset by higher revenues. Excluding the impact of the $15 million licensing payment, Wireline operating income before restructuring costs and amortization increased 1.0% year-over-year.

Operating margin for the third quarter of 40.0% decreased 170 basis points compared to 41.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 due primarily to a 140 basis points decrease in the Wireline operating margin driven primarily by the impact of the $15 million payment to address certain IP licensing matters, as well as a 160 basis points decrease in the Wireless operating margin as a result of the impact of the $13 million credit for a retroactive domestic roaming rate adjustment in the prior year quarter.

Compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019, operating income before restructuring costs and amortization for the current quarter decreased $19 million primarily due to a $22 million decrease in the Wireline division mainly as a result of the $15 million payment to address certain IP licensing matters partially offset higher Wireless revenues attributed to net RGU gains.

For the nine-month period ended May 31, 2019, operating income before restructuring costs and amortization of $1.62 billion increased $123 million or 8.2% from $1.50 billion for the comparable prior year period.

  • Wireless operating income before restructuring costs and amortization for the nine-month period increased $48 million or 46.2% over the comparable period driven primarily by subscriber and ABPU growth, partially offset by the impact of the $13 million credit for a retroactive domestic roaming rate adjustment received in the prior year.
  • Wireline operating income before restructuring costs and amortization for the nine-month period increased $75 million or 5.4% over the comparable period primarily as a result of lower operating costs mainly related to VDP and a $24 million increase in revenues partially offset by the impact of the $15 million payment to address certain IP licensing matters.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 of $176 million increased $9 million from $167 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, mainly due to a $28 million decrease in capital expenditures and lower cash taxes partially offset by an $8 million decrease in operating income before restructuring costs and amortization and lower dividends received from equity-accounted associates.

Net income (loss)

Net income of $229 million and $571 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019, compared to a net loss of $99 million and $163 million for the same period in fiscal 2018. The changes in net income are outlined in the following table.

     
     
 May 31, 2019 net income compared to: 
 Three months ended Nine months ended
(millions of Canadian dollars)February 28, 2019May 31, 2018
(restated)(1)
 May 31, 2018
(restated)(1)
Increased (decreased) operating income before restructuring costs and amortization(2) (19) (8)  123 
Decreased (increased) restructuring costs -  13   429 
Increased amortization -  (12)  (22)
Change in net other costs and revenue(3) (29) 220   184 
Decreased (increased) income taxes 122  115   14 
Increased income from discontinued operations, net of tax -  -   6  
  74  328   734 

(1)          Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15 and also reflect a change in accounting policy. See “Accounting Standards”
(2)          See definitions and discussion under “Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures”
(3)          Net other costs and revenue include equity income (loss) of an associate or joint venture, business acquisition costs, accretion of long-term liabilities and provisions, debt retirement costs, realized and unrealized foreign exchange differences and other losses as detailed in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income

Net other costs and revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 included a $284 million impairment from the Company’s equity investment in Corus Entertainment Inc. Restructuring costs in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 of approximately $13 million related to further organizational restructuring under the TBT initiative and VDP program offered in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The costs primarily relate to severance and other employee costs as well as other costs directly associated with the TBT initiative.

Outlook

The Company is refining its fiscal 2019 guidance which excludes the $15 million payment to address certain IP licensing matters. It expects consolidated operating income before restructuring costs and amortization growth of approximately 6% over fiscal 2018; capital investments of approximately $1.2 billion; and free cash flow of approximately $550 million. The Company’s guidance includes assumptions related to cost savings that will be achieved through the TBT initiative (specifically the VDP savings) that have also been refined and are expected to amount to a combined $135 million in fiscal 2019 which is materially in line with the $140 million original estimate. The savings during the fiscal year are now expected to be approximately $95 million attributed to operating expenses and approximately $40 million attributed to capital expenditures, which represents a minor shift from original guidance.  

See “Caution concerning forward-looking statements.”

Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures

The Company’s continuous disclosure documents may provide discussion and analysis of non-IFRS financial measures. These financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The Company’s continuous disclosure documents may also provide discussion and analysis of additional GAAP measures. Additional GAAP measures include line items, headings, and sub-totals included in the financial statements.

The Company utilizes these measures in making operating decisions and assessing its performance.  Certain investors, analysts and others utilize these measures in assessing the Company’s operational and financial performance and as an indicator of its ability to service debt and return cash to shareholders. The non-IFRS financial measures and additional GAAP measures have not been presented as an alternative to revenue, net income or any other measure of performance required by IFRS.

Below is a discussion of the non-IFRS financial measures and additional GAAP measures used by the Company and provides a reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure or provides a reference to such reconciliation.

Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization

Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization is calculated as revenue less operating, general and administrative expenses. It is intended to indicate the Company’s ongoing ability to service and/or incur debt and is therefore calculated before items such as restructuring costs, equity income/loss of an associate or joint venture, amortization (a non-cash expense) and interest. Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization is one measure used by the investing community to value the business.

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated)(1)
 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Operating income from continuing operations 267   273    835   305  
Add back (deduct):     
Restructuring costs –  13    1   430  
Amortization:     
Deferred equipment revenue (5) (7)  (16) (24)
Deferred equipment costs 21   27    66   85  
Property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other 247   232    738   705  
Operating income before restructuring costs and
 amortization
 530   538    1,624   1,501  

(1)       Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15 and also reflect a change in accounting policy. See “Accounting Standards”

Operating margin

Operating margin is calculated by dividing operating income before restructuring costs and amortization by revenue. Operating margin is also one of the measures used by the investing community to value the business.

        
        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change % 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change %
Wireline44.2%45.6% (3.1) 45.6%43.6%4.6
Wireless21.9%23.5% (6.8) 19.7%15.7%25.5
Combined Wireline and Wireless40.0%41.7%(4.1) 40.7%38.9%4.6

(1)       Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15. See “Accounting Standards”

Income from discontinued operations before restructuring costs, amortization, taxes and other non-operating items

Income from discontinued operations before restructuring costs, amortization, taxes and other non-operating items is calculated as revenue less operating, general and administrative expenses from discontinued operations.  This measure is used in the determination of free cash flow.

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)20192018 20192018 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax – –  – – 
Add back (deduct):     
Loss on divestiture, net of tax – –  – (6)
Loss from discontinued operations before restructuring costs, amortization, taxes and other non-operating items – –  – (6)

Net debt leverage ratio

The Company uses this ratio to determine its optimal leverage ratio. Refer to “Liquidity and capital resources” for further detail.

Free cash flow

The Company utilizes this measure to assess the Company’s ability to repay debt and pay dividends to shareholders.

Free cash flow is comprised of operating income before restructuring costs and amortization, adding dividends from equity accounted associates, changes in receivable related balances with respect to customer equipment financing transactions as a cash item and deducting capital expenditures (on an accrual basis and net of proceeds on capital dispositions) and equipment costs (net), interest, cash taxes paid or payable, dividends paid on the preferred shares, recurring cash funding of pension amounts net of pension expense and adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense. 

Free cash flow has not been reported on a segmented basis. Certain components of free cash flow from continuing operations, including operating income before restructuring costs and amortization continue to be reported on a segmented basis. Capital expenditures and equipment costs (net) are also reported on a segmented basis. Other items, including interest and cash taxes, are not generally directly attributable to a segment, and are reported on a consolidated basis.

Free cash flow is calculated as follows:

        
        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change % 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change %
Revenue       
Consumer 925   923   0.2    2,784   2,784   – 
Business 150   141   6.4    445   421   5.7  
Wireline 1,075   1,064   1.0    3,229   3,205   0.7  
Service 178   146   21.9    513   407   26.0  
Equipment 73   80   (8.8)  258   254   1.6  
Wireless 251   226   11.1    771   661   16.6  
  1,326   1,290   2.8    4,000   3,866   3.5  
Intersegment eliminations (2) (1) 100.0    (5) (3) 66.7  
  1,324   1,289   2.7    3,995   3,863   3.4  
Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization(2)       
Wireline 475   485   (2.1)  1,472   1,397   5.4  
Wireless 55   53  3.8   152   104   46.2  
  530   538   (1.5)  1,624   1,501   8.2  
Capital expenditures and equipment costs (net):(3)       
Wireline 193   240   (19.6)  593   687   (13.7)
Wireless 87   68   27.9    237   241   (1.7)
  280   308   (9.1)  830   928   (10.6)
Free cash flow before the following 250   230   8.7    794   573   38.6  
Less:       
Interest (60) (60) –   (190) (183) 3.8  
Cash taxes (19) (29) (34.5)  (119) (116) 2.6  
Other adjustments:       
Dividends from equity accounted associates  5   23   (78.3)  10   69   (85.5)
Non-cash share-based compensation –  –  –   2   2   – 
Pension adjustment 3   4  (25.0)  9   12   (25.0)
Customer equipment financing –  1   (100.0)  1   4   (75.0)
Preferred share dividends (3) (2) 50.0    (7) (6) 16.7  
Free cash flow 176   167   5.4    500   355   40.8  

(1)          Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15 and also reflect a change in accounting policy. See “Accounting Standards”
(2)          See definitions and discussion under “Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures”
(3)          Per Note 3 to the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Discussion of operations

Wireline

        
        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change % 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change %
Consumer 925   923   0.2    2,784   2,784   –
Business 150   141   6.4    445   421   5.7 
Wireline revenue 1,075   1,064   1.0    3,229   3,205   0.7 
Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization(2) 475   485   (2.1)  1,472   1,397   5.4 
Operating margin(2)44.2%45.6% (3.1) 45.6%43.6% 4.6 

(1)          Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15. See “Accounting Standards”
(2)          See definitions and discussion under “Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures”

In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, Wireline RGUs decreased by 35,171 compared to a 14,425 RGU loss in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The current quarter includes growth in Consumer Internet RGUs of approximately 6,600 whereas the mature products within the Consumer division, including Video, Satellite and Phone declined in aggregate by 42,600 RGUs. The Company remains focused on growing broadband subscribers, primarily through two-year ValuePlans, and on attracting and retaining high lifetime value video subscribers which support its consumer profitability objectives.

Revenue highlights include:

  • Consumer revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 increased by $2 million or 0.2%, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2018 as contributions from rate adjustments and growth in Internet revenue were offset by declines in Video, Satellite and Phone subscribers and revenue.   
    • As compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the current quarter revenue increased by $2 million or 0.2%.
  • Business revenue of $150 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 was up $9 million or 6.4% over the third quarter of fiscal 2018, reflecting continued demand for the SmartSuite of business products.
    • As compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the current quarter revenue increased $2 million or 1.4%. 

Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization highlights include:

  • Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 of $475 million was down 2.1% or $10 million from $485 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.  The decrease relates primarily to a $15 million payment to address certain IP licensing matters in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 partially offset by higher revenues. Excluding the impact of the licensing payment, Wireline operating income before restructuring costs and amortization increased 1.0% year-over-year.
    • As compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019, Wireline operating income before restructuring costs and amortization for the current quarter decreased by $22 million driven primarily by the $15 million payment to address certain IP licensing matters.    

Wireless

        
        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change % 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change %
Service 178   146   21.9    513   407   26.0 
Equipment and other 73   80   (8.8)  258   254   1.6 
Wireless revenue 251   226   11.1    771   661   16.6 
Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization(2) 55   53   3.8    152   104   46.2 
Operating margin(2)21.9%23.5% (6.8) 19.7%15.7% 25.5 

(1)          Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15. See “Accounting Standards”
(2)          See definitions and discussion under “Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures”

The Wireless division added 62,099 RGUs in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 as compared to 46,659 RGUs gained in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The continued increase in the postpaid subscriber base reflects our expanding and improving network and customer demand for the Big Gig data-centric pricing and packaging options. The increase in the prepaid customer base reflects the new plans that were launched in the market in early April. 

Revenue highlights include:

  • Revenue of $251 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 increased $25 million or 11.1% over the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The increase in revenue was driven primarily by a year-over-year increase in service revenue which grew by $32 million or 21.9% as a result of increased postpaid RGUs and improved ABPU of $42.30 and ARPU of $38.36 as compared to $39.84 and $37.54, respectively, in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in equipment revenue of $7 million or 8.8%.
    • As compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the current quarter revenue increased $4 million or 1.6%, while ABPU increased by $0.96 or 2.3% (ABPU of $41.34 in the second quarter of fiscal 2019), and ARPU increased by $0.78 or 2.1% (ARPU of $37.58 in the second quarter of fiscal 2019).  The quarter-over-quarter increase in both ABPU and ARPU was driven primarily by our expanding and improving network and customer demand for the Big Gig data-centric pricing and packaging options.

Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization highlights include:

  • Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization of $55 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 improved by $2 million over the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The improvements were driven primarily by increased subscribers at higher ABPU/ARPU partially offset by the impact of the $13 million credit for a retroactive domestic roaming rate adjustment received in the prior year. Excluding the impact of this credit in 2018, Wireless operating income before restructuring costs and amortization increased 38%.   
    • As compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019, operating income before restructuring costs and amortization for the current quarter increased $3 million or 5.8%.  

Capital expenditures and equipment costs

        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change % 20192018
(restated)(1)
Change %
Wireline       
New housing development 36   31  16.1    99  88  12.5  
Success-based 64   72  (11.1)  190  215  (11.6)
Upgrades and enhancements 98   112  (12.5)  256  309  (17.2)
Replacement 7   10  (30.0)  19  23  (17.4)
Building and other (12) 15  (180.0)  29  52  (44.2)
Total as per Note 3 to the unaudited interim
 consolidated financial statements
 193   240  (19.6)  593  687  (13.7)
Wireless       
Total as per Note 3 to the unaudited interim
 consolidated financial statements
 87   68  27.9    237  241  (1.7)
Consolidated total as per Note 3 to the unaudited interim
 consolidated financial statements
 280   308  (9.1)  830  928  (10.6)

(1)       Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated as a result of a change in accounting policy. See “Accounting Standards”

In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, capital investment of $280 million decreased $28 million compared to the prior year period. Wireline capital spending decreased by approximately $47 million primarily due to lower network investments and success-based customer premise equipment. Wireless spending increased by approximately $19 million year-over-year due to the continued deployment of 700 MHz spectrum and the expansion of the wireless network into new markets. 

Wireline highlights include:

  • Success-based capital for the quarter of $64 million was $8 million lower than in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The decrease was driven primarily by lower Video equipment purchases in the current quarter.
  • For the quarter, investment in combined upgrades, enhancements and replacement categories was $105 million, a $17 million or 13.9% decrease over the prior year driven by lower planned
    Wireline spend on system network infrastructure.
  • Investments in new housing development was $36 million, a $5 million increase over the comparable period, driven by residential and commercial customer network growth and acquisition.

