DARTMOUTH, NS, Nov. 6, 2009 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX News Network) -- Newfoundland Capital Corporation Limited (the "Company"), one of Canada's leading radio broadcasters, today announces its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009.
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- Revenue has continued to post positive growth for the first nine months
of fiscal 2009. Consolidated revenue was $25.4 million in the quarter,
$0.7 million lower than 2008; however, year-to-date revenue of
$74.8 million was $0.8 million better than last year. While advertising
revenue slowed in the third quarter, the Company continues to outpace
the industry which has experienced negative growth this year.
- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
("EBITDA"(1)) were $4.7 million in the quarter and $14.0 million year-
to-date, $8.9 million and $5.4 million higher than the respective prior
periods. During the third quarter in 2008, significant unrealized
losses from the Company's marketable securities negatively impacted
prior year results. Excluding such unrealized gains and losses, EBITDA
would
have been $0.5 million higher year-to-date because of increased revenue
and lower corporate costs.
- Net income in the quarter was $6.2 million and $9.9 million year-to-
date, much higher than last year due to a $5.6 million gain on disposal
in the third quarter this year as well as improved EBITDA.
Significant events
- The Company is awaiting a decision from the Canadian Radio-television
and Telecommunications Commission ("CRTC") on its previously announced
agreement to sell its FM radio stations in Thunder Bay, Ontario for
cash proceeds of $4.5 million.
- The Company completed the divestiture of CFDR-AM in Halifax, Nova
Scotia in exchange for an AM station in Sudbury, Ontario and proceeds
of $5.0 million. The station in Sudbury was re-launched on the FM band
in August.
- Year-to-date total bank debt has been reduced by $8.8 million.
- Subsequent to quarter end the Canadian Association of Broadcasters
reached an agreement on the disputed CRTC Part II fees. The Company's
provision for these fees of approximately $2.0 million will not be
required to be paid and accordingly operating expenses in the fourth
quarter will be reduced by this amount.
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"We have been successful in achieving year-over-year growth in revenue and continue to outpace the industry", commented Rob Steele, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This is something we are proud of given the uncertainty that has plagued the economy throughout 2009. Our goal for the rest of the year is to continue what we've successfully been able to do so far; continue growing existing operations and reducing debt. Enhancements in programming have been positive contributors to the business this year with ratings' gains and growing market share in large markets. This puts us in a good position to take full advantage as the economy improves."
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Financial Highlights - Third Quarter (restated)(2)
(thousands of dollars except share information) 2009 2008
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Revenue $ 25,408 26,069
EBITDA(1) 4,726 (4,182)
Net income (loss) 6,209 (7,580)
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Earnings per share - basic 0.56 (0.69)
Share price, NCC.A (closing) 21.98 18.95
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
(in thousands) 10,991 10,991
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Total assets 240,086 243,298
Long-term debt, including current portion 65,840 72,351
Shareholders' equity 101,095 97,712
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(1) Refer to page 15 for the reconciliation of EBITDA to net income
(loss).
(2) Refer to pages 5 & 12 for additional information on restatement of
comparative figures.
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Management's Discussion and Analysis
The purpose of the Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"), dated November 6, 2009, is to provide readers with additional complementary information regarding the financial condition and results of operations for Newfoundland Capital Corporation Limited (the "Company") and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes for the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 as well as the annual audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and the MD&A contained in the Company's 2008 Annual Report. These documents along with the Company's Annual Information Form and other public information are filed electronically with various securities commissions in Canada through the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") and can be accessed at www.sedar.com. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of financial condition and results of operations contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations. The use of terminology such as "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "may", "will", and other similar terminology relate to, but are not limited to, our objectives, goals, plans, strategies, intentions, outlook and estimates. By their very nature, these statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Corporate Profile
The Company is one of Canada's leading radio broadcasters with 81 licences across Canada. The Company reaches millions of listeners each week through a variety of formats and is a recognized industry leader in radio programming, sales and networking.
