Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
1,157
1,160
3,442
2,949
Program rights amortization
13
14
52
58
Finance costs
8
568
600
1,724
1,479
Income tax expense
201
111
414
323
Post-employment benefits contributions, net of expense
19
21
54
25
Losses from associates and joint ventures
9
2
432
1
412
Other
(44)
(33)
(99)
57
Cash provided by operating activities before changes in net operating assets and liabilities, income taxes paid, and interest paid
2,442
2,206
6,764
5,824
Change in net operating assets and liabilities
22
200
185
(209)
(258)
Income taxes paid
(156)
(125)
(388)
(400)
Interest paid
(593)
(512)
(1,622)
(1,324)
Cash provided by operating activities
1,893
1,754
4,545
3,842
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures
(977)
(1,017)
(3,034)
(2,988)
Additions to program rights
(33)
(20)
(56)
(57)
Changes in non-cash working capital related to capital expenditures and intangible assets
(70)
95
(31)
66
Acquisitions and other strategic transactions, net of cash acquired
13
—
—
(475)
(17,001)
Other
(1)
(8)
11
4
Cash used in investing activities
(1,081)
(950)
(3,585)
(19,976)
Financing activities:
Net (repayment of) proceeds received from short-term borrowings
15
(142)
(754)
1,119
(1,343)
Net issuance (repayment) of long-term debt
16
18
2,389
(1,108)
7,789
Net (payments) proceeds on settlement of debt derivatives and forward contracts
11
(25)
111
(3)
232
Transaction costs incurred
16
—
(19)
(46)
(284)
Principal payments of lease liabilities
17
(127)
(99)
(358)
(264)
Dividends paid
18
(186)
(264)
(558)
(769)
Other
1
—
(4)
—
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(461)
1,364
(958)
5,361
Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
351
2,168
2
(10,773)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
451
359
800
13,300
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
802
2,527
802
2,527
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
Rogers Communications Inc.
6
Third Quarter 2024
NOTE 1: NATURE OF THE BUSINESS
Rogers Communications Inc. is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. Substantially all of our operations and sales are in Canada. RCI is incorporated in Canada and its registered office is located at 333 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1G9. RCI's shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
We, us, our, Rogers, Rogers Communications, and the Company refer to Rogers Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries. RCI refers to the legal entity Rogers Communications Inc., not including its subsidiaries. Rogers also holds interests in various investments and ventures.
We report our results of operations in three reportable segments. Each segment and the nature of its business is as follows:
Segment
Principal activities
Wireless
Wireless telecommunications operations for Canadian consumers and businesses.
Cable
Cable telecommunications operations, including Internet, television and other video (Video), Satellite, telephony (Home Phone), and home monitoring services for Canadian consumers and businesses, and network connectivity through our fibre network and data centre assets to support a range of voice, data, networking, hosting, and cloud-based services for the business, public sector, and carrier wholesale markets.
Media
A diversified portfolio of media properties, including sports media and entertainment, television and radio broadcasting, specialty channels, multi-platform shopping, and digital media.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Wireless and Cable were operated by our wholly owned subsidiary, Rogers Communications Canada Inc. (RCCI), and certain other wholly owned subsidiaries. Media was operated by our wholly owned subsidiary, Rogers Media Inc., and its subsidiaries.
Our operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations that materially impact quarter-to-quarter operating results and thus, one quarter's operating results are not necessarily indicative of a subsequent quarter's operating results. These typical fluctuations are described in note 1 to our annual audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 (2023 financial statements).
Statement of Compliance
We prepared our interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 (third quarter 2024 interim financial statements) in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), following the same accounting policies and methods of application as those disclosed in our 2023 financial statements with the exception of new accounting policies that were adopted on January 1, 2024 as described in note 2. These third quarter 2024 interim financial statements were approved by RCI's Board of Directors (the Board) on October 23, 2024.
NOTE 2: MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The notes presented in these third quarter 2024 interim financial statements include only material transactions and changes occurring for the nine months since our year-end of December 31, 2023 and do not include all disclosures required by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the IASB for annual financial statements. These third quarter 2024 interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2023 financial statements.
All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.
New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2024
We adopted the following accounting amendments that were effective for our interim and annual consolidated financial statements commencing January 1, 2024. The adoption of these standards have not had a material impact on our financial results.
•Amendments to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements - Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current, clarifying the classification requirements in the standard for liabilities as current or non-current.
Rogers Communications Inc.
7
Third Quarter 2024
•Amendments to IFRS 16, Leases - Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback, clarifying subsequent measurement requirements for sale and leaseback transactions for seller-lessees.
•Amendments to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements - Non-current Liabilities with Covenants, modifying the 2020 amendments to IAS 1 to further clarify the classification, presentation, and disclosure requirements in the standard for non-current liabilities with covenants.
•Amendments to IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows and IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures - Supplier Finance Arrangements, adding disclosure requirements that require entities to provide qualitative and quantitative information about supplier finance arrangements.
Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
The IASB has issued the following new standard and amendments to existing standards that will become effective in future years:
•IFRS 18, Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements (replacing IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements), with an aim to improve how information is communicated in the financial statements, with a focus on information in the statement of income (January 1, 2027).
•Amendments to IFRS 9, Financial Instruments and IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures, clarifying both the classification of financial assets linked to environmental, social, and governance as well as the timing in which a financial asset or financial liability is derecognized when using electronic payment systems (January 1, 2026).
We are assessing the impacts IFRS 18 and the amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 will have on our consolidated financial statements. We do not expect the amendments to have a material impact.
NOTE 3: CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Key Metrics and Ratios
We monitor adjusted net debt, debt leverage ratio, free cash flow, and available liquidity to manage our capital structure and related risks. These are not standardized financial measures under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar capital management measures disclosed by other companies. A summary of our key metrics and ratios follows, along with a reconciliation between each of these measures and the items presented in the consolidated financial statements.
Adjusted net debt and debt leverage ratio
We monitor adjusted net debt and debt leverage ratio as part of the management of liquidity to sustain future development of our business, conduct valuation-related analyses, and make decisions about capital. In so doing, we typically aim to have an adjusted net debt and debt leverage ratio that allow us to maintain investment-grade credit ratings, which allows us the associated access to capital markets. Our debt leverage ratio can increase due to strategic, long-term investments (for example, to obtain new spectrum licences or to consummate an acquisition) and we work to lower the ratio over time. As a result of the acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc. (Shaw, and the Shaw Transaction) on April 3, 2023, our adjusted net debt increased due to new debt associated with closing the transaction, the debt assumed from Shaw, and the use of restricted cash, and our debt leverage ratio increased correspondingly. In order to meet our stated objective of returning our debt leverage ratio to approximately 3.5 within 36 months of closing the Shaw Transaction, we intend to manage our debt leverage ratio through combined operational synergies, organic growth in adjusted EBITDA, proceeds from asset sales and monetizations, and debt repayment, as applicable. As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we met our objectives for these metrics.