Wireless highlights include:

  • Capital investment of $87 million in the third quarter increased relative to the third quarter of fiscal 2018 by $19 million, primarily due to the timing of expenditures. In fiscal 2019, the Company plans to continue to focus on investment in the Wireless network and infrastructure, specifically the deployment of 700 MHz spectrum, LTE and small cells as well as retail expansion in new and existing markets and enhancements to the back-office systems. Network expansion related investment and the deployment of our 700 MHz spectrum is also expected to increase throughout fiscal 2019.

 Supplementary quarterly financial information

        
        
QuarterRevenueOperating
income before
restructuring
costs and
 amortization (3)
Net income (loss)
from continuing
operations
attributable to
equity shareholders
Net income
(loss)
attributable
to equity
shareholders
Net income
(loss)(4)
Basic and
Diluted earnings
(loss) per share
from continuing
operations
Basic and
Diluted
earnings
(loss) per
share
(millions of Canadian dollars except per share amounts)    
2019       
Third 1,324  530  227   227   229   0.44   0.44  
Second 1,316  549  155   155   155   0.30   0.30  
First 1,355  545  187   187   187   0.36   0.36  
2018       
Fourth(1) 1,326  555  194   194   194   0.38   0.38  
Third(1) 1,289  538  (99) (99) (99) (0.20) (0.20)
Second(1) 1,329  483  (175) (175) (175) (0.35) (0.35)
First(1) 1,245  480  117   111   111   0.23   0.22  
2017       
Fourth(2) 1,244  479  149   481   481   0.30   0.97  

(1)       Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15 and also reflect a change in accounting policy. See “Accounting Standards”.
(2)       Amounts calculated on a basis consistent with the Company’s previous accounting policies prior to adopting IFRS 15 and a change in accounting policy.
(3)       See definition and discussion under “Non-IFRS and additional GAAP measures.”
(4)       Net income attributable to both equity shareholders and non-controlling interests

  
F19 Q3 vs
F19 Q2
In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, net income increased $74 million compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2019 mainly due to a $41 million gain on the disposal of property, plant and equipment to a related party, a $15 million gain on the sale of a portfolio investment and the $102 million impact of a tax rate change on deferred taxes partially offset by a $109 million loss on the disposal of the Company’s investment in Corus in the quarter.
F19 Q2 vs
F19 Q1
In the second quarter of fiscal 2019, net income decreased $32 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2019 mainly due to a $20 million decrease in equity income related to the Company’s investment in Corus in the quarter and higher income taxes.
F19 Q1
vs
F18 Q4
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, net income decreased $7 million compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 mainly due to a $10 million decrease in operating income before restructuring costs and amortization and a decrease in other gains mainly related to a $16 million gain on the sale of certain wireless spectrum licenses in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. These decreases were partially offset by a $10 million increase in equity income related to the Company’s investment in Corus in the quarter.
F18 Q4
vs
F18 Q3
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, net income improved by $293 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2018 primarily due to an impairment charge of $284 million related to the Company’s investment in Corus recorded in the prior quarter.
F18 Q3
vs
F18 Q2
In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the net loss decreased $76 million compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2018 mainly due to a decrease in third quarter restructuring costs of $404 million and an increase in operating income before restructuring costs and amortization. The increase was partially offset by an impairment charge of $284 million related to the Company’s investment in Corus and higher income taxes.
F18 Q2
vs
F18 Q1
In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, net income decreased $286 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2018 mainly due to $417 million of restructuring costs recorded during the quarter related to the Company’s TBT initiative and composed primarily of the costs associated with the VDP, including severance and other employee related costs. The decrease was partially offset by increased wireless revenues of $93 million.
F18 Q1
vs
F17 Q4
In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, net income decreased $370 million compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 mainly due to the $330 million gain on divestiture, net of tax, of ViaWest, as well as an $11 million non-operating provision recovery in the prior quarter.

Other income and expense items

Restructuring costs

Restructuring costs generally include severance, employee related costs and other costs directly associated with a restructuring program. For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019, the category included $nil and $1 million respectively in restructuring charges related to the Company’s TBT initiative for a total of $447 million since the beginning of the program in March 2018, of which $272 million has been paid up to and including May 31, 2019. 

As a first step in the TBT, the VDP was offered to eligible employees in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The outcome of the program had approximately 3,300 Shaw employees accepting the VDP package, representing approximately 25% of all employees. The costs related to this program make up the majority of the restructuring costs recorded in the prior year; however, in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, further organizational changes in the execution of TBT resulted in additional restructuring costs of $1 million.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, approximately 350 employees exited the Company, bringing the total number of employees who have departed under the VDP to approximately 2,060 employees. 

Amortization

        
        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change % 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change %
Amortization revenue (expense)       
Deferred equipment revenue 5   7   (28.6)  16   24   (33.3)
Deferred equipment costs (21) (27) (22.2)  (66) (85) (22.4)
Property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other (247) (232) 6.5    (738) (705) 4.7  

(1)       Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated as a result of a change in accounting policy. See “Accounting Standards”

Amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other increased 6.5% and 4.7% for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019, over the comparable period due to amortization of new expenditures exceeding the amortization of assets that became fully amortized during the period.

Amortization of financing costs and interest expense

        
        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)20192018Change % 20192018Change %
Amortization of financing costs – long-term debt 1  – –  2  2  –
Interest expense 62  60  3.3   192  184  4.3 

Interest expense for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019, was higher than the comparable periods primarily due to higher average outstanding debt balances in the current year. See note 11 of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further detail.

Equity income (loss) of an associate

For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019, the Company recorded equity income of $20 million and $46 million, respectively, related to its interest in Corus, compared to equity losses of $259 million and $213 million for the comparable period. The increase substantially reflects a $284 million impairment from the Company’s investment in Corus recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

On May 31, 2019, the Company sold all of its 80,630,383 Class B non-voting participating shares of Corus at a price of $6.80 per share. Proceeds, net of transaction costs, were $526 million, which resulted in a loss of $109 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019.

Other gains/losses

This category generally includes realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on U.S. dollar denominated current assets and liabilities, gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment and minor investments, and the Company’s share of the operations of Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership.

During the three-month period ended May 31, 2019, the Company recorded a net $41 million gain on the disposal of property, plant and equipment as well as a $15 million gain on the disposal of a minor portfolio investment.

Income taxes

Income taxes are lower in the quarter compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2018 mainly due to the decrease in applicable tax rates (Alberta statutory tax rate decrease).

 Financial position

Total assets were $15.5 billion at May 31, 2019, compared to $14.4 billion at August 31, 2018. The following is a discussion of significant changes in the consolidated statement of financial position since August 31, 2018. 

Current assets increased $1,062 million primarily due to increases in cash of $1,043 million, other current assets of $33 million, and current portion of contract assets of $2 million partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $19 million. Cash increased primarily due to the issuance of $1 billion of senior notes, netting proceeds of $993 million, proceeds of $551 million collected from the sale of Corus and other portfolio investments, proceeds of $46 million on the disposal of property, plant and equipment as well as funds provided by continuing operations. This was partially offset by cash outlays for the spectrum acquisition of $492 million and other capital additions.

Other current assets increased over the period mainly due to an increase in Wireless subscribers participating in the Company’s MyTab Boost, a plan that allows customers to pay less for their handset upfront if they pay a predetermined incremental amount on a monthly basis. This increase continues to be driven by growth in handset sales.

The current portion of contract assets increased over the period mainly due to an increase in Wireless subscribers participating in the Company’s discretionary wireless handset discount program, MyTab. Under IFRS 15, the portion of this discount relating to the handset is applied against equipment revenue at the point in time that the handset is transferred to the customer while the portion relating to service revenue is recorded as a contract asset and amortized over the life of the contract against future service revenues.

Investments and other assets decreased by $623 million due to the disposal of the Company’s investment in Corus and another minor portfolio investment. Property, plant and equipment increased $115 million due to capital investments in excess of amortization.  Intangible assets increased $470 million primarily due to the acquisition of spectrum for $492 million, partially offset by amortization of existing intangible assets.

Current liabilities increased $1.1 billion during the period primarily due to an increase in the current portion of long-term debt of $1.25 billion due to the reclassification of a $1.25 billion senior note coming due in October 2019, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $61 million, provisions of $6 million, income taxes payable of $40 million and current portion of contract liabilities of $7 million.

Accounts payable and accruals decreased due to the timing of payment and fluctuations in various payables including capital expenditures, interest and programming costs. The decrease in current provisions was mainly due to the payment of restructuring costs related to the TBT. In connection with the VDP, the Company recorded a total of $447 million in restructuring charges in fiscal 2018 and 2019 primarily related to severance and other related costs, of which $272 million has been paid, $174 million is included in current provisions and $1 million is included in long-term provisions. Income taxes payable decreased due to normal course tax installment payments, partially offset by the current period provision.

Long-term debt decreased $254 million primarily due to the change in classification of the $1.25 billion senior note to current liabilities, partially offset by the issuance of $1 billion in senior notes, with $500 million due in 2023 and $500 million due in 2028. 

Shareholders’ equity increased $265 million mainly due to an increase in share capital of $198 million and retained earnings of $107 million partially offset by an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $40 million. Share capital increased due to the issuance of 7,871,860 Class B non-voting participating shares (“Class B Non-Voting Shares”) under the Company’s stock option plan and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”). Retained earnings increased due to current year income of $569 million partially offset by dividends of $301 million.

As at June 15, 2019, there were 492,145,608 Class B Non-Voting Shares, 10,012,393 Series A Shares, 1,987,607 Series B Shares and 22,372,064 Class A Shares issued and outstanding. As at June 15, 2019, 8,518,001 Class B Non-Voting Shares were issuable on exercise of outstanding options. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Trading Symbols: TSX – SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE – SJR, and TSXV – SJR.A). For more information, please visit www.shaw.ca.

Liquidity and capital resources

In the nine-month period ended May 31, 2019, the Company generated $500 million of free cash flow. Shaw used its free cash flow along with $551 million net proceeds from the sale of its investment in Corus Class B shares and another minor portfolio investment, $993 million net proceeds from a senior note issuance, and proceeds on issuance of Class B Non-Voting Shares of $33 million to fund the net working capital change of $169 million, pay common share dividends of $292 million, purchase $492 million in spectrum licenses, and pay $102 million in restructuring costs. 

Debt structure and financial policy

On November 2, 2018, the Company solidified its balance sheet through the issuance of $1 billion in senior notes, comprised of $500 million at a rate of 3.80% due November 2, 2023 and $500 million at a rate of 4.40% due November 2, 2028. The funds will be used for general corporate purposes which may include the repayment of indebtedness. On November 21, 2018, the Company amended the terms of its $1.5 billion bank credit facility to extend the maturity date to December 2023. The facility can be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including to issue letters of credit.

The Company issued Class B Non-Voting Shares from treasury under its DRIP which resulted in cash savings and incremental Class B Non-Voting Shares of $161 million during the nine-month period ending May 31, 2019. 

Effective May 29, 2019, the Company amended the terms of its accounts receivable securitization program to extend the term of the program to May 29, 2022 and increase the sales committed up to a maximum of $200 million. As at May 31, 2019, $40 million was drawn under the program.  The Company continues to service and retain substantially all of the risks and rewards relating to the trade receivables sold, and therefore, the trade receivables remain recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and the funding received is recorded as a current liability (revolving floating rate loans) secured by the trade receivables. The buyer’s interest in the accounts receivable ranks ahead of the Company’s interest and the program restricts it from using the trade receivables as collateral for any other purpose. The buyer of the trade receivable has no claim on any other assets of the Company.

As at May 31, 2019, the net debt leverage ratio for the Company was 1.8x. Considering the prevailing competitive, operational and capital market conditions, the Board of Directors has determined that having this ratio in the range of 2.0 to 2.5x would be optimal leverage for the Company in the current environment. Should the ratio fall below this, other than on a temporary basis, the Board may choose to recapitalize back into this optimal range. The Board may also determine to increase the Company’s debt above these levels to finance specific strategic opportunities such as a significant acquisition or repurchase of Class B Non-Voting Shares in the event that pricing levels were to drop precipitously.

The Company calculates net debt leverage ratio as follows(1):

    
    
(millions of Canadian dollars)May 31, 2019 August 31, 2018
restated(3)
Short-term borrowings 40    40  
Current portion of long-term debt 1,251    1  
Long-term debt 4,056    4,310  
50% of outstanding preferred shares 147    147  
Cash (1,427)  (384)
(A) Net debt(2) 4,067    4,114  
Operating income before restructuring costs and amortization 2,179    2,056  
Corus dividends 33    92  
(B) Adjusted operating income before restructuring costs  and amortization(2) 2,212    2,148  
(A/B) Net debt leverage ratio1.8x  1.9x 

(1)          The following contains a description of the Company’s use of non-IFRS financial measures, provides a reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure or provides a reference to such reconciliation.
(2)         These financial measures do not have standard definitions prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies and have not been presented as an alternative to liquidity prescribed by IFRS.
(3)       Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15 and also reflect a change in accounting policy. See “Accounting Standards”

Shaw’s credit facilities are subject to customary covenants which include maintaining minimum or maximum financial ratios.

   
   
  Covenant Limit
Shaw Credit Facilities  
Total Debt to Operating Cash Flow(1) Ratio < 5.00:1
Operating Cash Flow(1) to Fixed Charges(2) Ratio > 2.00:1

(1)          Operating Cash Flow, for the purposes of the covenants, is calculated as net earnings before interest expense, depreciation, amortization, restructuring, and current and deferred income taxes, excluding profit or loss from investments accounted for on an equity basis, for the most recently completed fiscal quarter multiplied by four, plus cash dividends and other cash distributions received in the most recently completed four fiscal quarters from investments accounted for on an equity basis.
(2)          Fixed Charges are defined as the aggregate interest expense for the most recently completed fiscal quarter multiplied by four.

As at May 31, 2019, Shaw is in compliance with these covenants and based on current business plans, the Company is not aware of any condition or event that would give rise to non-compliance with the covenants over the life of the borrowings which currently mature in December of 2023.

Based on the aforementioned financing activities, available credit facilities and forecasted free cash flow, the Company expects to have sufficient liquidity to fund operations, obligations, working capital requirements, including maturing debt, during the upcoming fiscal year. On a longer-term basis, Shaw expects to generate free cash flow and have borrowing capacity sufficient to finance foreseeable future business plans and refinance maturing debt.