Strategy and Objectives
The Company's long-term strategy has not changed since the publication of the Company's 2008 Annual Report. Maximizing returns on existing operations, converting AM stations to FM, and adding new licences through business and licence acquisitions and through the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ("CRTC") licence application process form the basis of the long-term plan.
While management remains committed to long-term growth, in response to the uncertainty within the Canadian economy which began in the latter half of 2008, it re-aligned its short-term goals to focus on growth of existing operations and reducing debt. Acquisition opportunities that fit the Company's growth strategy will continue to be explored; however, management will not proceed with any transactions, projects or activities that are not cash accretive in the near term, pose unnecessary risks, or result in increasing debt to a level beyond management's tolerance. Decisions as to proceeding with new undertakings will be made in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.
The decision to divest of the two FM radio stations in Thunder Bay, Ontario was made because there was little opportunity to expand the presence of the Company and build on a cluster of stations in close proximity to Thunder Bay. The Company therefore decided to divest itself of these non-core properties and re-deploy the capital for other uses.
Corporate Developments
The following is a review of the key corporate developments which should be considered when reviewing the "Consolidated Financial Review" section.
2009 developments
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- January 2009 - Received CRTC approval for four new FM repeater
licences. These will allow the Company to broadcast the two FM stations
in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to two new communities in the
same province.
- March 2009 - Hot 89.9, located in Ottawa, Ontario, was named the 2008
Contemporary Hits Radio station of the year during Canada Music Week.
- April 2009 - CRTC approved two AM to FM conversions for stations in
St. Paul and High Prairie, Alberta.
- June 2009 - CRTC approved the Company's applications to convert AM
stations to FM in Wabush and Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.
- June 2009 - Re-launched CFUL in Calgary, Alberta as a Contemporary Hits
Radio format, branded as AMP Radio. This format is similar to Hot 89.9
in Ottawa, Ontario which has been a very successful station for the
Company.
- July 2009 - Announced it had entered into an agreement to divest of its
two FM radio stations in Thunder Bay, Ontario for cash consideration of
$4.5 million. The transaction is subject to CRTC approval.
- August 2009 - Launched Hot 93.5, the new FM station in Sudbury,
Ontario. Its format is Top 40 and has been met with a very positive
response from both listeners and clients.
2008 developments
- March 2008 - Re-launched two stations in Alberta; CIQX-FM in Calgary as
XL103-FM, and CKRA-FM in Edmonton as Capital-FM. Both feature Classic
Hits from the 60's, 70's, and 80's and are outperforming their
predecessors.
- June 2008 - Launched three new FM stations in Fort McMurray, Alberta,
and in Kentville and Sydney, Nova Scotia. The formats are Classic Rock
for Fort McMurray and Kentville while the Sydney station plays Top 40
music.
- July 2008 - Completed the purchase of the remaining 50% interest in
Metro Radio Group Inc. for $8.5 million. Metro Radio Group Inc.
operates CKUL-FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
- July 2008 - Announced an agreement to exchange radio stations with
Rogers Broadcasting Limited ("Rogers" - a Division of Rogers
Communications Inc. RCI.A and RCI.B) subject to approval from the CRTC.
The Company will exchange its AM broadcast licence in Halifax, Nova
Scotia and receive in return Rogers' AM licence in Sudbury, Ontario and
cash consideration of $5.0 million. Both simultaneously submitted
applications for this transfer of assets along with applications
requesting conversion of the AM licences to FM. In November 2008, the
CRTC approved these applications. The transaction closed in July 2009
and the proceeds were used to reduce debt. For additional information
on this transaction, refer to note 3 of the unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements.
- July 2008 - CRTC approved the Company's application for a new FM
repeating signal in Pincher Creek, Alberta. This was on-air in early
January 2009.