As at September 30
As at December 31
(In millions of dollars, except ratios)
2024
2023
Adjusted net debt 1
43,282
43,134
Divided by: trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA
9,413
8,581
Debt leverage ratio
4.6
5.0
1 For the purposes of calculating adjusted net debt and debt leverage ratio, we believe adjusting 50% of the value of our subordinated notes is appropriate as this methodology factors in certain circumstances with respect to priority for payment and this approach is commonly used to evaluate debt leverage by rating agencies.
Rogers Communications Inc.
8
Third Quarter 2024
Free cash flow
We use free cash flow to understand how much cash we generate that is available to repay debt or reinvest in our business, which is an important indicator of our financial strength and performance.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
Note
2024
2023
2024
2023
Adjusted EBITDA
4
2,545
2,411
7,084
6,252
Deduct:
Capital expenditures 1
977
1,017
3,034
2,988
Interest on borrowings, net and capitalized interest
8
497
524
1,495
1,273
Cash income taxes 2
156
125
388
400
Free cash flow
915
745
2,167
1,591
1 Includes additions to property, plant and equipment net of proceeds on disposition, but does not include expenditures for spectrum licences, additions to right-of-use assets, or assets acquired through business combinations.
2 Cash income taxes are net of refunds received.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
Note
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cash provided by operating activities
1,893
1,754
4,545
3,842
Add (deduct):
Capital expenditures
(977)
(1,017)
(3,034)
(2,988)
Interest on borrowings, net and capitalized interest
8
(497)
(524)
(1,495)
(1,273)
Interest paid
593
512
1,622
1,324
Restructuring, acquisition and other
7
91
213
323
599
Program rights amortization
(13)
(14)
(52)
(58)
Change in net operating assets and liabilities
22
(200)
(185)
209
258
Other adjustments 1
25
6
49
(113)
Free cash flow
915
745
2,167
1,591
1 Other adjustments consists of post-employment benefit contributions, net of expense, cash flows relating to other operating activities, and other investment income from our financial statements.
Available liquidity
Available liquidity fluctuates based on business circumstances. We continually manage, and aim to have sufficient, available liquidity at all times to help protect our ability to meet all of our commitments (operationally and for maturing debt obligations), to execute our business plan (including to acquire spectrum licences or consummate acquisitions), to mitigate the risk of economic downturns, and for other unforeseen circumstances. As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had sufficient liquidity available to us to meet this objective.
Below is a summary of our total available liquidity from our cash and cash equivalents, bank credit facilities, letter of credit facilities, and short-term borrowings, including our receivables securitization program and our US dollar-denominated commercial paper (US CP) program.
Our $815 million Canada Infrastructure Bank credit agreement is not included in available liquidity as it can only be drawn upon for use in broadband projects under the Universal Broadband Fund, and therefore is not available for other general purposes.
Rogers Communications Inc.
9
Third Quarter 2024
As at September 30, 2024
Total sources
Drawn
Letters of credit
US CP program 1
Net available
(In millions of dollars)
Note
Cash and cash equivalents
802
—
—
—
802
Bank credit facilities 2:
Revolving
16
4,000
—
10
—
3,990
Non-revolving
15
500
500
—
—
—
Outstanding letters of credit
3
—
3
—
—
Receivables securitization 2
15
2,400
2,400
—
—
—
Total
7,705
2,900
13
—
4,792
1 The US CP program amounts are gross of the discount on issuance.
2 The total liquidity sources under our bank credit facilities and receivables securitization represents the total credit limits per the relevant agreements. The amount drawn and letters of credit are currently outstanding under those agreements. The US CP program amount represents our currently outstanding US CP borrowings that are backstopped by our revolving credit facility.
As at December 31, 2023
Total sources
Drawn
Letters of credit
US CP program 1
Net available
(In millions of dollars)
Note
Cash and cash equivalents
800
—
—
—
800
Bank credit facilities 2:
Revolving
16
4,000
—
10
151
3,839
Non-revolving
15
500
—
—
—
500
Outstanding letters of credit
243
—
243
—
—
Receivables securitization 2
15
2,400
1,600
—
—
800
Total
7,943
1,600
253
151
5,939
1 The US CP program amounts are gross of the discount on issuance.
2 The total liquidity sources under our bank credit facilities and receivables securitization represents the total credit limits per the relevant agreements. The amount drawn and letters of credit are currently outstanding under those agreements. The US CP program amount represents our currently outstanding US CP borrowings that are backstopped by our revolving credit facility.
NOTE 4: SEGMENTED INFORMATION
Our reportable segments are Wireless, Cable, and Media. All three segments operate substantially in Canada. Corporate items and eliminations include our interests in businesses that are not reportable operating segments, corporate administrative functions, and eliminations of inter-segment revenues and costs. We follow the same accounting policies for our segments as those described in note 2 of our 2023 financial statements. Segment results include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that have been allocated on a reasonable basis. We account for transactions between reportable segments in the same way we account for transactions with external parties, however eliminate them on consolidation.
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of RCI are, collectively, our chief operating decision maker and regularly review our operations and performance by segment. They review adjusted EBITDA as the key measure of profit for the purpose of assessing performance of each segment and to make decisions about the allocation of resources. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income before depreciation and amortization; (gain) loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment; restructuring, acquisition and other; finance costs; other (income) expense; and income tax expense.
Rogers Communications Inc.
10
Third Quarter 2024
Information by Segment
Three months ended September 30, 2024
Note
Wireless
Cable
Media
Corporate items and eliminations
Consolidated totals
(In millions of dollars)
Revenue
5
2,620
1,970
653
(114)
5,129
Operating costs
6
1,255
837
519
(27)
2,584
Adjusted EBITDA
1,365
1,133
134
(87)
2,545
Depreciation and amortization
1,157
Restructuring, acquisition and other
7
91
Finance costs
8
568
Other expense
9
2
Income before income taxes
727
Three months ended September 30, 2023
Note
Wireless
Cable
Media
Corporate items
and eliminations
Consolidated
totals
(In millions of dollars)
Revenue
5
2,584
1,993
586
(71)
5,092
Operating costs
6
1,290
913
479
(1)
2,681
Adjusted EBITDA
1,294
1,080
107
(70)
2,411
Depreciation and amortization
1,160
Restructuring, acquisition and other
7
213
Finance costs
8
600
Other expense
9
426
Income before income taxes
12
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
Note
Wireless
Cable
Media
Corporate items and eliminations
Consolidated totals
(In millions of dollars)
Revenue
5
7,614
5,893
1,868
(252)
15,123
Operating costs
6
3,669
2,544
1,837
(11)
8,039
Adjusted EBITDA
3,945
3,349
31
(241)
7,084
Depreciation and amortization
3,442
Restructuring, acquisition and other
7
323
Finance costs
8
1,724
Other expense
9
5
Income before income taxes
1,590
Rogers Communications Inc.