On December 4, 2018, the Company entered into new unsecured letter of credit facilities, under which letters of credit were issued in favour of and filed with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (“ISED”) to fulfill the pre-auction financial deposit requirement with respect to its application to participate in the 600 MHz spectrum auction which occurred during the period from March 14, 2019 to April 10, 2019.  The Company’s wireless subsidiary, Freedom Mobile Inc., successfully acquired 11 paired blocks of 20-year 600 MHz spectrum, across its wireless operating footprint, for a total price of $492 million.  In accordance with 600 MHz auction terms, 20% ($98 million) was paid to ISED on April 26, 2019 and the remaining 80% balance ($394 million) was paid on May 24, 2019.  As of May 31, 2019, all of the letters of credit were cancelled and the unsecured letter of credit facilities were all terminated.

As at May 31, 2019, the Company had $1.4 billion of cash on hand, its $1.5 billion bank credit facility was fully undrawn and there was an additional $160 million available to draw under its accounts receivable securitization program.

Cash Flow from Operations

Operating Activities

        
        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change % 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Change %
Funds flow from continuing operations 471   437  7.8  1,354   755   79.3 
Net change in non-cash balances related to operations (39) (64)39.1  (221) 143  >(100.0)
Operating activities of discontinued operations –  –  –  –  (2)100.0
  432   373   15.8   1,133   896   26.5 

(1)       Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15 and also reflect a change in accounting policy. See “Accounting Standards”

For the three months ended May 31, 2019, funds flow from operating activities increased over the comparable period in fiscal 2018 primarily due to an increase in net income from continuing operations and an increase in the net change in non-cash balances related to operations. The net change in non-cash balances related to operations fluctuated over the comparative period due to changes in accounts receivable and other current asset balances, and the timing of payment of current income taxes payable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Investing Activities

        
        
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Decrease 2019 2018
(restated)(1)
Decrease
Cash flow used in investing activities (202) (262) (60)  (814) (857) (43)

(1)       Fiscal 2018 reported figures have been restated applying IFRS 15 and also reflects a change in accounting policy. See “Accounting Standards”

For the three months ended May 31, 2019, the cash used in investing activities decreased over the comparable period in fiscal 2018 due primarily to the $526 million of net proceeds received on the disposal of the Company’s equity investment in Corus partially offset by the acquisition of spectrum of $492 million in and higher cash outlays for capital expenditures in the current period.

Financing Activities

The changes in financing activities during the comparative periods were as follows:

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018  2019 2018 
Senior notes – net borrowings –  –   1,000   10  
Bank facility arrangement costs –  –   (9) – 
Dividends (100) (98)  (299) (292)
Issuance of Class B Non-Voting Shares 10   4    33   31  
Other (1) (1)  (1) (1)
  (91) (95)  724   (252)

On November 2, 2018, the Company solidified its balance sheet through the issuance of $1 billion in senior notes, comprised of $500 million at a rate of 3.80% due November 2, 2023 and $500 million at a rate of 4.40% due November 2, 2028, less transaction costs of $7 million. On November 21, 2018 the Company amended the terms of its $1.5 billion bank credit facility to extend the maturity date to December 2023 which resulted in $2 million in facility arrangement costs. (See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further detail).

Contractual Obligations

There has been no material change in the Company’s contractual obligations, including commitments for capital expenditures, between August 31, 2018 and May 31, 2019.

 Accounting standards

The MD&A included in the Company’s August 31, 2018 Annual Report outlined critical accounting policies, including key estimates and assumptions that management has made under these policies, and how they affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The MD&A also describes significant accounting policies where alternatives exist. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended August 31, 2018. The condensed interim consolidated financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as the most recent annual consolidated financial statements except as described below.

a)    New accounting standards

We adopted the following new accounting standards effective September 1, 2018.

  • IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was issued in May 2014 and replaces IAS 11 Construction Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue, IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programs, IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers and SIC-31 Revenue—Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services. The new standard requires revenue to be recognized in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. The principles are to be applied in the following five steps:

                        (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer;
                        (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract;
                        (3) determine the transaction price;
                        (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and,
                        (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

IFRS 15 also provides guidance relating to the treatment of contract acquisition and contract fulfillment costs.

The application of IFRS 15 impacted the Company’s reported results, including the classification and timing of revenue recognition and the treatment of costs incurred to obtain contracts with customers.

The application of this standard most significantly affected our Wireless arrangements that bundle equipment and service together, specifically with regards to the timing of recognition and classification of revenue. The timing of recognition and classification of revenue was affected because at contract inception, IFRS 15 requires the estimation of total consideration to be received over the contract term, and the allocation of that consideration to performance obligations in the contract, typically based on the relative stand-alone selling price of each obligation.  This resulted in a decrease to equipment revenue recognized at contract inception, as the discount previously recognized over 24 months is now recognized at contract inception, and a decrease to service revenue recognized over the course of the contract, as a portion of the discount previously allocated solely to equipment revenue is allocated to service revenue. The measurement of total revenue recognized over the life of a contract was unaffected by the new standard.

IFRS 15 also requires that incremental costs to obtain a contract with a customer (for example, commissions) be capitalized and amortized into operating expenses over the life of a contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. The Company previously expensed such costs as incurred.
             
The Company’s financial position was also impacted by the adoption of IFRS 15, with new contract asset and contract liability categories recognized to reflect differences between the timing of revenue recognition and the actual billing of those goods and services to customers.
             
For purposes of applying the new standard on an ongoing basis, we are required to make judgments in respect of the new standard, including judgments in determining whether a promise to deliver goods or services is considered distinct, how to determine the transaction prices and how to allocate those amounts amongst the associated performance obligations. We must also exercise judgment as to whether sales-based compensation amounts are costs incurred to obtain contracts with customers that should be capitalized and subsequently amortized on a systematic basis over time.
             
We have made a policy choice to adopt IFRS 15 with full retrospective application, subject to certain practical expedients. As a result, all comparative information in these financial statements has been prepared as if IFRS 15 had been in effect since September 1, 2017. The accounting policies set out in note 2 have been applied in preparing the interim consolidated financial statements as at and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019, the comparative information presented for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018, and for the consolidated statements of financial position as at September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018.
            
Upon adoption of, and transition to, IFRS 15, we elected to utilize the following practical expedients:

  • Completed contracts that begin and end within the same annual reporting period and those completed before September 1, 2017 are not restated;
  • Contracts modified prior to September 1, 2017 are not restated. The aggregate effect of these modifications is reflected when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations; and
  • Not disclose, on an annual basis, the unsatisfied portions of performance obligations related to contracts with a duration of one year or less or where the revenue we recognize is equal to the amount invoiced to the customer.

Impacts of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The effect of transition to IFRS 15 on impacted line items on our condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as disclosed in “Transition adjustments” below for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018, are as follows:

              
              
  Three months ended May 31, 2018 Nine months ended May 31, 2018
  As  Effect of Subsequent to As  Effect of Subsequent to 
(millions of Canadian dollars) reported transition transition reported transition transition 
Revenuei.1,300   (11) 1,289  3,904   (41) 3,863  
Operating, general and administrative expensesii. (753)  2   (751)  (2,375)  13   (2,362) 
Other revenue (expense)  1   –   1    3   3    6  
Income tax expense (recovery)  58   (3)  55   82   (10)  72  
Net loss from continuing operations  (91)  (6)  (97)  (141)  (15)  (156) 

i) Allocation of transaction price
Revenue recognized at point of sale requires the estimation of total consideration over the contract term and allocation of that consideration to all performance obligations in the contract based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. For Wireless term contracts, equipment revenue recognized at contract inception, as well as service revenue recognized over the course of the contract is lower than previously recognized as noted above. 

ii) Deferred commission costs
Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer were previously expensed as incurred. Under IFRS 15, these costs are capitalized and subsequently amortized as an expense over the life of the customer on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods and services to which the asset relates. As a result, commission costs are reduced in the period, with an offsetting increase in amortization of capitalized costs over the average life of a customer.

The effect of transition to IFRS 15 on our disaggregated revenues for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018 are as follows:

             
             
  Three months ended May 31, 2018 Nine months ended May 31, 2018
  As  Effect of Subsequent to As  Effect of Subsequent to
(millions of Canadian dollars) reported transition transition reported transition transition
Services            
  Wireline - Consumer  923   –   923   2,784   –   2,784 
  Wireline - Business  141   –   141   421   –   421 
  Wireless  155   (9)  146   428   (21)  407 
   1,219   (9)  1,210   3,633   (21)  3,612 
Equipment and other            
  Wireless  82   (2)  80   274   (20)  254 
   82   (2)  80   274   (20)  254 
Intersegment eliminations  (1)  –   (1)  (3)  –   (3)
Total revenue  1,300   (11)  1,289   3,904   (41)  3,863 

For the year ended August 31, 2018, the total effect of transition on revenue was a decrease of $50 million. Additional details on the full impact of IFRS 15 on fiscal 2018 results can be found under Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended August 31, 2018.

The effect of transition to IFRS 15 on impacted line items on our condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as disclosed in “Transition adjustments” below as at September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018 are as follows:

         
         
  As at September 1, 2017 As at August 31, 2018
  As Effect ofSubsequent to As Effect ofSubsequent to
(millions of Canadian dollars) reportedtransitiontransition reportedtransitiontransition
         
Current portion of contract assetsi. – 15   15   – 59   59 
Other current assetsii. 155  24   179   286  (13) 273 
Contract assetsi. – 44   44   – 76   76 
Other long-term assetsii. 255  (39) 216   300  (102) 198 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesi. 913  (4) 909   971  (1) 970 
Unearned revenuei. 211  (211) –  221  (221) –
Current portion of contract liabilitiesi. – 214   214   – 226   226 
Deferred creditsi. 490  (21) 469   460  (18) 442 
Deferred income tax liabilitiesii. 1,858  5   1,863   1,894  (6) 1,888 
Contract liabilitiesi. – 21   21   – 18   18 
Shareholders' equity  6,154  40   6,194   5,957  22   5,979 

i) Contract assets and liabilities

Contract assets and liabilities are the result of the difference in timing related to revenue recognized at the beginning of a contract and cash collected. Contract assets arise primarily as a result of the difference between revenue recognized on the sale of wireless device at the onset of a term contract and the cash collected at the point of sale.

Contract liabilities are the result of receiving payment related to a customer contract before providing the related goods or services. We will account for contract assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis, with each contract being presented as a single net contract asset or net contract liability accordingly.

ii) Deferred commission cost asset

Under IFRS 15, we will defer commission costs paid to internal and external representatives as a result of obtaining contracts with customers as deferred commission cost assets and amortize them over the pattern of the transfer of goods and services to the customer, which is typically evenly over 24 to 36 months.

Refer to “Transition adjustments” below for the impact of application of IFRS 15 on our previously reported consolidated statements of cash flows.

  • IFRS 9 Financial Instruments was revised and issued in July 2014 and replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. IFRS 9 includes updated guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments, new guidance on measuring impairment on financial assets, and new hedge accounting guidance. We have applied IFRS 9, and the related consequential amendments to other IFRSs, on a retrospective basis except for the changes to hedge accounting as described below which were applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of IFRS 9 did not have a significant impact on our financial performance or the carrying amounts of our financial instruments as set out in “Transition adjustments” below.

IFRS 9 replaces the classification and measurement models in IAS 39 with a single model under which financial assets are classified and measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) and eliminates the IAS 39 categories of held-to-maturity, loans and receivables and available-for-sale. Investments and equity instruments are required to be measured by default at FVTPL unless an irrevocable option for each equity instrument is taken to measure at FVOCI. The classification and measurement of financial assets is based on the business model that the asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. The adoption of IFRS 9 did not change the measurement bases of our financial assets

  • Cash and derivative instruments classified as held-for-trading and measured at FVTPL under IAS 39 continue to be measured as such under IFRS 9 with an updated classification of FVTPL
  • Investments in equity securities not quoted in an active market and where fair value cannot be reliably measured that were classified as available-for-sale and recorded at cost less impairment under IAS 39 are now required to be classified and measured at FVTPL under IFRS 9. There has been no change to the measurement of these assets on transition
  • Trade and other receivables classified as loans and receivables and measured at amortized cost under IAS 39 continue to be measured as such under IFRS 9 with an updated classification of amortized cost

For financial liabilities, IFRS 9 retains most of the IAS 39 requirements. We did not choose the option of designating any financial liabilities at FVTPL as such, the adoption of IFRS 9 did not impact our accounting policies for financial liabilities as all liabilities continue to be measured at amortized cost.

The impairment of financial assets under IFRS 9 is based on an expected credit loss (ECL) model, as opposed to the incurred loss model in IAS 39. IFRS 9 applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including contract assets under IFRS 15, and requires that we consider factors that include historical, current and forward-looking information when measuring the ECL. We use the simplified approach for measuring losses based on the lifetime ECL for trade receivables and contract assets. Amounts considered uncollectible are written off and recognized in operating, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income. This change did not have a significant impact to our receivables.

IFRS 9 does not fundamentally change the types of hedging relationships or the requirements to measure and recognize ineffectiveness; however, it requires us to ensure that the hedge accounting relationships are aligned with our risk management objective and strategy and to apply a more qualitative and forward-looking approach to assess hedge effectiveness. It also requires that amounts related to cash flow hedges of anticipated purchases of non-financial assets settled during the period to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to the initial cost of the non-financial asset when it is recognized. Under IAS 39, when an anticipated transaction was subsequently recorded as a non-financial asset, the amounts were reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss).

In accordance with IFRS 9’s transition provisions for hedge accounting, the Company has applied the IFRS 9 hedge accounting requirements prospectively from the date of initial application without restatement of prior period comparatives. The Company’s qualifying hedging relationships in place as at August 31, 2018 also qualified for hedge accounting in accordance with IFRS 9 and were therefore regarded as continuing hedging relationships. As the critical terms of the hedging instruments match those of their corresponding hedged items, all hedging relationships continue to be effective under IFRS 9’s effectiveness assessment requirements. The Company has not designated any hedging relationships under IFRS 9 that would not have met the qualifying hedge accounting criteria under IAS 39.

b)    Standards and amendments to standards issued but not yet effective

The Company has not yet adopted certain standards and amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective.  The following pronouncements are being assessed to determine their impact on the Company’s results and financial position.

  • IFRS 16 Leases was issued in January 2016 and replaces IAS 17 Leases. The new standard requires entities to recognize lease assets and lease obligations on the balance sheet. For lessees, IFRS 16 removes the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases, effectively treating all leases as finance leases. Certain short-term leases (less than 12 months) and leases of low-value are exempt from the requirements and may continue to be treated as operating leases. Lessors will continue with a dual lease classification model. Classification will determine how and when a lessor will recognize lease revenue, and what assets would be recorded.