- December 2008 - CRTC approved the Company's application to convert an
AM signal to FM in Athabasca, Alberta. The FM station was launched in
August 2009.
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The results of the above acquired or launched stations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the respective acquisition and launch dates.
Consolidated Financial Review
For full details explaining the variances in revenue, other income, operating expenses and EBITDA, please refer to the section entitled "Financial Review by Segment".
Revenue
In the quarter consolidated revenue of $25.4 million was $0.7 million or 3% lower than last year; however, year-to-date consolidated revenue increased by $0.8 million, or 1%, to finish at $74.8 million. These variances were mostly derived from the Broadcasting segment.
Other income
Other income consists primarily of unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities. In the third quarter other income was $1.1 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, it was $3.1 million. These results were much better than the 2008 comparative periods because of the significant unrealized losses incurred in the third quarter last year.
Operating expenses
Third quarter consolidated operating expenses of $21.8 million were $0.1 million lower than 2008. Year-to-date consolidated operating expenses of $63.9 million were $0.2 million higher than last year.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"(1))
Consolidated EBITDA in the quarter was $4.7 million compared to a loss of $4.2 million last year. Year-to-date consolidated EBITDA of $14.0 million was also better than last year's $8.6 million. In 2008, unrealized losses on the marketable securities negatively impacted EBITDA.
Depreciation and amortization
For the quarter and year-to-date, depreciation and amortization expense was higher than last year due to a larger asset base.
Interest expense
Interest expense of $0.9 million was $0.2 million lower than the same quarter last year while year-to-date interest expense of $2.9 million was also lower than the prior year by $0.1 million. The decrease was a result of lower average debt levels.
Accretion of other liabilities
Accretion of other liabilities arises from discounting Canadian Content Development ("CCD") commitments to reflect the fair value of the obligations. The expense in the quarter and for the nine month period was slightly lower than last year.
Gain on disposal of broadcast licence
As part of the transaction to exchange assets with Rogers, as previously disclosed, the Company disposed of its AM broadcast licence in Halifax, Nova Scotia which resulted in a gain of $5.6 million.
Income taxes
The effective income tax rate of 26% this quarter and year-to-date was lower than the statutory rate of 36% mainly because investment gains and the gain on disposal are taxed at one-half the normal tax rate.
Net income
Net income in the quarter was $6.2 million; $13.8 million higher than last year and year-to-date net income of $9.9 million was $10.8 million higher. The unrealized losses in 2008 negatively impacted the prior year's results while this third quarter's $5.6 million gain on disposition of a broadcast licence positively affected net income.
Other comprehensive income ("OCI")
OCI consists of the net change in the fair value of the Company's cash flow hedges. These include interest rate swaps and an equity total return swap. The after-tax income recorded in OCI for the interest rate swaps was $0.2 million in the quarter (2008 - $0.8 million after-tax expense) and year-to-date was $2.0 million (2008 - $1.1 million after-tax expense). The after-tax loss related to the equity total return swap was $0.4 million for the quarter (2008 - $0.1 million after-tax gain). Year-to-date, the after-tax gain was $0.4 million (2008 - $0.2 million after-tax loss).
Financial Review by Segment
Consolidated financial figures include the results of operation of the Company's two separately reported segments - Broadcasting and Corporate and Other. The Company provides information about segment revenue, segment EBITDA and operating income because these financial measures are used by its key decision makers in making operating decisions and evaluating performance. For additional information about the Company's segmented information, see note 12 of the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
As a result of adopting a new accounting policy, as required by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (more fully described in note 2 of the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements), the 2008 operating expenses were restated to include costs that were previously capitalized as pre-operating costs for comparative purposes only. Operating expenses were increased by $0.2 million in the quarter and by $0.9 million year-to-date.
As more fully disclosed in note 4 of the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, the revenue, operating expenses and EBITDA from discontinued operations have been excluded from the Broadcasting segment results presented in the table below for 2009 and 2008.