11
Third Quarter 2024
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
Note
Wireless
Cable
Media
Corporate items
and eliminations
Consolidated
totals
(In millions of dollars)
Revenue
5
7,354
5,023
1,777
(181)
13,973
Operating costs
6
3,659
2,360
1,704
(2)
7,721
Adjusted EBITDA
3,695
2,663
73
(179)
6,252
Depreciation and amortization
2,949
Restructuring, acquisition and other
7
599
Finance costs
8
1,479
Other expense
9
381
Income before income taxes
844
NOTE 5: REVENUE
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Wireless
Service revenue
2,066
2,026
6,050
5,782
Equipment revenue
554
558
1,564
1,572
Total Wireless
2,620
2,584
7,614
7,354
Cable
Service revenue
1,962
1,986
5,857
4,997
Equipment revenue
8
7
36
26
Total Cable
1,970
1,993
5,893
5,023
Total Media
653
586
1,868
1,777
Corporate items and intercompany eliminations
(114)
(71)
(252)
(181)
Total revenue
5,129
5,092
15,123
13,973
Total service revenue
4,567
4,527
13,523
12,375
Total equipment revenue
562
565
1,600
1,598
Total revenue
5,129
5,092
15,123
13,973
NOTE 6: OPERATING COSTS
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cost of equipment sales
555
552
1,616
1,588
Merchandise for resale
55
53
153
156
Other external purchases
1,352
1,383
4,425
4,062
Employee salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation
622
693
1,845
1,915
Total operating costs
2,584
2,681
8,039
7,721
Rogers Communications Inc.
12
Third Quarter 2024
NOTE 7: RESTRUCTURING, ACQUISITION AND OTHER
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Restructuring and other
54
175
232
340
Shaw Transaction-related costs
37
38
91
259
Total restructuring, acquisition and other
91
213
323
599
The Shaw Transaction-related costs in 2023 and 2024 consisted of incremental costs supporting acquisition (in 2023) and integration activities (in 2023 and 2024) related to the Shaw Transaction. In the first half of 2023, these costs primarily reflected closing-related fees, the Shaw Transaction-related employee retention program, and the cost of the tangible benefits package related to the broadcasting portion of the Shaw Transaction.
The restructuring and other costs in 2023 and 2024 were primarily severance and other departure-related costs associated with the targeted restructuring of our employee base, which also included costs associated with voluntary departure programs. These costs also included costs related to real estate rationalization programs.
NOTE 8: FINANCE COSTS
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
Note
2024
2023
2024
2023
Total interest on borrowings 1
505
535
1,525
1,450
Interest earned on restricted cash and cash equivalents
—
—
—
(149)
Interest on borrowings, net
505
535
1,525
1,301
Interest on lease liabilities
17
34
30
103
80
Interest on post-employment benefits liability
(1)
(3)
(3)
(10)
(Gain) loss on foreign exchange
(32)
143
107
16
Change in fair value of derivative instruments
28
(136)
(94)
(3)
Capitalized interest
(8)
(11)
(30)
(28)
Deferred transaction costs and other
42
42
116
123
Total finance costs
568
600
1,724
1,479
1Interest on borrowings includes interest on short-term borrowings and on long-term debt.
NOTE 9: OTHER EXPENSE
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
Note
2024
2023
2024
2023
Losses from associates and joint ventures
14
2
432
1
412
Other (income) losses
—
(6)
4
(31)
Total other expense
2
426
5
381
Rogers Communications Inc.
13
Third Quarter 2024
NOTE 10: EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Numerator (basic) - Net income (loss) for the period
526
(99)
1,176
521
Denominator - Number of shares (in millions):
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic
534
529
533
521
Effect of dilutive securities (in millions):
Employee stock options and restricted share units
2
—
1
1
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted
536
529
534
522
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic
$0.99
($0.19)
$2.21
$1.00
Diluted
$0.98
($0.20)
$2.19
$0.97
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, accounting for outstanding share-based payments using the equity-settled method for stock-based compensation was determined to be more dilutive than using the cash-settled method. As a result, net income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was reduced (increased) by nil and $9 million (2023 - ($8 million) and $16 million), respectively, in the diluted earnings per share calculation.
A total of 9,513,710 options were excluded from the calculation of the effect of dilutive securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 (2023 - 10,413,959 and 8,836,787, respectively), because they were anti-dilutive.
NOTE 11: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments to manage financial risks related to our business activities. These include debt derivatives, interest rate derivatives, expenditure derivatives, and equity derivatives. We only use derivatives to manage risk and not for speculative purposes.
All of our currently outstanding debt derivatives related to our senior notes, senior debentures, subordinated notes, and lease liabilities, as well as our expenditure derivatives have been designated as hedges for accounting purposes.
Debt derivatives
We use cross-currency interest rate exchange agreements, forward cross-currency interest rate exchange agreements, and foreign currency forward contracts (collectively, debt derivatives) to manage risks from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates associated with our US dollar-denominated senior notes, debentures, subordinated notes, lease liabilities, credit facility borrowings, and US CP borrowings (see note 16). We typically designate the debt derivatives related to our senior notes, debentures, subordinated notes, and lease liabilities as hedges for accounting purposes against the foreign exchange risk or interest rate risk associated with specific issued and forecast debt instruments. Debt derivatives related to our credit facility and US CP borrowings have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes.
Rogers Communications Inc.