    As the Company has significant contractual obligations currently being recognized as operating leases, we anticipate that the application of IFRS 16 will result in a material increase to both assets and liabilities and material changes to the timing of the recognition of expenses associated with the lease arrangements although at this stage in the Company’s IFRS 16 implementation process, it is not possible to make reasonable quantitative estimates of the effects of the new standard.

    The Company continues to assess the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and is progressing with the implementation of a new system that will enable it to comply with the requirements of the standard on a contract-by-contract basis. The Company continues to evaluate its accounting policy determinations and has commenced the data validation process, both of which the Company expects will continue throughout fiscal 2019. The Company has decided that it will use a modified retrospective approach upon adoption of IFRS 16 on September 1, 2019. The Company intends to disclose the estimated financial effects of the adoption of IFRS 16 in its 2019 annual audited consolidated financial statements.
  • IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments was issued in 2017 to clarify how to apply the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12 when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments.  It is required to be applied for annual periods commencing January 1, 2019, which for the Company will be the annual period commencing September 1, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

c)    Change in accounting policy

Effective September 1, 2018, the Company voluntarily changed its accounting policy related to the treatment of digital cable terminals (“DCTs”) to record them as property, plant and equipment rather than inventory upon acquisition. The Company believes that the change in accounting policy will result in clearer and more relevant financial information as the Company has recently changed its offerings to customers, which has resulted in DCTs being predominantly rented rather than sold to customers. Previously, inventories included DCTs which were held pending rental or sale to the customer at cost or at a subsidized price. When the subscriber equipment was rented, it was transferred to property, plant and equipment and amortized over its useful life and then removed from capital and returned to inventory when returned by a customer. Under the new policy, all DCTs will be classified as property, plant and equipment regardless of whether or not they are currently deployed to a customer as the Company believes that this better reflects the economic substance of its operations. This change in accounting policy has been applied retrospectively. Refer to “Transition adjustments” below for the impact of this change of accounting policy on previously reported Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

d)    Transition adjustments

Below is the effect of transition to IFRS 15 and adoption of our new accounting policy described above on our condensed consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018.

                
                
 Three months ended May 31, 2018 Nine months ended May 31, 2018
(millions of Canadian dollars)As reported IFRS 15 transition Change in accounting
policy
 Subsequent
to transition
 As reported IFRS 15 transition Change in accounting
policy
 Subsequent
to transition
Revenue 1,300    (11)  –   1,289    3,904    (41)  –   3,863  
Operating, general and administrative expenses (753)  2    –   (751)  (2,375)  13    –   (2,362)
Restructuring costs (13)  –   –   (13)  (430)  –   –   (430)
Amortization:               
Deferred equipment revenue 7    –   –   7    24    –   –   24  
Deferred equipment costs (27)  –   –   (27)  (85)  –   –   (85)
Property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other (229)  –   (3)  (232)  (695)  –   (10)  (705)
Operating income from continuing operations 285    (9)  (3)  273    343    (28)  (10)  305  
Amortization of financing costs – long-term debt –   –   –   –   (2)  –   –   (2)
Interest expense (60)  –   –   (60)  (184)  –   –   (184)
Equity income of an associate or joint venture (259)  –   –   (259)  (213)  –   –   (213)
Other revenue (expense) 1    –   –   1    3    3    –   6  
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (33)  (9)  (3)  (45)  (53)  (25)  (10)  (88)
Current income tax expense 18    –   –   18    96    –   –   96  
Deferred income tax expense (recovery) 40    (3)  (1)  36    (14)  (10)  (3)  (27)
Net loss from continuing operations (91)  (6)  (2)  (99)  (135)  (15)  (7)  (157)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax –   –   –   –   (6)  –   –   (6)
Net loss from continuing operations (91)  (6)  (2)  (99)  (141)  (15)  (7)  (163)
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to:               
Equity shareholders (91)  (6)  (2)  (99)  (135)  (15)  (7)  (157)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to:               
Equity shareholders –   –   –   –   (6)  –   –   (6)
Basic earnings (loss) per share               
Continuing operations (0.18)  –   –   (0.20)  (0.28)  –   –   (0.33)
Discontinued operations -   –   –   -   (0.01)  –   –   (0.01)
  (0.18)  –   –   (0.20)  (0.29)  –   –   (0.34)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share                
Continuing operations (0.18)  –   –   (0.20)  (0.28)  –   –   (0.33)
Discontinued operations -   –   –   -   (0.01)  –   –   (0.01)
  (0.18)  –   –   (0.20)  (0.29)  –   –   (0.34)


Below is the effect of transition to IFRS 15 and adoption of our new accounting policy described above on our condensed consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018.

          
          
 As at September 1, 2017 As at August 31, 2018
(millions of Canadian dollars)As reportedIFRS 15 transitionChange in
accounting policy
Subsequent to transition As reportedIFRS 15 transitionChange in
accounting policy
Subsequent to transition
ASSETS         
Current         
Cash 507  –  –  507   384  –  –  384 
Accounts receivable 286  –  –  286   255  –  (2) 253 
Inventories 109  –  (50) 59   101  –  (40) 61 
Other current assets 155  24   –  179   286  (13) –  273 
Current portion of contract assets – 15   –  15   – 59   –  59 
Assets held for sale 61  –  –  61   – –  –  –
  1,118  39   (50) 1,107   1,026  46   (42) 1,030 
Investments and other assets 937  –  –  937   660  –  –  660 
Property, plant and equipment 4,344  –  50   4,394   4,672  –  30   4,702 
Other long-term assets 255  (39) –  216   300  (102) (1) 197 
Deferred income tax assets 4  –  –  4   4  –  –  4 
Intangibles 7,435  –  –  7,435   7,482  –  –  7,482 
Goodwill 280  –  –  280   280  –  –  280 
Contract assets – 44   –  44   – 76   –  76 
  14,373  44   –  14,417   14,424  20   (13) 14,431 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY      
Current         
Short-term borrowings – –  –  –  40  –  –  40 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 913  (4) –  909   971  (1) –  970 
Provisions 76  –  –  76   245  –  –  245 
Income taxes payable 151  –  –  151   133  –  –  133 
Unearned revenue 211  (211) –  -  221  (221) –  –
Current portion of contract liabilities – 214   –  214   – 226   –  226 
Current portion of long-term debt 2  –  –  2   1  –  –  1 
Liabilities held for sale 39  –  –  39   – –  –  –
  1,392  (1) –  1,391   1,611  4   –  1,615 
Long-term debt 4,298  –  –  4,298   4,310  –  –  4,310 
Other long-term liabilities 114  –  –  114   13  –  –  13 
Provisions 67  –  –  67   179  –  –  179 
Deferred credits 490  (21) –  469   460  (18) –  442 
Contract liabilities – 21   –  21   – 18   –  18 
Deferred income tax liabilities 1,858  5   –  1,863   1,894  (6) (4) 1,884 
  8,219  4   –  8,223   8,467  (2) (4) 8,461 
Shareholders' equity         
Common and preferred shareholders 6,153  40   –  6,193   5,956  22   (9) 5,969 
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries 1  –  –  1   1  –  –  1 
  6,154  40   –  6,194   5,957  22   (9) 5,970 
  14,373  44   –  14,417   14,424  20   (13) 14,431 

Below is the effect of transition to IFRS 15 and adoption of our new accounting policy described above on our condensed consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018.

                
                
 Three months ended May 31, 2018 Nine months ended May 31, 2018
(millions of Canadian dollars)As reported IFRS 15 transition Change in accounting
policy
 Subsequent to transition As reported IFRS 15 transition Change in accounting
policy
 Subsequent to transition
OPERATING ACTIVITIES               
Funds flow from continuing operations 459   (22)  –   437    817    (62)  –   755  
Net change in non-cash balances related to continuing operations (101)  22    15    (64)  86    62    (5)  143  
Operating activities of discontinued operations –   –   –   –   (2)  –   –   (2)
  358    –   15    373    901    –   (5)  896  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES               
Additions to property, plant and equipment (231)  –   (15)  (246)  (833)  –   5    (828)
Additions to equipment costs (net) (11)  –   –   (11)  (37)  –   –   (37)
Additions to other intangibles (29)  –   –   (29)  (84)  –   –   (84)
Proceeds on sale of discontinued operations, net of cash sold –   –   –   –   18    –   –   18  
Net additions to investments and other assets 23    –   –   23    65    –   –   65  
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 1    –   –   1    9    –   –   9  
  (247)  –   (15)  (262)  (862)  –   5    (857)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES               
Increase in long-term debt –   –   –   –   10    –   –   10  
Debt repayments (1)  –   –   (1)  (1)  –   –   (1)
Issue of Class B Non-Voting Shares 4    –   –   4    31    –   –   31  
Dividends paid on Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares (96)  –   –   (96)  (286)  –   –   (286)
Dividends paid on Preferred Shares (2)  –   –   (2)  (6)  –   –   (6)
  (95)  –   –   (95)  (252)  –   –   (252)
Increase (decrease) in cash 16    –   –   16    (213)  –   –   (213)
Cash, beginning of the period 278    –   –   278    507    –   –   507  
Cash of continuing operations, end of the period 294    –   –   294    294    –   –   294  


Related party transactions

The Company’s transactions with related parties are discussed in its Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended August 31, 2018 under “Related Party Transactions” and under Note 28 of the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended August 31, 2018. 

On May 15, 2019, the Company completed the sale of a non-core parcel of land and the building located thereon (the “Property”), to an affiliate of Shaw Family Living Trust (“SFLT”) (the “Purchaser”), for total net proceeds of approximately $45 million (for further detail about SFLT see “Known Events, Risks and Uncertainties - Control of the Company” in the Company’s 2018 Annual MD&A). The Property had a net book value of approximately $4 million resulting in a gain on disposition of approximately $41 million. The purchase price was determined based on appraisals performed by two independent valuators.  As part of the transaction, the Purchaser agreed to lease back the Property to the Company for a term of three years at market rental rates (which was also based on appraisals from the two independent valuators) allowing the Company to monetize a non-core asset. The transaction was approved by the independent Board members of the Company.

Other than the transaction noted above, there has been no material change in the Company’s transactions with related parties between August 31, 2018 and May 31, 2019.

Financial instruments

There has been no material change in the Company’s risk management practices with respect to financial instruments between August 31, 2018 and May 31, 2019.  See “Known Events, Trends, Risks and Uncertainties – Interest Rates, Foreign Exchange Rates and Capital Markets” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended August 31, 2018 and the section entitled “Financial Instruments” under Note 29 of the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended August 31, 2018.

Internal controls and procedures

Details relating to disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”), are discussed in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended August 31, 2018 under “Certification.” Other than the items described below, there have been no changes in the Company’s ICFR in fiscal 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s ICFR.

On September 1, 2018, the Company adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and implemented a new revenue recognition accounting system that enabled it to comply with the IFRS 15 requirements. As a result, significant additions and modifications have been made to the Company’s ICFR for the Wireless segment. Notably, the Company has:

  • updated its policies and procedures related to how revenue is recognized;
  • implemented controls surrounding the recently implemented revenue recognition system to ensure the inputs, processes, and outputs are accurate; and
  • implemented controls designed to address risks associated with the five-step revenue recognition model.

On December 4, 2018, the Company implemented a new Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system for its Wireline operations that comprises both accounting and supply chain modules. In connection with the implementation, the Company updated its ICFR, as necessary, to accommodate related changes to its business processes and accounting procedures. Management will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these processes going forward.

Risks and uncertainties

The significant risks and uncertainties affecting the Company and its business are discussed in the Company’s MD&A for the year ended August 31, 2018 under “Known Events, Trends, Risks and Uncertainties”.

Government regulations and regulatory developments

See our MD&A for the year ended August 31, 2018 for a discussion of the significant regulations that affected our operations as at November 28, 2018. The following is a list of the significant regulatory developments since that date.

Income Tax

On May 28, 2019, the Alberta government passed Bill 3, the Job Creation Tax Cut, which will reduce the Alberta provincial corporate tax rates from 12% to 8% in a phased approach between July 1, 2019 and January 1, 2022. As these changes were considered substantively enacted on May 28, 2019, we recognized a $102 million recovery of deferred tax for the three months ended May 31, 2019 related to this change.

ISED Consultation on Service Areas

At the end of 2018, ISED initiated a consultation on a new set of smaller service areas for spectrum licensing (Tier 5) to complement ISED’s existing suite of spectrum licensing mechanisms, noting that a smaller licensing area option would encourage additional access to spectrum within rural areas. A decision is pending.

Copyright

Bill C-86, the Budget Implementation Act (“BIA”) received Royal Assent on December 17, 2018 and contains several amendments to the Copyright Act which came into force on April 1, 2019. The amendments create the potential for increased fees as well as risk of copyright infringement. The BIA will eliminate the Act’s mandatory tariff-setting regime for SOCAN tariffs (public performance of works) by the Copyright Board, providing SOCAN the option of negotiating payments on a user-by-user basis through direct licensing. A direct licensing approach, if undertaken by SOCAN, could increase royalty rates as well as the transactional costs associated with negotiating rates. The BIA also potentially increases risk of claims (and associated liability) in connection with unrepresented repertoire, by removing a provision that prevented infringement proceedings by unrepresented rightsholders in situations where no tariff is filed.

On December 18, 2018, the Copyright Board released a rate decision for the Distant Signal Retransmission Tariff for the past tariff period of 2014-2018, inclusive, without written reasons. The decision introduced a rate increase over the last year of the previous tariff period, from $0.98 per subscriber/month to an average of $1.14 over the tariff period, with a 2018 rate of $1.17. In the first quarter, the Company incurred retroactive costs of $7.4 million for the higher than expected retransmission tariff rates applicable to the 2014 to 2018 period. An interim tariff for 2019 is now in effect, based on the 2018 rate set out in the December 18, 2018 decision. On January 18, 2019, the Collectives and Objectors each filed a Notice of Application for judicial review with the Federal Court of Appeal (“FCA”), and a request for an adjournment pending the issuance of the Board’s written reasons for the rate decision, which request has been granted. This preserves the rights of both sides to file for judicial review when the Copyright Board’s reasons are issued.  If, following the Copyright Board’s reasons, any Collective or Objector chooses to resume the judicial review of the Board’s decision, such a review could result in increased royalty rates pursuant to any redetermination of the rates by the Board.