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Financial Results by Segment
(thousands of dollars, except percentages)
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Three months ended Sept. 30 Nine months ended Sept. 30
2009 2008 Growth 2009 2008 Growth
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Revenue
Broad-
casting $ 24,329 25,023 (3%) 72,093 71,415 1%
Corporate
and Other 1,079 1,046 3% 2,747 2,661 3%
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Consolidated
revenue 25,408 26,069 (3%) 74,840 74,076 1%
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Other income
(expense)
Corporate
and Other 1,077 (8,372) - 3,082 (1,767) -
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Consolidated
revenue and
other
income 26,485 17,697 50% 77,922 72,309 8%
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Operating
expenses
Broad-
casting 18,980 19,056 - 56,195 55,408 1%
Corporate
and Other 2,779 2,823 (2%) 7,728 8,295 (7%)
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Consolidated
operating
expenses 21,759 21,879 (1%) 63,923 63,703 -
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EBITDA
Broad-
casting 5,349 5,967 (10%) 15,898 16,007 (1%)
Corporate
and Other (623) (10,149) - (1,899) (7,401) -
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Consolidated
EBITDA $ 4,726 (4,182) - 13,999 8,606 63%
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EBITDA
Margins 2009 2008 Growth 2009 2008 Growth
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Broadcasting 22% 24% (2%) 22% 22% -
Consolidated 18% - - 18% 12% 6%
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Broadcasting segment
The Broadcasting segment derives its revenue from the sale of broadcast advertising from its 81 licences across the country. The performance of all reporting units within this segment is evaluated based on the same financial measure - EBITDA.
Broadcasting revenue in the quarter of $24.3 million was lower than last year by 3%; however, on a year-to-date basis, Broadcasting revenue of $72.1 million was 1% higher than 2008. The third quarter was particularly slow compared to the first six months of 2009; however, the Company has continued to post year-over-year growth and outpace industry which has been reporting negative growth. Current revenue bookings for the fourth quarter are positive compared to 2008. As a result, management is confident it will continue to outpace the industry and is optimistic to end the year with higher revenue compared to 2008.
For the first nine months of 2009, growth has been steady for the properties in the Atlantic Provinces and the new FM stations launched in summer 2008 continue to achieve better than expected results. Organic revenue growth for the Atlantic properties was 7% in the quarter and 4% year-to-date; significantly stronger than industry averages. A softening in revenue has continued for the stations in Ontario and across Alberta; however, it is worth noting that while they may have experienced slower revenue growth, they have outperformed the industry in their respective markets. Recent format changes in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta have resulted in higher ratings and larger market shares. These are expected to contribute to higher revenue in future. While advertising revenue has been impacted industry-wide, management continues to improve the on-air product, making it intensely locally focused and more relevant. These efforts are expected to have a favourable impact as the economy improves.
National revenue continued to be slower than anticipated for the first nine months of 2009; however strong relationships with local advertisers have been beneficial as local revenue is a significant contributor to profitability.
For the quarter, Broadcasting operating expenses were $19.0 million, a decrease of $0.1 million from last year. Year-to-date Broadcasting operating expenses of $56.2 million were $0.8 million or 1% higher than 2008. As stated earlier, the Company was required to adopt new accounting rules for pre-operating costs and as a result operating expenses for 2008 were restated. The 2008 third quarter operating expenses were increased by $0.2 million and year-to-date the increase was $0.9 million. Excluding these costs, operating expenses for the third quarter would have been slightly higher than last year while year-to-date operating expenses would have been $1.8 million higher than 2008. Incremental costs associated with the new FM stations launched last summer are a large portion of the year-to-date increase in operating expenses.
Broadcasting EBITDA in the third quarter of $5.3 million was $0.6 million or 10% lower than last year; a result of a decline in revenue. Year-to-date Broadcasting EBITDA of $15.9 million was $0.1 million lower than last year.