14
Third Quarter 2024
The tables below summarize the debt derivatives we entered into and settled related to our credit facility borrowings and US CP program during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30, 2024
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional
(US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional
(US$)
Exchange
rate
Notional
(Cdn$)
Credit facilities
Debt derivatives entered
3,476
1.364
4,740
11,739
1.355
15,903
Debt derivatives settled
3,472
1.361
4,727
13,878
1.354
18,785
Net cash paid on settlement
(24)
(8)
US commercial paper program
Debt derivatives entered
120
1.367
164
1,401
1.355
1,899
Debt derivatives settled
218
1.367
298
1,514
1.361
2,060
Net cash (paid) received on settlement
(1)
5
Three months ended September 30, 2023
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional
(US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional
(US$)
Exchange
rate
Notional
(Cdn$)
Credit facilities
Debt derivatives entered
13,231
1.342
17,753
28,028
1.342
37,626
Debt derivatives settled
13,962
1.342
18,739
23,793
1.341
31,900
Net cash received on settlement
112
17
US commercial paper program
Debt derivatives entered
322
1.332
429
1,496
1.356
2,028
Debt derivatives settled
322
1.326
427
1,654
1.343
2,222
Net cash paid on settlement
(1)
(19)
As at September 30, 2024, we had US$1,102 million and nil notional amount of debt derivatives outstanding relating to our credit facility borrowings and US CP program (December 31, 2023 - US$3,241 million and US$113 million) at an average rate of $1.353/US$ (December 31, 2023 - $1.352/US$) and nil (December 31, 2023 - $1.369/US$), respectively.
Senior notes
Below is a summary of the debt derivatives we entered into related to senior notes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. We did not enter into any debt derivatives related to senior notes issued during 2023.
(In millions of dollars, except interest rates)
US$
Hedging effect
Effective date
Principal/Notional amount (US$)
Maturity date
Coupon rate
Fixed hedged (Cdn$) interest rate 1
Equivalent (Cdn$)
2024 issuances
February 9, 2024
1,250
2029
5.000
%
4.735
%
1,684
February 9, 2024
1,250
2034
5.300
%
5.107
%
1,683
1 Converting from a fixed US$ coupon rate to a weighted average Cdn$ fixed rate.
As at September 30, 2024, we had US$17,250 million (December 31, 2023 - US$14,750 million) in US dollar-denominated senior notes, debentures, and subordinated notes, of which all of the associated foreign exchange risk had been hedged economically using debt derivatives, at an average rate of $1.272/US$ (December 31, 2023 - $1.259/US$).
In March 2023, we settled the derivatives associated with our US$1 billion senior notes due 2025, which were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. We subsequently entered into new derivatives associated with those senior notes, which we designated as hedges for accounting purposes. We received a net $60 million relating to these transactions.
Rogers Communications Inc.
15
Third Quarter 2024
Lease liabilities
Below is a summary of the debt derivatives we entered into and settled related to our outstanding lease liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30, 2024
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional
(US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Debt derivatives entered
73
1.356
99
228
1.355
309
Debt derivatives settled
54
1.352
73
155
1.329
206
Three months ended September 30, 2023
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional
(US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional
(US$)
Exchange
rate
Notional
(Cdn$)
Debt derivatives entered
95
1.358
129
181
1.348
244
Debt derivatives settled
34
1.324
45
100
1.310
131
As at September 30, 2024, we had US$430 million notional amount of debt derivatives outstanding relating to our outstanding lease liabilities (December 31, 2023 - US$357 million) with terms to maturity ranging from October 2024 to September 2027 (December 31, 2023 - January 2024 to December 2026) at an average rate of $1.341/US$ (December 31, 2023 - $1.329/US$).
Expenditure derivatives
We use foreign currency forward contracts (expenditure derivatives) to manage the foreign exchange risk in our operations, designating them as hedges for accounting purposes for certain of our forecast operational and capital expenditures.
The tables below summarize the expenditure derivatives we entered into and settled during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30, 2024
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional
(US$)
Exchange
rate
Notional
(Cdn$)
Expenditure derivatives entered
600
1.342
805
1,110
1.341
1,489
Expenditure derivatives settled
315
1.324
417
915
1.325
1,212
Three months ended September 30, 2023
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional
(US$)
Exchange
rate
Notional
(Cdn$)
Expenditure derivatives entered
90
1.300
117
1,230
1.325
1,630
Expenditure derivatives acquired
—
—
—
212
1.330
282
Expenditure derivatives settled
359
1.270
456
899
1.260
1,133
As at September 30, 2024, we had US$1,845 million notional amount of expenditure derivatives outstanding (December 31, 2023 - US$1,650 million) with terms to maturity ranging from October 2024 to December 2026 (December 31, 2023 - January 2024 to December 2025) at an average rate of $1.336/US$ (December 31, 2023 - $1.325/US$).
Equity derivatives
We use total return swaps (equity derivatives) to hedge the market price appreciation risk of the RCI Class B Non-Voting common shares (Class B Non-Voting Shares) granted under our stock-based compensation programs. The equity derivatives have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes.
As at September 30, 2024, we had equity derivatives outstanding for 6.0 million (December 31, 2023 - 6.0 million) Class B Non-Voting Shares with a weighted average price of $53.27 (December 31, 2023 - $54.02).
Rogers Communications Inc.
16
Third Quarter 2024
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we executed extension agreements for our equity derivative contracts under substantially the same commitment terms and conditions with revised expiry dates to April 2025 (from April 2024) and the weighted average cost was adjusted to $53.27 per share.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we entered into 0.5 million equity derivatives with a weighted average price of $58.14 as a result of the issuance of additional performance restricted share units in 2023 (see note 19).
Cash settlements on debt derivatives and forward contracts
The tables below summarize the net proceeds (payments) on settlement of debt derivatives and forward contracts during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Credit facilities
(24)
112
(8)
17
US commercial paper program
(1)
(1)
5
(19)
Senior and subordinated notes
—
—
—
234
Net (payments) proceeds on settlement of debt derivatives and forward contracts
(25)
111
(3)
232
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, bank advances, short-term borrowings, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The carrying values of our financing receivables also approximate their fair values based on our recognition of an expected credit loss allowance.
We determine the fair value of our private investments by using implied valuations from follow-on financing rounds, third-party sale negotiations, or using market-based approaches. These are applied appropriately to each investment depending on its future operating and profitability prospects.
The fair values of each of our public debt instruments are based on the period-end estimated market yields, or period-end trading values, where available. We determine the fair values of our debt derivatives and expenditure derivatives using an estimated credit-adjusted mark-to-market valuation by discounting cash flows to the measurement date. In the case of debt derivatives and expenditure derivatives in an asset position, the credit spread for the financial institution counterparty is added to the risk-free discount rate to determine the estimated credit-adjusted value for each derivative. For those debt derivatives and expenditure derivatives in a liability position, our credit spread is added to the risk-free discount rate for each derivative.
The fair values of our equity derivatives are based on the quoted market value of Class B Non-Voting Shares.
Our disclosure of the three-level fair value hierarchy reflects the significance of the inputs used in measuring fair value:
•financial assets and financial liabilities in Level 1 are valued by referring to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
•financial assets and financial liabilities in Level 2 are valued using inputs based on observable market data, either directly or indirectly, other than the quoted prices; and
•Level 3 valuations are based on inputs that are not based on observable market data.