Lower Cost Data-Only Plans

In Telecom Decision CRTC 2018-97, the CRTC acknowledged the Government’s concerns about wireless affordability at the lower end of the market, particularly for data-only packages, and found that it was unclear whether the market could be relied on to deliver lower cost data-only plans.  Accordingly, the CRTC launched a new consultation to investigate the availability and pricing of data-only packages, including whether wireless carriers should be required to offer low-cost data-only packages.  On December 17, 2018, the CRTC determined that it would refrain from mandating specific low-cost data-only plans, instead opting to direct the three incumbent national wireless carriers to make available proposed low-cost data-only plans and to keep those plans in the market at least until a decision is issued in an upcoming review of mobile wireless services, which review is described below.

CRTC Report on Use of Misleading or Aggressive Sales Practices

On February 20, 2019, the CRTC published its Report on Misleading or Aggressive Communications Retail Sales Practices and found that “a significant portion of Canadians are experiencing misleading or aggressive sales practices through all types of sales channels” in connection with their purchase of telecommunications and broadcasting services.  While the Report did not result in new rules or regulatory obligations, the Report’s findings could lead to new measures implemented in the context of current or future proceedings, which, if introduced, could negatively impact the Company’s revenues.

CRTC Wireless Review

On February 28, 2019, the CRTC issued the Notice of Consultation for its anticipated review of the regulatory framework for mobile wireless services in Canada. The proceeding will include assessments of:

  • retail mobile wireless competition and whether any regulatory interventions in the retail market are required,
  • wholesale wireless regulation, with a focus on wholesale access for mobile virtual network operators (“MVNO”), and
  • whether there are barriers to the introduction of new technologies and any regulatory interventions required to support investment and competition. 

The Notice conveys the CRTC’s preliminary view that it would be appropriate to mandate wholesale MVNO access to the networks of the national incumbents. The Notice includes a series of questions regarding the possible eligibility requirements and other terms and conditions of a possible mandated MVNO regime, among other topics. The CRTC’s determinations on these and other questions in the Notice could affect Shaw’s ability to compete in the mobile wireless market. The new Policy Direction to the CRTC regarding telecommunications, described below, will apply to this proceeding.

ISED Spectrum Policy Developments

On June 5, 2019, ISED released its decision on revisions to the 3500 MHz (3450-3650 MHz) band to accommodate use for mobile services, as well as its framework consultation for the auction, which will likely take place in 2020. The decision enables existing holders to retain a portion of their spectrum and convert it to mobile spectrum. The remainder of the spectrum will be made available for the auction. The consultation seeks comments on potential pro-competitive measures, including a set-aside, a cap, or a combination of mechanisms. The decision also indicated that ISED will undertake further review of the 3650-3700 MHz and 3700-4200 MHz bands in the future. 

On June 5, ISED also released a decision on the future release of millimeter wave spectrum. The decision allows future mobile use in the 26 GHz, 28 GHz, and 38 GHz bands, and licence-exempt use in the 64-71 GHz bands, the details of which will be determined through future proceedings.

New Government Policy Direction to CRTC Regarding Telecommunications

On June 16, 2019, the Government published a finalized Policy Direction (following its publication of a proposed Policy Direction on March 9, 2019) that provides general guidance to the CRTC on all telecommunications regulatory measures, including those affecting our Consumer and Business internet and phone services, our wholesale telecommunications services, and our Wireless services. The new Policy Direction directs the CRTC to consider how measures can promote all forms of competition and investment, as well as affordability, consumer interests and innovation. The impact of the new Policy Direction will depend on how the CRTC interprets it in the context of specific matters and proceedings.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(unaudited)

      
      
   August 31, 2018 September 1, 2017
(millions of Canadian dollars)May 31, 2019 (restated, note 2) (restated, note 2)
ASSETS     
Current     
Cash 1,427   384   507 
Accounts receivable 234   253   286 
Inventories 64   61   59 
Other current assets [note 5] 306   273   179 
Current portion of contract assets [note 4] 61   59   15 
Assets held for sale –  –  61 
  2,092   1,030   1,107 
Investments and other assets [notes 16 and 17] 37   660   937 
Property, plant and equipment 4,817   4,702   4,394 
Other long-term assets [note 16] 210   197   216 
Deferred income tax assets 4   4   4 
Intangibles [note 18] 7,952   7,482   7,435 
Goodwill 280   280   280 
Contract assets [note 4] 75   76   44 
  15,467   14,431   14,417 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY     
Current     
Short-term borrowings [note 6] 40   40   –
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 909   970   909 
Provisions [note 7] 239   245   76 
Income taxes payable 93   133   151 
Current portion of contract liabilities [note 4] 219   226   214 
Current portion of long-term debt [notes 11 and 16] 1,251   1   2 
Liabilities held for sale –  –  39 
  2,751   1,615   1,391 
Long-term debt [notes 11 and 16] 4,056   4,310   4,298 
Other long-term liabilities 57   13   114 
Provisions [note 7] 75   179   67 
Deferred credits 431   442   469 
Contract liabilities [note 4] 15   18   21 
Deferred income tax liabilities 1,847   1,884   1,863 
  9,232   8,461   8,223 
Shareholders' equity [notes 12 and 14]     
Common and preferred shareholders 6,232   5,969   6,193 
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries 3   1   1 
  6,235   5,970   6,194 
  15,467   14,431   14,417 

See accompanying notes.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited)

      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
Revenue [notes 3 and 4] 1,324   1,289    3,995   3,863  
Operating, general and administrative expenses [note 8] (794) (751)  (2,371) (2,362)
Restructuring costs [notes 7 and 8] –  (13)  (1) (430)
Amortization:     
Deferred equipment revenue 5   7    16   24  
Deferred equipment costs (21) (27)  (66) (85)
Property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other (247) (232)  (738) (705)
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations 267   273    835   305  
Amortization of financing costs – long-term debt (1) –   (2) (2)
Interest expense (62) (60)  (192) (184)
Equity income (loss) of an associate or joint venture [note 17] 20   (259)  46   (213)
Loss on disposal of an associate or joint venture [note 17] (109) –   (109) – 
Other gains [note 9] 53   1    48   6  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 168   (45)  626   (88)
Current income tax expense [note 3] 8   18    85   96  
Deferred income tax expense (recovery) [note 10] (69) 36    (30) (27)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations 229   (99)  571   (157)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax –  –   –  (6)
Net income (loss) 229   (99)  571   (163)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to:     
Equity shareholders 227   (99)  569   (157)
Non-controlling interests 2   –   2   – 
  229   (99)  571   (157)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to:     
Equity shareholders –  –   –  (6)
Basic earnings (loss) per share [note 13]     
Continuing operations 0.44   (0.20)  1.10   (0.33)
Discontinued operations –  –   –  (0.01)
  0.44   (0.20)  1.10   (0.34)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share [note 13]     
Continuing operations 0.44   (0.20)  1.10   (0.33)
Discontinued operations –  –   –  (0.01)
  0.44   (0.20)  1.10   (0.34)

See accompanying notes.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)

      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
Net income (loss) 229   (99)  571   (163)
      
Other comprehensive income (loss) [note 14]     
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income:     
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash
 flow hedges
 2   1    3   4  
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period (1) 1    (2) 3  
Share of other comprehensive income of associates (7) 2    (13) 7  
Reclassification of accumulated gain to income related to the sale of an associate (3) –   (3) – 
  (9) 4    (15) 14  
Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to income:     
Remeasurements on employee benefit plans (25) –   (25) 63  
  (34) 4    (40) 77  
Comprehensive income (loss) 195   (95)  531   (86)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:     
Equity shareholders 195   (95)  531   (86)

See accompanying notes.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)

        
        
Nine months ended May 31, 2019       
 Attributable to equity shareholders  
(millions of Canadian dollars)Share
capital
Contributed
surplus
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
TotalEquity
attributable
to non-
controlling
interests
Total
equity
September 1, 2018, as previously reported 4,349  27   1,619   (39) 5,956   1  5,957  
Transition adjustments - IFRS 15 [note 2] – –  22   –  22   – 22  
Restated balance at September 1, 2018 4,349  27   1,641   (39) 5,978   1  5,979  
Change in accounting policy adjustments [note 2] – –  (9) –  (9) – (9)
Restated balance as at September 1, 2018 4,349  27   1,632   (39) 5,969   1  5,970  
Net income – –  569   –  569   2  571  
Other comprehensive loss – –  –  (40) (40) – (40)
Comprehensive income (loss) – –  569   (40) 529   2  531  
Dividends – –  (301) –  (301) – (301)
Dividend reinvestment plan 161  –  (161) –  –  – – 
Shares issued under stock option plan 37  (4) –  –  33   – 33  
Share-based compensation – 2   –  –  2   – 2  
Balance as at May 31, 2019 4,547  25   1,739   (79) 6,232   3  6,235  


        
        
Nine months ended May 31, 2018       
 Attributable to equity shareholders  
(millions of Canadian dollars)Share
capital
Contributed
surplus
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
TotalEquity
attributable
to non-
controlling
interests
Total
equity
September 1, 2017, as previously reported 4,090  30   2,164   (131) 6,153   1  6,154  
Transition adjustments - IFRS 15 [note 2] – –  40   –  40   – 40  
Restated balance as at September 1, 2017 4,090  30   2,204   (131) 6,193   1  6,194  
Net loss [restated, note 2] – –  (163) –  (163) – (163)
Other comprehensive income – –  –  77   77   – 77  
Comprehensive income (loss) – –  (163) 77   (86) – (86)
Dividends – –  (294) –  (294) – (294)
Dividend reinvestment plan 159  –  (159) –  –  – – 
Shares issued under stock option plan 35  (4) –  –  31   – 31  
Share-based compensation – 2   –  –  2   – 2  
Restated balance as at May 31, 2018 4,284  28   1,588   (54) 5,846   1  5,847  

See accompanying notes.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
(millions of Canadian dollars)2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES     
Funds flow from continuing operations [note 15] 471   437    1,354   755  
Net change in non-cash balances related to continuing operations (39) (64)  (221) 143  
Operating activities of discontinued operations –  –   –  (2)
  432   373    1,133   896  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES     
Additions to property, plant and equipment [note 3] (271) (246)  (827) (828)
Additions to equipment costs (net) [note 3] (11) (11)  (30) (37)
Additions to other intangibles [note 3] (29) (29)  (82) (84)
Spectrum acquisitions (492) –   (492) – 
Proceeds on sale of discontinued operations, net of cash sold –  –   –  18  
Proceeds on sale of investments 551   –   551   – 
Net additions to investments and other assets 4   23    7   65  
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 46   1    59   9  
  (202) (262)  (814) (857)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES     
Increase in long-term debt –  –   1,000   10  
Bank facility arrangement costs –  –   (9) – 
Issue of Class B Non-Voting Shares [note 12] 10   4    33   31  
Dividends paid on Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares (97) (96)  (292) (286)
Dividends paid on Preferred Shares (3) (2)  (7) (6)
Other (1) (1)  (1) (1)
  (91) (95)  724   (252)
Increase (decrease) in cash 139   16    1,043   (213)
Cash, beginning of the period 1,288   278    384   507  
Cash, end of the period 1,427   294    1,427   294  

See accompanying notes. 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

May 31, 2019 and 2018
[all amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts]

1.    CORPORATE INFORMATION

Shaw Communications Inc. (the “Company”) is a diversified Canadian connectivity company whose core operating business is providing: Cable telecommunications, Satellite video services and data networking to residential customers, businesses and public-sector entities (“Wireline”); and wireless services for voice and data communications (“Wireless”). The Company’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) and New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE - SJR, and TSXV - SJR.A).

2.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Statement of compliance

These condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and in compliance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019 were authorized for issue by the Audit Committee on June 26, 2019.

a)    Basis of presentation

These condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared primarily under the historical cost convention except as detailed in the significant accounting policies disclosed in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2018 and are expressed in millions of Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. The condensed interim consolidated statements of income are presented using the nature classification for expenses.

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

The notes presented in these condensed interim consolidated financial statements include only significant events and transactions occurring since the Company’s last fiscal year end and are not fully inclusive of all matters required to be disclosed by IFRS in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements. As a result, these condensed interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2018.

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as the most recent annual consolidated financial statements except as noted below.

b)    New accounting standards

We adopted the following new accounting standards effective September 1, 2018.

  • IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was issued in May 2014 and replaces IAS 11 Construction Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue, IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programs, IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers and SIC-31 Revenue—Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services. The new standard requires revenue to be recognized in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. The principles are to be applied in the following five steps:

(1) identify the contract(s) with a customer;
(2) identify the performance obligations in the contract;
(3) determine the transaction price;
(4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and,
(5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

IFRS 15 also provides guidance relating to the treatment of contract acquisition and contract fulfillment costs.

The application of IFRS 15 impacted the Company’s reported results, including the classification and timing of revenue recognition and the treatment of costs incurred to obtain contracts with customers.

The application of this standard most significantly affected our Wireless arrangements that bundle equipment and service together, specifically with regards to the timing of recognition and classification of revenue. The timing of recognition and classification of revenue was affected because at contract inception, IFRS 15 requires the estimation of total consideration to be received over the contract term, and the allocation of that consideration to performance obligations in the contract, typically based on the relative stand-alone selling price of each obligation.  This resulted in a decrease to equipment revenue recognized at contract inception, as the discount previously recognized over 24 months is now recognized at contract inception, and a decrease to service revenue recognized over the course of the contract, as a portion of the discount previously allocated solely to equipment revenue is allocated to service revenue. The measurement of total revenue recognized over the life of a contract was unaffected by the new standard.

IFRS 15 also requires that incremental costs to obtain a contract with a customer (for example, commissions) be capitalized and amortized into operating expenses over the life of a contract on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods or services to which the asset relates. The Company previously expensed such costs as incurred.

The Company’s financial position was also impacted by the adoption of IFRS 15, with new contract asset and contract liability categories recognized to reflect differences between the timing of revenue recognition and the actual billing of those goods and services to customers.

For purposes of applying the new standard on an ongoing basis, we are required to make judgments in respect of the new standard, including judgments in determining whether a promise to deliver goods or services is considered distinct, how to determine the transaction prices and how to allocate those amounts amongst the associated performance obligations. We must also exercise judgment as to whether sales-based compensation amounts are costs incurred to obtain contracts with customers that should be capitalized and subsequently amortized on a systematic basis over time.