Corporate and Other segment
This segment's revenue is from hotel operations and Other income is investment income from the Company's marketable securities. The segment also includes expenses attributed to head office functions.
This segment's revenue in the third quarter was $1.1 million, on par with 2008 while year-to-date revenue of $2.7 million was $0.1 million or 3% higher than last year. This was due to hotel revenue.
Other income consists of realized and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities, interest, dividends and distributions from investments. Unrealized gains on the marketable securities were $1.3 million in the quarter and $3.3 million year-to-date. This compares favourably to last year's unrealized losses of $8.8 million in the quarter and $3.3 million year-to-date.
Third quarter operating expenses of $2.8 million were comparable to last year; however, on a year-to-date basis, operating expenses of $7.7 million were $0.6 million lower. The overall decrease in Corporate and Other operating expenses is primarily attributable to lower costs associated with executive compensation.
The results for Corporate and Other EBITDA for the quarter and year-to-date were much better than last year's numbers; a result of the significant unrealized losses posted in the third quarter of 2008.
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
The Company's revenue is derived primarily from the sale of advertising airtime which is subject to seasonal fluctuations and as such the first quarter of the year is generally a period of lower retail spending. Other factors affecting the variability of net income in the quarters presented below are as follows. In the third quarter 2009, the Company benefited from a $5.6 million gain on disposal of one of its broadcast licences. In 2008, the unrealized gains and losses on the marketable securities affected net income in the quarters as follows: positive variance of $4.8 million in the second quarter and negative variances of $8.8 million and $4.6 million in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.
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(thousands
of
dollars
except (restated) (restated)
per 2009 2008 2007
share ---------------------- ------------------------------ --------
data) 3rd 2nd 1st 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 4th
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Reve-
nue $ 25,408 26,772 22,660 29,306 26,069 26,798 21,209 27,060
Net
income
(loss) 6,209 3,144 552 (3,796) (7,580) 6,157 574 5,613
Earnings
per
share
- Basic 0.56 0.29 0.05 (0.34) (0.69) 0.56 0.05 0.51
- Dilu-
ted 0.55 0.28 0.05 (0.34) (0.69) 0.54 0.05 0.49
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Selected cash flow information and capital resources
Below is a summary of cash inflows and outflows for the quarters and the nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.
Selected cash flow information - three months ended September 30, 2009
Cash from operating activities of $5.0 million, combined with the $5.0 million cash proceeds on disposition of a broadcast licence, was used primarily to repay $7.0 million of debt, to contribute $1.7 million toward CCD and to finance property and equipment additions of $1.3 million.
Selected cash flow information - three months ended September 30, 2008
Cash from operating activities of $4.1 million combined with net debt borrowings of $7.5 million were used for the $8.5 million purchase of the remaining 50% interest in Metro Radio Group Inc., to finance a 29.9% interest in a radio station undertaking for $1.0 million and to buy property and equipment totalling $0.9 million.
Selected cash flow information - nine months ended September 30, 2009
Cash from operating activities of $11.2 million, combined with the $5.0 million cash proceeds on disposition of a broadcast licence, was used to repay $8.8 million of debt, purchase property and equipment totalling $3.7 million and to contribute $3.1 million toward CCD.
Selected cash flow information - nine months ended September 30, 2008
Cash from operating activities of $7.4 million combined with net debt proceeds of $14.2 million were used mainly to finance the purchase of the remaining 50% in Metro Radio Group Inc. for $8.5 million, to buy property and equipment for $5.0 million, to repurchase capital stock for $1.8 million, to pay CCD in the amount of $1.8 million, to pay dividends of $1.7 million and to fund the recent launch of three new FM stations.