There were no financial instruments in Level 1 as at September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023. There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 or 2023.
Rogers Communications Inc.
17
Third Quarter 2024
Below is a summary of our financial instruments carried at fair value as at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Carrying value
Fair value (Level 2)
Fair value (Level 3)
As at Sept. 30
As at Dec. 31
As at Sept. 30
As at Dec. 31
As at Sept. 30
As at Dec. 31
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
Financial assets
Investments, measured at FVTOCI:
Investments in private companies
124
118
—
—
124
118
Held-for-trading:
Debt derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges
835
599
835
599
—
—
Expenditure derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges
20
4
20
4
—
—
Equity derivatives not accounted for as hedges
13
48
13
48
—
—
Total financial assets
992
769
868
651
124
118
Financial liabilities
Long-term debt (including current portion)
40,294
40,855
39,257
39,001
—
—
Held-for-trading:
Debt derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges
789
1,069
789
1,069
—
—
Debt derivatives not accounted for as hedges
3
101
3
101
—
—
Expenditure derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges
5
19
5
19
—
—
Equity derivatives not accounted as hedges
6
—
6
—
—
—
Total financial liabilities
41,097
42,044
40,060
40,190
—
—
Pension plan purchases of annuities
In July 2024 and July 2023, our defined benefit pension plans purchased approximately $147 million and $737 million, respectively, of annuities from insurance companies for substantially all the retired members in the plans at those times. The aggregate premiums for the annuities were funded by selling a corresponding amount of existing assets from the plans. The purchase of the annuities relieves us of primary responsibility for, and eliminates risk associated with, the accrued benefit obligation for the retired members. The annuity purchases required a remeasurement of the pension plan assets and liabilities at the date of purchase. In 2024, we recognized a $211 million remeasurement gain in other comprehensive income (2023 - $2 million loss). There was no significant impact to net income related to the annuity purchases.
NOTE 12: FINANCING RECEIVABLES
Financing receivables represent amounts owed to us under device or accessory financing agreements that have not yet been billed. Our financing receivable balances are included in "accounts receivable" (when they are to be billed and collected within twelve months) and "financing receivables" on our interim condensed consolidated statements of financial position. Below is a breakdown of our financing receivable balances.
As at September 30
As at December 31
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Current financing receivables
2,142
2,111
Long-term financing receivables
976
1,101
Total financing receivables
3,118
3,212
NOTE 13: INTANGIBLE ASSETS
3800 MHz Spectrum Licence Acquisition
In November 2023, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced the results of the 3800 MHz spectrum licence auction that was held in October and November 2023. We were awarded 860 spectrum licences covering 172 regions across the country, including urban area, rural and Indigenous communities. We made payments for these licences in January 2024 for $95 million and May 2024 for $380 million. Upon acquisition in May 2024, we recognized the spectrum licences as indefinite-life intangible assets of $480 million, including directly attributable costs.
Rogers Communications Inc.
18
Third Quarter 2024
NOTE 14: INVESTMENTS
As at September 30
As at
December 31
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Investments in private companies, measured at FVTOCI
124
118
Investments, associates and joint ventures
478
480
Total investments
602
598
One of our joint ventures has a non-controlling interest that has a right to require our joint venture to purchase that non-controlling interest at a future date at fair value. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a $422 million loss in other expense related to a change in the fair value of that obligation. As a result of the loss, the balance of the investment was reduced to nil and we had an unrecognized loss related to the investment of $186 million as at December 31, 2023. As at September 30, 2024, the unrecognized loss related to the investment is $588 million.
NOTE 15: SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
As at September 30
As at
December 31
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Receivables securitization program
2,400
1,600
US commercial paper program (net of the discount on issuance)
—
150
Non-revolving credit facility borrowings (net of the discount on issuance)
493
—
Total short-term borrowings
2,893
1,750
The tables below summarize the activity relating to our short-term borrowings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30, 2024
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Proceeds received from receivables securitization
—
800
Net proceeds received from receivables securitization
—
800
Proceeds received from US commercial paper
120
1.367
164
1,402
1.355
1,900
Repayment of US commercial paper
(220)
1.364
(300)
(1,525)
1.360
(2,074)
Net repayment of US commercial paper
(136)
(174)
Proceeds received from non-revolving credit facilities (US$) 1
1,275
1.366
1,742
1,829
1.364
2,495
Repayment of non-revolving credit facilities (US$) 1
(1,279)
1.367
(1,748)
(1,464)
1.367
(2,002)
Net (repayment of) proceeds received from non-revolving credit facilities
(6)
493
Net (repayment of) proceeds received from short-term borrowings
(142)
1,119
1 Borrowings under our non-revolving facility mature and are reissued regularly, such that until repaid, we maintain net outstanding borrowings equivalent to the then-current credit limit on the reissue dates.
Rogers Communications Inc.
19
Third Quarter 2024
Three months ended September 30, 2023
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Repayment of receivables securitization
—
(1,000)
Net repayment of receivables securitization
—
(1,000)
Proceeds received from US commercial paper
323
1.325
428
1,497
1.354
2,027
Repayment of US commercial paper
(323)
1.325
(428)
(1,664)
1.343
(2,235)
Net repayment of US commercial paper
—
(208)
Proceeds received from non-revolving credit facilities (Cdn$) 1
—
375
Proceeds received from non-revolving credit facilities (US$)
927
1.348
1,250
2,125
1.349
2,866
Total proceeds received from non-revolving credit facilities
1,250
3,241
Repayment of non-revolving credit facilities (Cdn$) 1
(379)
(758)
Repayment of non-revolving credit facilities (US$)
(1,204)
1.350
(1,625)
(1,942)
1.348
(2,618)
Total repayment of non-revolving credit facilities
(2,004)
(3,376)
Net repayment of non-revolving credit facilities
(754)
(135)
Net repayment of short-term borrowings
(754)
(1,343)
1 Borrowings under our non-revolving facility mature and are reissued regularly, such that until repaid, we maintain net outstanding borrowings equivalent to the then-current credit limit on the reissue dates.
Receivables Securitization Program
Below is a summary of our receivables securitization program as at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
As at September 30
As at
December 31
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
Receivables sold to buyer as security
3,086
3,178
Short-term borrowings from buyer
(2,400)
(1,600)
Overcollateralization
686
1,578
Below is a summary of the activity related to our receivables securitization program for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Receivables securitization program, beginning of period
2,400
1,600
1,600
2,400
Receivables securitization program assumed
—
—
—
200
Net proceeds received from (repayment of) receivables securitization
—
—
800
(1,000)
Receivables securitization program, end of period
2,400
1,600
2,400
1,600
In April 2023, we repaid the outstanding $200 million of borrowings under Shaw's legacy accounts receivable securitization program, subsequent to which the program was terminated. This repayment is included in "net repayment of receivables securitization" above.