We have made a policy choice to adopt IFRS 15 with full retrospective application, subject to certain practical expedients. As a result, all comparative information in these financial statements has been prepared as if IFRS 15 had been in effect since September 1, 2017. The accounting policies set out in note 2 have been applied in preparing the interim consolidated financial statements as at and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019, the comparative information presented for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018, and for the consolidated statements of financial position as at September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018.

Upon adoption of, and transition to, IFRS 15, we elected to utilize the following practical expedients:

    • Completed contracts that begin and end within the same annual reporting period and those completed before September 1, 2017 are not restated;
    • Contracts modified prior to September 1, 2017 are not restated. The aggregate effect of these modifications is reflected when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations; and
    • Not disclose, on an annual basis, the unsatisfied portions of performance obligations related to contracts with a duration of one year or less or where the revenue we recognize is equal to the amount invoiced to the customer.

Impacts of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The effect of transition to IFRS 15 on impacted line items on our condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as disclosed in note 2(f) - “Transition adjustments” for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018, are as follows:

             
             
  Three months ended May 31, 2018 Nine months ended May 31, 2018
  As  Effect of Subsequent to As  Effect of Subsequent to
(millions of Canadian dollars) reported transition transition reported transition transition
Revenuei.1,300   (11) 1,289  3,904   (41) 3,863 
Operating, general and administrative expensesii. (753)  2   (751)  (2,375)  13   (2,362)
Other revenue (expense)  1   –   1    3   3    6 
Income tax expense (recovery)  58   (3)  55   82   (10)  72 
Net loss from continuing operations  (91)  (6)  (97)  (141)  (15)  (156)

i) Allocation of transaction price
Revenue recognized at point of sale requires the estimation of total consideration over the contract term and allocation of that consideration to all performance obligations in the contract based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. For Wireless term contracts, equipment revenue recognized at contract inception, as well as service revenue recognized over the course of the contract is lower than previously recognized as noted above. 

ii) Deferred commission costs
Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer were previously expensed as incurred. Under IFRS 15, these costs are capitalized and subsequently amortized as an expense over the life of the customer on a rational, systematic basis consistent with the pattern of the transfer of goods and services to which the asset relates. As a result, commission costs are reduced in the period, with an offsetting increase in amortization of capitalized costs over the average life of a customer.

The effect of transition to IFRS 15 on our disaggregated revenues for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018, are as follows:

             
             
  Three months ended May 31, 2018 Nine months ended May 31, 2018
  As  Effect of Subsequent to As  Effect of Subsequent to
(millions of Canadian dollars) reported transition transition reported transition transition
Services            
  Wireline - Consumer  923   –   923   2,784   –   2,784 
  Wireline - Business  141   –   141   421   –   421 
  Wireless  155   (9)  146   428   (21)  407 
   1,219   (9)  1,210   3,633   (21)  3,612 
Equipment and other            
  Wireless  82   (2)  80   274   (20)  254 
   82   (2)  80   274   (20)  254 
Intersegment eliminations  (1)  –   (1)  (3)  –   (3)
Total revenue  1,300   (11)  1,289   3,904   (41)  3,863 


The effect of transition to IFRS 15 on impacted line items on our condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as disclosed in note 2(f) - “Transition adjustments” as at September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018 are as follows:

         
         
  As at September 1, 2017 As at August 31, 2018
  As Effect ofSubsequent to As Effect ofSubsequent to
(millions of Canadian dollars) reportedtransitiontransition reportedtransitiontransition
         
Current portion of contract assetsi. – 15   15   – 59   59 
Other current assetsii. 155  24   179   286  (13) 273 
Contract assetsi. – 44   44   – 76   76 
Other long-term assetsii. 255  (39) 216   300  (102) 198 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesi. 913  (4) 909   971  (1) 970 
Unearned revenuei. 211  (211) –  221  (221) –
Current portion of contract liabilitiesi. – 214   214   – 226   226 
Deferred creditsi. 490  (21) 469   460  (18) 442 
Deferred income tax liabilitiesii. 1,858  5   1,863   1,894  (6) 1,888 
Contract liabilitiesi. – 21   21   – 18   18 
Shareholders' equity  6,154  40   6,194   5,957  22   5,979 

i) Contract assets and liabilities

Contract assets and liabilities are the result of the difference in timing related to revenue recognized at the beginning of a contract and cash collected. Contract assets arise primarily as a result of the difference between revenue recognized on the sale of wireless device at the onset of a term contract and the cash collected at the point of sale.

Contract liabilities are the result of receiving payment related to a customer contract before providing the related goods or services. We will account for contract assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis, with each contract being presented as a single net contract asset or net contract liability accordingly.

ii) Deferred commission cost asset

Under IFRS 15, we will defer commission costs paid to internal and external representatives as a result of obtaining contracts with customers as deferred commission cost assets and amortize them over the pattern of the transfer of goods and services to the customer, which is typically evenly over 24 to 36 months.

Refer to note 2(f) “Transition adjustments” for the impact of application of IFRS 15 on our previously reported consolidated statements of cash flows.

  • IFRS 9 Financial Instruments was revised and issued in July 2014 and replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. IFRS 9 includes updated guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments, new guidance on measuring impairment on financial assets, and new hedge accounting guidance. We have applied IFRS 9, and the related consequential amendments to other IFRSs, on a retrospective basis except for the changes to hedge accounting as described below which were applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of IFRS 9 did not have a significant impact on our financial performance or the carrying amounts of our financial instruments as set out in note 2(f) below.

IFRS 9 replaces the classification and measurement models in IAS 39 with a single model under which financial assets are classified and measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) and eliminates the IAS 39 categories of held-to-maturity, loans and receivables and available-for-sale. Investments and equity instruments are required to be measured by default at FVTPL unless an irrevocable option for each equity instrument is taken to measure at FVOCI. The classification and measurement of financial assets is based on the business model that the asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. The adoption of IFRS 9 did not change the measurement bases of our financial assets

    • Cash and derivative instruments classified as held-for-trading and measured at FVTPL under IAS 39 continue to be measured as such under IFRS 9 with an updated classification of FVTPL
    • Investments in equity securities not quoted in an active market and where fair value cannot be reliably measured that were classified as available-for-sale and recorded at cost less impairment under IAS 39 are now required to be classified and measured at FVTPL under IFRS 9. There has been no change to the measurement of these assets on transition
    • Trade and other receivables classified as loans and receivables and measured at amortized cost under IAS 39 continue to be measured as such under IFRS 9 with an updated classification of amortized cost

For financial liabilities, IFRS 9 retains most of the IAS 39 requirements. We did not choose the option of designating any financial liabilities at FVTPL as such, the adoption of IFRS 9 did not impact our accounting policies for financial liabilities as all liabilities continue to be measured at amortized cost.

The impairment of financial assets under IFRS 9 is based on an expected credit loss (ECL) model, as opposed to the incurred loss model in IAS 39. IFRS 9 applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including contract assets under IFRS 15, and requires that we consider factors that include historical, current and forward-looking information when measuring the ECL. We use the simplified approach for measuring losses based on the lifetime ECL for trade receivables and contract assets. Amounts considered uncollectible are written off and recognized in operating, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income. This change did not have a significant impact to our receivables.

IFRS 9 does not fundamentally change the types of hedging relationships or the requirements to measure and recognize ineffectiveness; however, it requires us to ensure that the hedge accounting relationships are aligned with our risk management objective and strategy and to apply a more qualitative and forward-looking approach to assess hedge effectiveness. It also requires that amounts related to cash flow hedges of anticipated purchases of non-financial assets settled during the period to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to the initial cost of the non-financial asset when it is recognized. Under IAS 39, when an anticipated transaction was subsequently recorded as a non-financial asset, the amounts were reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss).

In accordance with IFRS 9’s transition provisions for hedge accounting, the Company has applied the IFRS 9 hedge accounting requirements prospectively from the date of initial application without restatement of prior period comparatives. The Company’s qualifying hedging relationships in place as at August 31, 2018 also qualified for hedge accounting in accordance with IFRS 9 and were therefore regarded as continuing hedging relationships. As the critical terms of the hedging instruments match those of their corresponding hedged items, all hedging relationships continue to be effective under IFRS 9’s effectiveness assessment requirements. The Company has not designated any hedging relationships under IFRS 9 that would not have met the qualifying hedge accounting criteria under IAS 39. 

c)    Standards and amendments to standards issued but not yet effective

The Company has not yet adopted certain standards and amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective.  The following pronouncements are being assessed to determine their impact on the Company’s results and financial position.

  • IFRS 16 Leases was issued on January 2016 and replaces IAS 17 Leases. The new standard requires entities to recognize lease assets and lease obligations on the balance sheet. For lessees, IFRS 16 removes the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases, effectively treating all leases as finance leases. Certain short-term leases (less than 12 months) and leases of low-value are exempt from the requirements and may continue to be treated as operating leases. Lessors will continue with a dual lease classification model. Classification will determine how and when a lessor will recognize lease revenue, and what assets would be recorded.

    As the Company has significant contractual obligations currently being recognized as operating leases, we anticipate that the application of IFRS 16 will result in a material increase to both assets and liabilities and material changes to the timing of the recognition of expenses associated with the lease arrangements although at this stage in the Company’s IFRS 16 implementation process, it is not possible to make reasonable quantitative estimates of the effects of the new standard.

    The Company continues to assess the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and is progressing with the implementation of a new system that will enable it to comply with the requirements of the standard on a contract-by-contract basis. The Company continues to evaluate its accounting policy determinations and has commenced the data validation process, both of which the Company expects will continue throughout fiscal 2019. The Company has decided that it will use a modified retrospective approach upon adoption of IFRS 16 on September 1, 2019. The Company intends to disclose the estimated financial effects of the adoption of IFRS 16 in its 2019 annual audited consolidated financial statements.
  • IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments was issued in 2017 to clarify how to apply the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12 when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments.  It is required to be applied for annual periods commencing January 1, 2019, which for the Company will be the annual period commencing September 1, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

d)    Discontinued operations

The Company reports financial results for discontinued operations separately from continuing operations to distinguish the financial impact of disposal transactions from ongoing operations. Discontinued operations reporting occurs when the disposal of a component or a group of components of the Company represents a strategic shift that will have a major impact on the Company’s operations and financial results, and where the operations and cash flows can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the Company. 

The results of discontinued operations are excluded from both continuing operations and business segment information in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements and the notes to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise noted, and are presented net of tax in the statement of income for the current and comparative periods.  Refer to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2018 for further information regarding the Company’s discontinued operations.

e)    Change in accounting policy

Effective September 1, 2018, the Company voluntarily changed its accounting policy related to the treatment of digital cable terminals (“DCTs”) to record them as property, plant and equipment rather than inventory upon acquisition. The Company believes that the change in accounting policy will result in clearer and more relevant financial information as the Company has recently changed its offerings to customers, which has resulted in DCTs being predominantly rented rather than sold to customers. Previously, inventories included DCTs which were held pending rental or sale to the customer at cost or at a subsidized price. When the subscriber equipment was rented, it was transferred to property, plant and equipment and amortized over its useful life and then removed from capital and returned to inventory when returned by a customer. Under the new policy, all DCTs will be classified as property, plant and equipment regardless of whether or not they are currently deployed to a customer as the Company believes that this better reflects the economic substance of its operations. This change in accounting policy has been applied retrospectively. Refer to note 2(f) - “Transition adjustments” below for the impact of this change of accounting policy on previously reported consolidated Statements of Financial Position, consolidated Statements of Income and consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

f)    Transition adjustments

Below is the effect of transition to IFRS 15 and adoption of our new accounting policy described above on our condensed consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018.

                
                
 Three months ended May 31, 2018 Nine months ended May 31, 2018
(millions of Canadian dollars)As reported IFRS 15 transition Change in accounting
policy
 Subsequent to transition As reported IFRS 15 transition Change in accounting
policy
 Subsequent to transition
Revenue 1,300    (11)  –   1,289    3,904    (41)  –   3,863  
Operating, general and administrative expenses (753)  2    –   (751)  (2,375)  13    –   (2,362)
Restructuring costs (13)  –   –   (13)  (430)  –   –   (430)
Amortization:               
Deferred equipment revenue 7    –   –   7    24    –   –   24  
Deferred equipment costs (27)  –   –   (27)  (85)  –   –   (85)
Property, plant and equipment, intangibles and other (229)  –   (3)  (232)  (695)  –   (10)  (705)
Operating income from continuing operations 285    (9)  (3)  273    343    (28)  (10)  305  
Amortization of financing costs – long-term debt –   –   –   –   (2)  –   –   (2)
Interest expense (60)  –   –   (60)  (184)  –   –   (184)
Equity income of an associate or joint venture (259)  –   –   (259)  (213)  –   –   (213)
Other revenue (expense) 1    –   –   1    3    3    –   6  
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (33)  (9)  (3)  (45)  (53)  (25)  (10)  (88)
Current income tax expense 18    –   –   18    96    –   –   96  
Deferred income tax expense (recovery) 40    (3)  (1)  36    (14)  (10)  (3)  (27)
Net loss from continuing operations (91)  (6)  (2)  (99)  (135)  (15)  (7)  (157)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax –   –   –   –   (6)  –   –   (6)
Net loss from continuing operations (91)  (6)  (2)  (99)  (141)  (15)  (7)  (163)
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to:               
Equity shareholders (91)  (6)  (2)  (99)  (135)  (15)  (7)  (157)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to:               
Equity shareholders –   –   –   –   (6)  –   –   (6)
Basic earnings (loss) per share               
Continuing operations (0.18)  –   –   (0.20)  (0.28)  –   –   (0.33)
Discontinued operations -   –   –   -   (0.01)  –   –   (0.01)
  (0.18)  –   –   (0.20)  (0.29)  –   –   (0.34)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share                
Continuing operations (0.18)  –   –   (0.20)  (0.28)  –   –   (0.33)
Discontinued operations -   –   –   -   (0.01)  –   –   (0.01)
  (0.18)  –   –   (0.20)  (0.29)  –   –   (0.34)

Below is the effect of transition to IFRS 15 and adoption of our new accounting policy described above on our condensed consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018.

          
          
 As at September 1, 2017 As at August 31, 2018
(millions of Canadian dollars)As reportedIFRS 15 transitionChange in
accounting policy
Subsequent to transition As reportedIFRS 15 transitionChange in
accounting policy
Subsequent to transition
ASSETS         
Current         
Cash 507  –  –  507   384  –  –  384 
Accounts receivable 286  –  –  286   255  –  (2) 253 
Inventories 109  –  (50) 59   101  –  (40) 61 
Other current assets 155  24   –  179   286  (13) –  273 
Current portion of contract assets – 15   –  15   – 59   –  59 
Assets held for sale 61  –  –  61   – –  –  –
  1,118  39   (50) 1,107   1,026  46   (42) 1,030 
Investments and other assets 937  –  –  937   660  –  –  660 
Property, plant and equipment 4,344  –  50   4,394   4,672  –  30   4,702 
Other long-term assets 255  (39) –  216   300  (102) (1) 197 
Deferred income tax assets 4  –  –  4   4  –  –  4 
Intangibles 7,435  –  –  7,435   7,482  –  –  7,482 
Goodwill 280  –  –  280   280  –  –  280 
Contract assets – 44   –  44   – 76   –  76 
  14,373  44   –  14,417   14,424  20   (13) 14,431 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY      
Current         
Short-term borrowings – –  –  –  40  –  –  40 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 913  (4) –  909   971  (1) –  970 
Provisions 76  –  –  76   245  –  –  245 
Income taxes payable 151  –  –  151   133  –  –  133 
Unearned revenue 211  (211) –  -  221  (221) –  –
Current portion of contract liabilities – 214   –  214   – 226   –  226 
Current portion of long-term debt 2  –  –  2   1  –  –  1 
Liabilities held for sale 39  –  –  39   – –  –  –
  1,392  (1) –  1,391   1,611  4   –  1,615 
Long-term debt 4,298  –  –  4,298   4,310  –  –  4,310 
Other long-term liabilities 114  –  –  114   13  –  –  13 
Provisions 67  –  –  67   179  –  –  179 
Deferred credits 490  (21) –  469   460  (18) –  442 
Contract liabilities – 21   –  21   – 18   –  18 
Deferred income tax liabilities 1,858  5   –  1,863   1,894  (6) (4) 1,884 
  8,219  4   –  8,223   8,467  (2) (4) 8,461 
Shareholders' equity         
Common and preferred shareholders 6,153  40   –  6,193   5,956  22   (9) 5,969 
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries 1  –  –  1   1  –  –  1 
  6,154  40   –  6,194   5,957  22   (9) 5,970 
  14,373  44   –  14,417   14,424  20   (13) 14,431 

Below is the effect of transition to IFRS 15 and adoption of our new accounting policy described above on our condensed consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2018.

                
                
 Three months ended May 31, 2018 Nine months ended May 31, 2018
(millions of Canadian dollars)As reported IFRS 15 transition Change in accounting
policy
 Subsequent to transition As reported IFRS 15 transition Change in accounting
policy
 Subsequent to transition
OPERATING ACTIVITIES               
Funds flow from continuing operations 459    (22)  –   437    817    (62)  –   755  
Net change in non-cash balances related to continuing operations (101)  22    15    (64)  86    62    (5)  143  
Operating activities of discontinued operations –   –   –   –   (2)  –   –   (2)
  358    –   15    373    901    –   (5)  896  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES               
Additions to property, plant and equipment (231)  –   (15)  (246)  (833)  –   5    (828)
Additions to equipment costs (net) (11)  –   –   (11)  (37)  –   –   (37)
Additions to other intangibles (29)  –   –   (29)  (84)  –   –   (84)
Proceeds on sale of discontinued operations, net of cash sold –   –   –   –   18    –   –   18  
Net additions to investments and other assets 23    –   –   23    65    –   –   65  
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 1    –   –   1    9    –   –   9  
  (247)  –   (15)  (262)  (862)  –   5    (857)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES               
Increase in long-term debt –   –   –   –   10    –   –   10  
Debt repayments (1)  –   –   (1)  (1)  –   –   (1)
Issue of Class B Non-Voting Shares 4    –   –   4    31    –   –   31  
Dividends paid on Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares (96)  –   –   (96)  (286)  –   –   (286)
Dividends paid on Preferred Shares (2)  –   –   (2)  (6)  –   –   (6)
  (95)  –   –   (95)  (252)  –   –   (252)
Increase (decrease) in cash 16    –   –   16    (213)  –   –   (213)
Cash, beginning of the period 278    –   –   278    507    –   –   507  
Cash of continuing operations, end of the period 294    –   –   294    294    –   –   294  


3.    BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s chief operating decision makers are the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial & Corporate Development Officer and they review the operating performance of the Company by segments which are comprised of Wireline and Wireless. The chief operating decision makers utilize operating income before restructuring costs and amortization for each segment as a key measure in making operating decisions and assessing performance.

The Wireline segment provides Cable telecommunications services including Video, Internet, Wi-Fi, Phone, Satellite Video and data networking through a national fibre-optic backbone network to Canadian consumers, North American businesses and public-sector entities. The Wireless segment provides wireless services for voice and data communications serving customers in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.

Both of the Company’s reportable segments are substantially located in Canada. Information on operations by segment is as follows:

Operating information

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
Revenue     
Wireline 1,075   1,064    3,229   3,205  
Wireless 251   226    771  661 
  1,326   1,290    4,000   3,866  
Intersegment eliminations (2) (1)  (5) (3)
  1,324   1,289    3,995   3,863  
Operating income before restructuring costs and
 amortization
     
Wireline 475   485    1,472   1,397  
Wireless 55   53    152   104  
  530   538    1,624   1,501  
Restructuring costs –  (13)  (1) (430)
Amortization (263) (252)  (788) (766)
Operating income 267   273    835   305  
Current taxes     
Operating 10   29    80   116  
Other/non-operating (2) (11)  5   (20)
  8   18    85   96  

Capital expenditures

     
 Three months ended May 31,Nine months ended May 31,
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
Capital expenditures accrual basis    
Wireline 182   228   562   646  
Wireless 87   68   237   241  
  269   296   799   887  
Equipment costs (net of revenue)    
Wireline 11   12   31   41  
Capital expenditures and equipment costs (net)    
Wireline 193   240   593   687  
Wireless 87   68   237   241  
  280   308   830   928  
Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    
Additions to property, plant and equipment 271   246   827   828  
Additions to equipment costs (net) 11   11   30   37  
Additions to other intangibles 29   29   82   84  
Total of capital expenditures and equipment costs (net) per
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
 311   286   939   949  
Increase/(decrease) in working capital and other
 liabilities related to capital expenditures
 15   22   (51) (15)
Decrease in customer equipment financing receivables –  1   1   3  
Less:  Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment (46) (1) (59) (9)
Total capital expenditures and equipment costs (net) reported
 by segments
 280   308   830   928  

4.    REVENUE

Significant accounting policies

The Company records revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with the following five steps in IFRS 15:
(1) identify the contract(s) with a customer;
(2) identify the performance obligations in the contract;
(3) determine the transaction price;
(4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and,
(5) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation.

Revenue for each performance obligation is recognized either over time (i.e. services) or at a point in time (i.e. equipment). For performance obligations satisfied over time, revenue is recognized as the services are provided. These services are typically provided, and recognized on a monthly basis. Revenue for performance obligations satisfied at a point in time is recognized when control of the item or service transfers to the customer. Revenues on certain long-term contracts are recognized using output methods based on products delivered, performance completed to date and time elapsed.

For bundled arrangements (e.g. wireless handsets, and voice and data services), items are accounted for as separate performance obligations if the item meets the definition of a distinct good or service. Stand-alone selling prices are determined using observable prices adjusted for market conditions and other factors, as appropriate.

When a customer can modify their contract within predefined terms such that we are not able to enforce the transaction price agreed to, but can only contractually enforce a lower amount, we allocate revenue between performance obligations using the minimum enforceable rights and obligations and any excess amount is recognized as revenue as its earned.

Contract assets and liabilities
We record a contract asset when we have provided goods and services to our customer but our right to related consideration for the performance obligation is conditional on satisfying other performance obligations. Contract assets are transferred to trade receivables when our right to consideration becomes conditional only as to the passage of time. A contract liability is recognized when we receive consideration in advance of the transfer of products or services to the customer. We account for contract assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis, with each contract presented as either a net contract asset or a net contract liability accordingly.

Deferred commission cost assets
We defer the incremental cost to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer over their expected period of benefit to the extent they are recoverable. These costs include certain commissions paid to internal and external representatives. We defer them as deferred commission cost assets in other assets and amortize them to operating costs over the pattern of the transfer of goods and services to the customer, which is typically evenly over either 24 or 36 consecutive months.

Use of estimates and judgments

The application of IFRS 15 requires Shaw to make judgments and estimates that affect the amount and timing of revenue from contracts with customers, including estimates of the stand-alone selling prices of wireless products and services, the identification of performance obligations within a contract and the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations under long-term contracts.

Determining the costs we incur to obtain or fulfill a contract that meet the deferral criteria within IFRS 15 requires us to make significant judgments. We expect incremental commission fees paid to internal and external representatives as a result of obtaining contracts with customers to be recoverable.

Contract assets and liabilities

The table below provides a reconciliation of the significant changes to the current and long-term portion of contract assets and liabilities balances during the period.

    
    
 Contract Contract
 Assets Liabilities
Opening balance, as at September 1, 2018 135    244  
Increase in contract assets from revenue recognized during the period 116    – 
Contract assets transferred to trade receivables (109)  – 
Contract terminations transferred to trade receivables (6)  – 
Revenue recognized included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the year –   (234)
Increase in contract liabilities during the period –   224  
Ending balance, as at May 31, 2019 136    234  


    
    
 Contract Contract
 Assets Liabilities
Current 59   226 
Long-term 76   18 
Balance as at September 1, 2018 135   244 
Current 61   219 
Long-term 75   15 
Balance as at May 31, 2019 136   234 

Deferred commission cost assets

The table below provides a summary of the changes in the deferred commission cost assets recognized from the incremental costs incurred to obtain contracts with customers during the nine months ended May 31, 2019 and 2018. We believe these amounts to be recoverable through the revenue earned from the related contracts. The deferred commission cost assets are presented within other current assets (when they will be amortized into net income within twelve months of the date of the financial statements) or other long-term assets.

   
   
 2019 2018 
Opening balance, as at September 1 75   57  
Additions to deferred commission cost assets 58   41  
Amortization recognized on deferred commission cost assets (48) (38)
Ending balance, as at May 31 85   60  

Commission costs are amortized over a period ranging from 24 to 36 months.

Disaggregation of revenue

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
Services     
  Wireline - Consumer925 923   2,784   2,784  
  Wireline - Business150 141   445   421  
  Wireless178 146   513   407  
  1,253   1,210    3,742   3,612  
Equipment and other      
  Wireless73 80   258   254  
  73   80    258   254  
Intersegment eliminations (2) (1)  (5) (3)
Total revenue1,324 1,289  3,995 3,863 

Remaining performance obligations

The following table includes revenues expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as at May 31, 2019.

    
    
 WithinWithin 
 1 year2 yearsTotal
Wireline733140873
Wireless318127445
Total1,0512671,318

When estimating minimum transaction prices allocated to the remaining unfilled, or partially unfulfilled, performance obligations, Shaw applied the practical expedient to not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected duration of one year or less and for those contracts where we bill the same value as that which is transferred to the customer.

5.    OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

    
    
 May 31, 2019 August 31, 2018
(restated, note 2)
Prepaid expenses 120   104 
Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer(1) 56   48 
Wireless handset receivables(2) 130   121 
  306   273 

(1)         Costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer are capitalized and subsequently amortized as an expense over the average life of a customer.
(2)         As described in the revenue and expenses accounting policy detailed in the significant accounting policies disclosed in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2018, these amounts relate to the current portion of wireless handset receivables.

6.    SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Effective May 29, 2019, the Company amended the terms of its accounts receivable securitization program to extend the term of the program to May 29, 2022 and increase the sales committed up to a maximum of $200 million.

A summary of our accounts receivable securitization program is as follows:

    
    
 May 31, 2019 August 31, 2018
Trade accounts receivable sold to buyer as security 403    429  
Short-term borrowings from buyer (40)  (40)
Over-collateralization 363    389  


      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
 20192018 20192018
Accounts receivable securitization program, beginning of period 40  –  40  –
Proceeds received from accounts receivable securitization – –  – –
Repayment of accounts receivable securitization – –  – –
Accounts receivable securitization program, end of period 40  –  40  –


7.    PROVISIONS

     
     
 Asset
retirement
obligations
Restructuring (1)OtherTotal
Balance as at September 1, 2018 67 276  81   424  
Additions – 1   10   11  
Accretion 7  –  –  7  
Reversal – –  –  – 
Payments – (102) (26) (128)
Balance as at May 31, 2019 74  175   65   314  
Current – 166   79   245  
Long-term 67  110   2   179  
Balance as at September 1, 2018 67  276   81   424  
Current – 174   65   239  
Long-term 74  1   –  75  
Balance as at May 31, 2019 74  175   65   314  

(1)          During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company offered a voluntary departure program to a group of eligible employees and in the third and fourth quarters made additional changes to its organizational structure as part of a total business transformation initiative.  A total of $101 has been paid in fiscal 2019. The remaining costs are expected to be paid out within the next 20 months.

8.    OPERATING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
 20192018
(restated, note 2)
 20192018
(restated, note 2)
Employee salaries and benefits(1) 176  186   511  980 
Purchase of goods and services 618  578   1,861  1,812 
  794  764   2,372  2,792 

(1)          For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019, employee salaries and benefits include nil (2018 - $5) and $1 (2018 - $407) in restructuring costs, respectively.

9.    OTHER GAINS (LOSSES)

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
Gain on disposal of fixed assets 40   –  36   1 
Gain on disposal of investments 15   –  15   –
Other (2) 1   (3) 5 
  53   1   48   6 

Other gains (losses) generally includes realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on US dollar denominated current assets and liabilities, gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment and minor investments, and the Company’s share of the operations of Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings Partnership

10.   INCOME TAXES

On May 28, 2019, the Alberta government passed Bill 3, the Job Creation Tax Cut, which will reduce the Alberta provincial corporate tax rates from 12% to 8% in a phased approach between July 1, 2019 and January 1, 2022. As these changes were considered substantively enacted on May 28, 2019, we recognized a $102 recovery of deferred tax for the three months ended May 31, 2019 related to this change.