The terms of our receivables securitization program are committed until its expiry, which we extended in June 2024 to an expiration date of June 28, 2027.
Rogers Communications Inc.
20
Third Quarter 2024
US Commercial Paper Program
The tables below summarize the activity relating to our US CP program for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30, 2024
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
US commercial paper program, beginning of period
98
1.367
134
113
1.327
150
Net repayment of US commercial paper
(100)
1.360
(136)
(123)
1.415
(174)
Discounts on issuance 1
2
n/m
3
10
n/m
14
Loss on foreign exchange 1
(1)
10
US commercial paper program, end of period
—
—
—
—
—
—
n/m - not meaningful
1 Included in finance costs.
Three months ended September 30, 2023
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
US commercial paper program, beginning of period
—
—
—
158
1.354
214
Net repayment of US commercial paper
—
—
—
(167)
n/m
(208)
Discounts on issuance 1
—
—
—
9
1.333
12
Gain on foreign exchange 1
—
(18)
US commercial paper program, end of period
—
—
—
—
—
—
1 Included in finance costs.
Concurrent with the commercial paper issuances, we entered into debt derivatives to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with the principal and interest components of the borrowings under the US CP program (see note 11). We have not designated these debt derivatives as hedges for accounting purposes.
Non-Revolving Credit Facilities
Below is a summary of the activity relating to our non-revolving credit facilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Non-revolving credit facility, beginning of period
505
983
—
371
Net (repayment of) proceeds received from non-revolving credit facility
(6)
(754)
493
(135)
Discounts on issuance 1
—
5
—
12
Loss (gain) on foreign exchange 1
(6)
13
—
(1)
Non-revolving credit facility, end of period
493
247
493
247
1 Included in finance costs.
In March 2024, we borrowed US$185 million under our non-revolving facility maturing in March 2025. In April 2024, we borrowed an additional US$184 million under the facility. As a result, we have fully drawn on the facility.
Concurrent with our US dollar-denominated borrowings under our credit facilities, we entered into debt derivatives to hedge the foreign currency risk associated with the principal and interest components of the borrowings (see note 11).
Rogers Communications Inc.
21
Third Quarter 2024
NOTE 16: LONG-TERM DEBT
Principal
amount
Interest
rate
As at September 30
As at
December 31
(In millions of dollars, except interest rates)
Due date
2024
2023
Term loan facility
Floating
995
4,286
Senior notes
2024
600
4.000
%
—
600
Senior notes 1
2024
500
4.350
%
—
500
Senior notes
2025
US
1,000
2.950
%
1,350
1,323
Senior notes
2025
1,250
3.100
%
1,250
1,250
Senior notes
2025
US
700
3.625
%
945
926
Senior notes
2026
500
5.650
%
500
500
Senior notes
2026
US
500
2.900
%
675
661
Senior notes
2027
1,500
3.650
%
1,500
1,500
Senior notes 1
2027
300
3.800
%
300
300
Senior notes
2027
US
1,300
3.200
%
1,755
1,719
Senior notes
2028
1,000
5.700
%
1,000
1,000
Senior notes 1
2028
500
4.400
%
500
500
Senior notes 1
2029
500
3.300
%
500
500
Senior notes
2029
1,000
3.750
%
1,000
1,000
Senior notes
2029
1,000
3.250
%
1,000
1,000
Senior notes
2029
US
1,250
5.000
%
1,688
—
Senior notes
2030
500
5.800
%
500
500
Senior notes 1
2030
500
2.900
%
500
500
Senior notes
2032
US
2,000
3.800
%
2,700
2,645
Senior notes
2032
1,000
4.250
%
1,000
1,000
Senior debentures 2
2032
US
200
8.750
%
270
265
Senior notes
2033
1,000
5.900
%
1,000
1,000
Senior notes
2034
US
1,250
5.300
%
1,687
—
Senior notes
2038
US
350
7.500
%
472
463
Senior notes
2039
500
6.680
%
500
500
Senior notes 1
2039
1,450
6.750
%
1,450
1,450
Senior notes
2040
800
6.110
%
800
800
Senior notes
2041
400
6.560
%
400
400
Senior notes
2042
US
750
4.500
%
1,012
992
Senior notes
2043
US
500
4.500
%
675
661
Senior notes
2043
US
650
5.450
%
878
860
Senior notes
2044
US
1,050
5.000
%
1,418
1,389
Senior notes
2048
US
750
4.300
%
1,012
992
Senior notes 1
2049
300
4.250
%
300
300
Senior notes
2049
US
1,250
4.350
%
1,687
1,653
Senior notes
2049
US
1,000
3.700
%
1,350
1,323
Senior notes
2052
US
2,000
4.550
%
2,700
2,645
Senior notes
2052
1,000
5.250
%
1,000
1,000
Subordinated notes 3
2081
2,000
5.000
%
2,000
2,000
Subordinated notes 3
2082
US
750
5.250
%
1,012
992
41,281
41,895
Deferred transaction costs and discounts
(987)
(1,040)
Less current portion
(2,600)
(1,100)
Total long-term debt
37,694
39,755
1 Senior notes originally issued by Shaw Communications Inc. which are unsecured obligations of RCI and for which RCCI was an unsecured guarantor as at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
2 Senior debentures originally issued by Rogers Cable Inc. which are unsecured obligations of RCI and for which RCCI was an unsecured guarantor as at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
3 The subordinated notes can be redeemed at par on the respective five-year anniversary from issuance dates of December 2021 and February 2022 or on any subsequent interest payment date.
Rogers Communications Inc.
22
Third Quarter 2024
The tables below summarize the activity relating to our long-term debt for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30, 2024
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Term loan facility net borrowings (US$) 1
8
n/m
18
8
n/m
18
Term loan facility net repayments (US$) 1
—
—
—
(2,512)
1.351
(3,393)
Net borrowings (repayments) under term loan facility
18
(3,375)
Senior note issuances (US$)
—
—
—
2,500
1.347
3,367
Senior note repayments (Cdn$)
—
(1,100)
Net issuance of senior notes
—
2,267
Net issuance (repayment) of long-term debt
18
(1,108)
1 Borrowings under our term loan facility mature and are reissued regularly, such that until repaid, we maintain net outstanding borrowings equivalent to the then-current credit limit on the reissue dates.