11.    LONG-TERM DEBT

         
         
  May 31, 2019 August 31, 2018
 Effective
interest
rates
Long-term
debt at
amortized
cost(1)
Adjustment
for finance 
costs(1)
Long-term
debt
repayable
at maturity
 Long-term
debt at
amortized
cost(1)
Adjustment
for finance 
costs(1)
Long-term
debt
repayable
at maturity
 %$$$ $$$
Corporate        
Cdn fixed rate senior notes-        
5.65% due October 1, 20195.69 1,249  1  1,250   1,248  2  1,250 
5.50% due December 7, 20205.55 499  1  500   499  1  500 
3.15% due February 19, 20213.17 299  1  300   299  1  300 
3.80% due November 2, 20233.80 498  2  500   – – –
4.35% due January 31, 20244.35 498  2  500   498  2  500 
3.80% due March 1, 20273.84 298  2  300   298  2  300 
4.40% due November 2, 20284.40 496  4  500   – – –
6.75% due November 9, 20396.89 1,420  30  1,450   1,419  31  1,450 
   5,257  43  5,300   4,261  39  4,300 
Other        
Burrard Landing Lot 2 Holdings PartnershipVarious 50  – 50   50  – 50 
Total consolidated debt  5,307  43  5,350   4,311  39  4,350 
Less current portion(2)  1,251  1  1,252   1  – 1 
   4,056  42  4,098   4,310  39  4,349 

(1)          Long-term debt is presented net of unamortized discounts and finance costs.
(2)        Current portion of long-term debt includes amounts due within one year in respect of senior notes due October 1, 2019 and the Burrard Landing loans.

On November 2, 2018, the Company issued $500 senior notes at a rate of 3.80% due November 2, 2023 and $500 senior notes at a rate of 4.40% due November 2, 2028.

On November 21, 2018, the Company amended the terms of its bank credit facility to extend the maturity date to December 2023.

On December 4, 2018, the Company entered into new unsecured letter of credit facilities, under which letters of credit were issued in favour of and filed with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (“ISED”) to fulfill the pre-auction financial deposit requirement with respect to its application to participate in the 600 MHz spectrum auction which occurred during the period from March 14, 2019 to April 10, 2019.  The Company’s wireless subsidiary, Freedom Mobile Inc., successfully acquired 11 paired blocks of 20-year 600 MHz spectrum, across its wireless operating footprint, for a total price of $492.  In accordance with 600 MHz auction terms, 20% ($98) was paid to ISED on April 26, 2019 and the remaining 80% balance ($394) was paid on May 24, 2019.  As of May 31, 2019, all of the letters of credit were cancelled and the unsecured letter of credit facilities were all terminated.

12.    SHARE CAPITAL

Changes in share capital during the nine-months ended May 31, 2019 are as follows:

            
            
 Class A
Shares
 Class B
Non-Voting Shares
 Series A
Preferred Shares
 Series B
Preferred Shares
 Number $ Number$ Number$ Number$
August 31, 2018 22,420,064   2   484,194,344  4,054   10,012,393  245   1,987,607  48 
Issued upon stock option plan exercises –  –  1,576,311  37   – –  – –
Issued pursuant to dividend reinvestment plan –  –  6,295,549  161   – –  – –
Class A conversions to Class B (48,000) –  48,000  –  – –  – –
May 31, 2019 22,372,064   2   492,114,204  4,252   10,012,393  245   1,987,607  48 

13.    EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Earnings (loss) per share calculations are as follows:

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share ($)     
Net income (loss) from continuing operations 229  (99)  571  (157)
Deduct: net income attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries (2) –   (2) – 
Deduct: dividends on Preferred Shares (3) (2)  (7) (6)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders from continuing operations 224  (101)  562  (163)
Loss from discontinued operations –  –   –  (6)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders –  –   –  (6)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders 224  (101)  562  (169)
Denominator (millions of shares)     
Weighted average number of Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares for basic earnings per share 512   503    510   500  
Effect of dilutive securities (1) –  1    –  1  
Weighted average number of Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares for diluted earnings per share 512   504    510   501  
Basic earnings (loss) per share ($)     
Continuing operations 0.44  (0.20)  1.10  (0.33)
Discontinued operations –  –   –  (0.01)
Attributable to common shareholders 0.44  (0.20)  1.10  (0.34)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share ($)     
Continuing operations 0.44  (0.20)  1.10  (0.33)
Discontinued operations –  –   –  (0.01)
Attributable to common shareholders 0.44  (0.20)  1.10  (0.34)

(1)          The earnings per share calculation does not take into consideration the potential dilutive effect of certain stock options since their impact is anti-dilutive.  For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019, 4,602,448 (2018 – 5,800,939) and 6,226,089 (2018 – 4,200,298) options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, respectively.

14.    OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Components of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related income tax effects for the nine months ended May 31, 2019 are as follows:

    
    
 AmountIncome taxesNet
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income   
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 4   (1) 3  
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period (3) 1   (2)
Share of other comprehensive income of associates (13) –  (13)
Reclassification of accumulated loss to income related to the sale of an associate (3) –  (3)
  (15) –  (15)
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to income   
Remeasurements on employee benefit plans (33) 8   (25)
  (48) 8   (40)

Components of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related income tax effects for the three months ended May 31, 2019 are as follows:

    
    
 AmountIncome taxesNet
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income   
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 3   (1) 2  
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period (2) 1   (1)
Share of other comprehensive income of associates (7) –  (7)
Reclassification of accumulated loss to income related to the sale of an associate (3) –  (3)
  (9) –  (9)
Items that will not be subsequently be reclassified to income   
Remeasurements on employee benefit plans (33) 8   (25)
  (42) 8   (34)

Components of other comprehensive income and the related income tax effects for the nine months ended May 31, 2018 are as follows:

    
    
 AmountIncome taxesNet
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income   
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 6  (2) 4 
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period 4  (1) 3 
Share of other comprehensive income of associates 7  –  7 
  17  (3) 14 
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to income   
Remeasurements on employee benefit plans 85  (22) 63 
  102  (25) 77 

Components of other comprehensive income and the related income tax effects for the three months ended May 31, 2018 are as follows:

    
    
 AmountIncome taxesNet
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income   
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 2  (1) 1 
Adjustment for hedged items recognized in the period 1  –  1 
Share of other comprehensive income of associates 2  –  2 
  5  (1) 4 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following:

    
    
 May 31, 2019 August 31, 2018
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income   
Continuing operations:   
Change in unrealized fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 2    – 
Share of other comprehensive income of associates 18    18  
Reclassification of accumulated gain from other comprehensive income related to the sale of an associate (18)  – 
    
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to income   
Remeasurements on employee benefit plans:   
Continuing operations (81)  (57)
  (79)  (39)

15.    STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Disclosures with respect to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are as follows:

(i)            Funds flow from continuing operations

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
 2019 2018
(restated, note 2)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations 229   (99)  571   (157)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to funds
 flow from operations:
     
Amortization 264   252    790   768  
Deferred income tax expense (recovery) (69) 36    (30) (27)
Share-based compensation –  –   2   2  
Defined benefit pension plans 3   4    9   12  
Equity (income)/loss of an associate or joint venture (20) 259    (46) 213  
Loss on disposal of an associate or joint venture 109   –   109   – 
Gain on sale of investments (15) –   (15) – 
Net change in contract asset balances 9   (16)  (1) (57)
Gain on disposal of fixed assets (40) –   (36) (1)
Other 1   1    1   2  
Funds flow from continuing operations  471   437    1,354   755  

(ii)           Interest and income taxes paid and interest received and classified as operating activities are as follows:

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
 20192018  20192018
Interest paid 109  90    220  207 
Income taxes paid (recovered) (net of refunds) 29  (28)  126  136 
Interest received 1  1    4  3 

(iii)          Non-cash transactions:

The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows exclude the following non-cash transactions:

      
      
 Three months ended May 31, Nine months ended May 31,
 20192018 20192018
Issuance of Class B Non-Voting Shares:     
Dividend reinvestment plan 54  53   161  159 

16.    FAIR VALUE

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Financial instruments

The fair value of financial instruments has been determined as follows:

  1. Current assets and current liabilities

    The fair value of financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximates their carrying value due to their short-term nature.

  2. Investments and other assets and other long-term assets

    The fair value of publicly traded investments is determined by quoted market prices. Investments in private entities which do not have quoted market prices in an active market and whose fair value cannot be readily measured are carried at cost. No published market exists for such investments. These equity investments have been made as they are considered to have the potential to provide future benefit to the Company and accordingly, the Company has no current intention to dispose of these investments in the near term. The fair value of long-term receivables approximates their carrying value as they are recorded at the net present values of their future cash flows, using an appropriate discount rate.

  3. Long-term debt

    The carrying value of long-term debt is at amortized cost based on the initial fair value as determined at the time of issuance or at the time of a business acquisition. The fair value of publicly traded notes is based upon current trading values. The fair value of finance lease obligations is determined by discounting future cash flows using a rate for loans with similar terms, conditions and maturity dates. The carrying value of bank credit facilities approximates fair value as the debt bears interest at rates that fluctuate with market values. Other notes and debentures are valued based upon current trading values for similar instruments.

  4. Other long-term liabilities

    The fair value of contingent consideration arising from a business acquisition is determined by calculating the present value of the probability weighted assessment of the likelihood that revenue targets will be met and the estimated timing of such payments.

  5. Derivative financial instruments

    The fair value of US currency forward purchase contracts is determined by an estimated credit-adjusted mark-to-market valuation using observable forward exchange rates at the end of reporting periods and contract forward rates.

The carrying values and estimated fair values of long-term debt are as follows:

      
      
 May 31, 2019 August 31, 2018
 Carrying
value
Estimated
fair value
 Carrying
value
Estimated
fair value
Liabilities     
Long-term debt (including current portion)(1) 5,307  5,933   4,311  4,788 

(1)          Level 2 fair value – determined by valuation techniques using inputs based on observable market data, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices. 

17.    INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS

    
    
 May 31, 2019 August 31, 2018
Publicly traded companies –  615 
Investments in private entities 37   45 
  37   660 

During the three months ended May 31, 2019, the Company disposed of a portfolio investment with a book value of $10 for proceeds of $25.

Corus Entertainment Inc.

On May 31, 2019, the Company sold all of its 80,630,383 Class B non-voting participating shares of Corus at a price of $6.80 per share. Proceeds, net of transaction costs were $526, which resulted in a loss of $109 for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019.

The Company’s weighted average ownership of Corus for the nine months ended May 31, 2019 was 38% (2018 – 39%). For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2019, the Company received dividends of $5 (2018 - $23) and $10 (2018 - $69) from Corus, respectively. 

Summary financial information for Corus through the disposal date is as follows:

     
     
Summarized statement of earnings of Corus:    
 Three months ended May 31,Nine months ended May 31,
 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Revenue 458   441   1,310   1,268  
Net income attributable to:    
Shareholders 66   (936) 133   (818)
Non-controlling interest 7   7   19   20  
  73   (929) 152   (798)
Other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to shareholders (24) 5   (40) 18  
Comprehensive income 49   (924) 112   (780)
Equity income from associates, excluding goodwill impairment 20   25   46   71  
Impairment of investment in associate(1) –  (284) –  (284)
Equity income from associates(2)  20   (259) 46   (213)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from equity accounted associates(2)  (7) 2   (13) 7  
  13   (257) 33   (206)

(1)         The Company assessed its investment in Corus for indicators of impairment, which included a significant and sustained decrease in the share price as well as the recording by Corus of an impairment charge against their goodwill and broadcast license intangibles, and found that there was evidence that impairment had occurred. The Company compared the recoverable amount to the carrying value and determined that an impairment charge of $284 million was required. The recoverable amount was determined based on the value in use of the investment.
(2)          The Company’s share of income and other comprehensive income reflect the weighted average proportion of Corus net income and other comprehensive income attributable to shareholders for the three and nine month periods ended May 31, 2019 and 2018.

  
  
  
Carrying amount at August 31, 2018 615  
Share of equity at disposition date 46  
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of associates (13)
Dividends received to disposition date (10)
Carrying value at disposition date 638  
  
Proceeds on disposal, net of transaction costs 526  
Reclassification of accumulated gain from other comprehensive income related to the sale of an associate (3)
Loss on sale of investment 109  

18. INTANGIBLES AND GOODWILL

In April 2019, the Company acquired 11 paired blocks of 20-year 600 MHz spectrum, across its wireless operating footprint, for a total price of $492 million. The spectrum acquisition rights secured through the auction include 30 MHz across each of British Columbia, Alberta and Southern Ontario as well as 20 MHz in Eastern Ontario.

The purchase was funded from cash on hand.

Impairment testing of indefinite-life intangibles and goodwill

The Company conducted its annual impairment test on goodwill and indefinite-life intangibles as at February 1, 2019 and the recoverable amount of the cash generating units exceeded their carrying value.

A hypothetical decline of 10% in the recoverable amount of the broadcast rights and licences for the Cable cash generating unit as at February 1, 2019 would not result in any impairment loss. A hypothetical decline of 10% in the recoverable amount of the broadcast rights and licences for the Satellite cash generating unit as at February 1, 2019 would not result in an impairment loss. A hypothetical decline of 10% in the recoverable amount of the Wireless generating unit as at February 1, 2019 would not result in any impairment loss.

Any changes in economic conditions since the impairment testing conducted as at February 1, 2019 do not represent events or changes in circumstance that would be indicative of impairment at May 31, 2019.

Significant estimates inherent to this analysis include discount rates and the terminal value. At February 1, 2019, the
estimates that have been utilized in the impairment tests reflect any changes in market conditions and are as follows:

    
    
  Terminal value
 Post-tax
discount rate
Terminal
growth rate
Terminal operating
income before
restructuring costs and
amortization multiple
Cable6.5%1.5%7.4X
Satellite7.5%-3.0%5.4X
Wireless9.3%1.0%4.5X

A sensitivity analysis of significant estimates is conducted as part of every impairment test. With respect to the impairment tests performed in the second quarter, the estimated decline in recoverable amount for the sensitivity of significant estimates is as follows:

    
    
 Estimated decline in recoverable amount
  Terminal value
 1% increase in
discount rate
1% decrease in
terminal growth rate
0.5 times decrease in
terminal operating
income before
restructuring costs and
amortization multiple
Cable16.4%14.2%4.8%
Satellite8.1%9.7%5.6%
Wireless15.2%7.7%8.0%

19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On May 15, 2019, the Company completed the sale of a non-core parcel of land and the building located thereon (the “Property”), to an affiliate of Shaw Family Living Trust (“SFLT”) (the “Purchaser”), for total net proceeds of approximately $45. The Property had a net book value of approximately $4 resulting in a gain on disposition of approximately $41. The purchase price was determined based on appraisals performed by two independent valuators.  As part of the transaction, the Purchaser agreed to lease back the Property to the Company for a term of three years at market rental rates (which was also based on appraisals from the two independent valuators) allowing the Company to monetize a non-core asset. The transaction was approved by the independent Board members of the Company.

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