Three months ended September 30, 2023
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
(In millions of dollars, except exchange rates)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Notional (US$)
Exchange rate
Notional (Cdn$)
Credit facility borrowings (US$)
—
—
—
220
1.368
301
Credit facility repayments (US$)
—
—
—
(220)
1.336
(294)
Net borrowings under credit facilities
—
7
Term loan facility net borrowings (US$) 1
—
—
—
4,506
1.350
6,082
Term loan facility net repayments (US$)
(454)
1.346
(611)
(454)
1.346
(611)
Net (repayments) borrowings under term loan facility
(611)
5,471
Senior note issuances (Cdn$)
3,000
3,000
Senior note repayments (US$)
—
—
—
(500)
1.378
(689)
Net issuance of senior notes
3,000
2,311
Net issuance of long-term debt
2,389
7,789
1 Borrowings under our term loan facility mature and are reissued regularly, such that until repaid, we maintain net outstanding borrowings equivalent to the then-current credit limit on the reissue dates.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Long-term debt net of transaction costs, beginning of period
40,585
41,136
40,855
31,733
Net issuance (repayment) of long-term debt
18
2,389
(1,108)
7,789
Long-term debt assumed
—
—
—
4,526
(Gain) loss on foreign exchange
(344)
562
495
(23)
Deferred transaction costs incurred
—
(27)
(53)
(31)
Amortization of deferred transaction costs
35
34
105
100
Long-term debt net of transaction costs, end of period
40,294
44,094
40,294
44,094
In April 2024, we amended our revolving credit facility to extend the maturity date of the $3 billion tranche to April 2029, from January 2028, and the $1 billion tranche to April 2027, from January 2026.
In April 2023, we drew the maximum $6 billion on the term loan facility upon closing the Shaw Transaction, consisting of $2 billion from each of the three tranches. The three tranches mature on April 3, 2026, 2027, and 2028, respectively. During the remainder of 2023, we repaid $1.6 billion of the tranche maturing in 2027. In February 2024,
Rogers Communications Inc.
23
Third Quarter 2024
we used the proceeds from our senior note issuance (see "Issuance of senior notes and related debt derivatives") to repay an additional $3.4 billion of the facility such that only $1 billion remains outstanding under the April 2026 tranche.
In April 2023, we also assumed $4.55 billion principal amount of Shaw's senior notes upon closing the Shaw Transaction, of which $500 million was subsequently repaid at maturity during the remainder of 2023 and $500 million was repaid at maturity in January 2024.
Senior Notes
Issuance of senior notes and related debt derivatives
Below is a summary of the senior notes we issued during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
(In millions of dollars, except interest rates and discounts)
Discount/ premium at issuance
Total gross
proceeds 1 (Cdn$)
Transaction costs and
discounts 2 (Cdn$)
Date issued
Principal amount
Due date
Interest rate
2024 issuances
February 9, 2024
US
1,250
2029
5.000
%
99.714
%
1,684
20
February 9, 2024
US
1,250
2034
5.300
%
99.119
%
1,683
30
2023 issuances
September 21, 2023
500
2026
5.650
%
99.853
%
500
3
September 21, 2023
1,000
2028
5.700
%
99.871
%
1,000
8
September 21, 2023
500
2030
5.800
%
99.932
%
500
4
September 21, 2023
1,000
2033
5.900
%
99.441
%
1,000
12
1 Gross proceeds before transaction costs, discounts, and premiums.
2 Transaction costs, discounts, and premiums are included as deferred transaction costs and discounts in the carrying value of the long-term debt, and recognized in net (loss) income using the effective interest method.
In February 2024, we issued senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of US$2.5 billion, consisting of US$1.25 billion of 5.00% senior notes due 2029 and US$1.25 billion of 5.30% senior notes due 2034. Concurrent with the issuances, we entered into debt derivatives to convert all interest and principal payment obligations to Canadian dollars. As a result, we received net proceeds of US$2.46 billion ($3.32 billion).
In September 2023, we issued senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of $3 billion. As a result, we received net proceeds of $2.98 billion which we expect to use for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of outstanding debt.
Repayment of senior notes and related derivative settlements
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we repaid the entire outstanding principal of our $500 million 4.35% and $600 million 4.00% senior notes at maturity. There were no derivatives associated with these senior notes.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we repaid the entire outstanding principal amount of our US$500 million 3.00% senior notes and the associated debt derivatives at maturity. As a result, we repaid $515 million, including receipt of $174 million received on settlement of the associated debt derivatives.
Rogers Communications Inc.
24
Third Quarter 2024
NOTE 17: LEASES
Below is a summary of the activity related to our lease liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Lease liabilities, beginning of period
2,719
2,467
2,593
2,028
Net additions
133
155
488
427
Lease liabilities assumed
—
—
—
327
Interest on lease liabilities
34
30
103
80
Interest payments on lease liabilities
(31)
(29)
(98)
(74)
Principal payments of lease liabilities
(127)
(99)
(358)
(264)
Lease liabilities, end of period
2,728
2,524
2,728
2,524
NOTE 18: SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Dividends
Below is a summary of the dividends we declared and paid on our outstanding RCI Class A Voting common shares (Class A Shares) and Class B Non-Voting Shares in 2024 and 2023.
Dividends paid (in millions of dollars)
Number of Class B
Non-Voting
Shares issued
(in thousands) 1
Declaration date
Record date
Payment date
Dividend per
share (dollars)
In cash
In Class B
Non-Voting
Shares
Total
January 31, 2024
March 11, 2024
April 3, 2024
0.50
183
83
266
1,552
April 23, 2024
June 10, 2024
July 5, 2024
0.50
185
81
266
1,651
July 23, 2024
September 9, 2024
October 3, 2024
0.50
181
86
267
1,634
February 1, 2023
March 10, 2023
April 3, 2023
0.50
252
—
252
—
April 25, 2023
June 9, 2023
July 5, 2023
0.50
264
—
264
—
July 25, 2023
September 8, 2023
October 3, 2023
0.50
191
74
265
1,454
November 8, 2023
December 8, 2023
January 2, 2024
0.50
190
75
265
1,244
1 Class B Non-Voting Shares are issued as partial settlement of our quarterly dividend payable on the payment date under the terms of our dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP).
On October 23, 2024, a dividend was declared of $0.50 per Class A Share and Class B Non-Voting Share to be paid on January 3, 2025 to shareholders of record on December 9, 2024.
The holders of Class A Shares are entitled to receive dividends at the rate of up to five cents per share but only after dividends at the rate of five cents per share have been paid or set aside on the Class B Non-Voting Shares. Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares therefore participate equally in dividends above five cents per share.
NOTE 19: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Below is a summary of our stock-based compensation expense, which is included in net income, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In millions of dollars)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Stock options
10
(23)
(31)
(13)
Restricted share units
14
(1)
23
11
Deferred share units
5
(8)
(3)
(8)
Equity derivative effect, net of interest receipt
(15)
46
52
60
Total stock-based compensation expense
14
14
41
50
Rogers Communications Inc.
25
Third Quarter 2024
As at September 30, 2024, we had a total liability recognized at its fair value of $156 million (December 31, 2023 - $224 million) related to stock-based compensation, including stock options, restricted share units (RSUs), and deferred share units (DSUs).
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, we paid $10 million and $65 million (2023 - $1 million and $68 million), respectively, to holders of stock options, RSUs, and DSUs upon exercise using the cash settlement feature.
Stock Options
Summary of stock options
The tables below summarize the activity related to stock option plans, including performance options, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30, 2024
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
(In number of units, except prices)
Number of options
Weighted average
exercise price
Number of options
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding, beginning of period
10,587,278
$63.92
10,593,645
$63.87
Granted
—
—
353,105
$61.39
Exercised
(25,470)
$49.95
(153,615)
$53.04
Forfeited
(853,961)
$64.66
(1,085,288)
$64.44
Outstanding, end of period
9,707,847
$63.89
9,707,847
$63.89
Exercisable, end of period
6,135,190
$63.69
6,135,190
$63.69
Three months ended September 30, 2023
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
(In number of units, except prices)
Number of options
Weighted average exercise price
Number of options
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding, beginning of period
10,688,208
$63.88
9,860,208
$63.58
Granted
—
—
1,594,879
$64.86
Exercised
—
—
(329,877)
$54.90
Forfeited
—
—
(437,002)
$67.44
Outstanding, end of period
10,688,208
$63.88
10,688,208
$63.88
Exercisable, end of period
4,360,124
$63.26
4,360,124
$63.25
We did not grant any performance options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 or 2023.
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock option plans was $4 million as at September 30, 2024 (December 31, 2023 - $14 million) and will be recognized in net income within periods of up to the next four years as the options vest.
Restricted Share Units
Summary of RSUs
Below is a summary of the activity related to RSUs outstanding, including performance RSUs, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In number of units)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Outstanding, beginning of period
2,500,371
2,632,516
2,551,728
2,402,489
Granted and reinvested dividends
108,669
144,042
1,193,726
1,485,306
Exercised
(8,115)
(7,722)
(908,188)
(800,840)
Forfeited
(98,605)
(149,934)
(334,946)
(468,053)
Outstanding, end of period
2,502,320
2,618,902
2,502,320
2,618,902
Rogers Communications Inc.
26
Third Quarter 2024
Included in the above table are grants of nil and 378,296 performance RSUs to certain key employees during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 (2023 - 117,352 and 711,247), respectively. The performance RSUs granted in 2023 have certain non-market vesting conditions related to the Shaw Transaction.
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to these RSUs was $52 million as at September 30, 2024 (December 31, 2023 - $57 million) and will be recognized in net income within periods of up to the next three years as the RSUs vest.
Deferred Share Unit Plan
Summary of DSUs
Below is a summary of the activity related to DSUs outstanding, including performance DSUs, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three months ended September 30
Nine months ended September 30
(In number of units)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Outstanding, beginning of period
1,145,935
1,007,497
956,410
1,139,885
Granted and reinvested dividends
11,459
16,309
222,358
68,824
Exercised
(184,717)
(10,555)
(205,868)
(194,537)
Forfeited
—
(1,797)
(223)
(2,718)
Outstanding, end of period
972,677
1,011,454
972,677
1,011,454
Included in the above table are grants of 1,898 and 5,128 performance DSUs to certain key executives during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 (2023 - 1,524 and 4,412).
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to granted DSUs was $8 million as at September 30, 2024 (December 31, 2023 - nil) and will be recognized in net income over the next three years as the executive DSUs vest. All other DSUs granted are fully vested.
NOTE 20: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Controlling Shareholder
We enter into certain transactions with private companies controlled by the controlling shareholder of RCI, the Rogers Control Trust. These transactions were recognized at the amount agreed to by the related parties and are subject to the terms and conditions of formal agreements approved by the Audit and Risk Committee. The totals received or paid during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were less than $1 million, respectively.
Transactions with Related Parties
We have entered into business transactions with Dream Unlimited Corp. (Dream), which is controlled by our Director Michael J. Cooper. Dream is a real estate company that rents spaces in office and residential buildings. Total amounts paid to this related party were nominal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
On closing of the Shaw Transaction, we entered into an advisory agreement with Brad Shaw in accordance with the arrangement agreement, pursuant to which he will be paid $20 million for a two-year period following closing in exchange for performing certain services related to the transition and integration of Shaw, of which $3 million and $8 million was recognized in net income and paid during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. We have also entered into certain other transactions with the Shaw Family Group. Total amounts paid to the Shaw Family Group during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 were under $1 million.
In addition, we assumed a liability through the Shaw Transaction related to a legacy pension arrangement with one of our directors whereby the director will be paid $1 million per month until March 2035, $3 million and $9 million of which was paid during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. The remaining liability of $93 million is included in "accounts payable and accrued liabilities" (for the amount to be paid within the next twelve months) or "other long-term liabilities".
We recognized these transactions at the amounts agreed to by the related parties, which were also approved by the Audit and Risk Committee. The amounts owing for these services were unsecured, interest-free, and generally due for payment in cash within one month of the date of the transaction.
Rogers Communications Inc.
27
Third Quarter 2024
NOTE 21: COMMITMENTS
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we extended an agreement with a Cable service provider, resulting in an increase in our contractual commitments of approximately $1.8 billion over the next ten years compared to our disclosure as at December 31, 2023. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we signed new Media program rights agreements with the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Warner Bros. Discovery reflecting an increase in our contractual commitments of approximately $1.9 billion over the next 12 years compared to our disclosure as at December 31, 2023.
Total change in net operating assets and liabilities
200
185
(209)
(258)
NOTE 23: MLSE TRANSACTION
On September 18, 2024, we announced an agreement with BCE Inc. (Bell) to acquire Bell's indirect 37.5% ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Inc. (MLSE) for a purchase price of $4.7 billion subject to certain adjustments, payable in cash (MLSE Transaction). The MLSE Transaction will also provide Bell the opportunity to renew its existing MLSE broadcast and sponsorship rights over the long-term at fair market value. This includes access to content rights for 50% of Toronto Maple Leafs regional games and 50% of Toronto Raptors games for which MLSE controls the rights. The MLSE Transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including sports league and regulatory approvals. When the MLSE Transaction closes, we will be the largest owner of MLSE, with a controlling interest in 75% of MLSE. The holder of the 25% non-controlling interest in MLSE has a right to require its interest be purchased at a future date at fair value (see note 14).