Capital Structure and Debt Financing
As at September 30, 2009, the Company had $1.2 million of current bank indebtedness outstanding and $65.8 million of long-term debt which has been classified as current because the debt's maturity date is within the next twelve months. (Further information on long-term debt and its accounting reclassification can be found in the paragraph below and also under the heading "Liquidity Risk".) The working capital was negative as at September 30, 2009 due to the reclassification of long-term debt to current. Excluding the long-term debt, the working capital would have been $6.7 million, $1.5 higher than the December 31, 2008 balance which was due to a decrease in current liabilities. The capital structure consisted of 42% equity ($101.1 million) and 58% debt ($139.0 million).
Credit Facility
The Company's syndicated credit facility of $80.0 million is a revolving credit facility. The Company chooses this type of credit facility because it provides flexibility with no scheduled repayment terms. The maturity date is June 2010. The Company intends to renew this facility prior to the maturity date; however, because expiry is within the next twelve months, the Company's debt has been classified as a current liability as at September 30, 2009. Please refer to the section entitled "Liquidity Risk" for further details on the credit facility and future financing.
The Company is subject to covenants on its credit facility. The Company's debt covenants include certain maximum or minimum ratios such as total debt ratio, interest coverage and fixed charge coverage ratio. Other covenants include dividend payment restrictions, seeking prior approval for capital expenditures over a certain dollar limit, acquisitions in excess of a quantitative threshold and limits on the number of shares that can be repurchased in any given year. The Company was in compliance with the covenants throughout the quarter and at quarter end.
Capital Expenditures and Capital Budget
The capital expenditures for 2009 are expected to be approximately $5.0 million and will be funded by cash provided from operations. Capital expenditures were required to build and launch the new FM station in Sudbury, Ontario. The Company also incurred capital related to a recent relocation to new premises in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Company continuously upgrades its broadcast equipment to improve operating efficiencies.
Commitments and Contractual Obligations
There has been no substantial change in the Company's commitments and contractual obligations since the publication of the 2008 Annual Report, except for the fact that long-term debt has been classified as current. For further reference to when commitments and contractual obligations become payable, refer to note 9 of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company's off-balance sheet arrangements consist of operating leases. Other than these, which are considered in the ordinary course of business, the Company does not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements and does not expect to enter into any other such arrangement other than in the ordinary course of business.
Financial Condition
Capital employed
Assets at quarter end totalled $240.1 million, up from $235.8 million at December 31, 2008 due mainly to increases in property and equipment and other non-current assets.
Share repurchases
The Company has approval under a Normal Course Issuer Bid to repurchase up to 486,659 Class A Subordinate Voting Shares ("Class A shares") and 62,877 Class B Common Shares. This bid expires February 8, 2010. The Company has not repurchased any of its outstanding Class A shares in 2009. During the second quarter in 2008, the Company repurchased 100,000 of its Class A shares for a total cost of $1.8 million.
Outstanding share data
The weighted average number of shares outstanding was 10,991,000; consistent with the same time last year. As at September 30, 2009, there are 9,733,189 Class A shares and 1,257,551 Class B Common Shares outstanding.
Stock split
The Company is seeking shareholder approval to split the stock on a three for one basis for its Class A shares and Class B common shares. The Special Shareholders' Meeting will take place on November 13, 2009.
Executive Compensation
Executive stock option plan
Compensation expense related to stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was $0.1 million (2008 - less than $0.1 million) and year-to-date was $0.2 million (2008 - $0.1 million). Refer to note 5 of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further details relating to the executive stock option plan.
Stock appreciation rights plan
For the three months ended September 30, 2009, the compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights ("SARs") was $0.5 million (2008 - recovery of $0.1 million). The year-to-date expense was $1.4 million (2008 - recovery of less than $0.1 million). Refer to note 7 of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for further details relating to SARs.
Derivative Financial Instruments
For more detailed disclosures about derivative financial instruments and financial risk management, refer to note 9 of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Interest rate risk management
To hedge its exposure to fluctuating interest rates on its long-term debt, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements with Canadian chartered banks. The aggregate notional amount of the swap agreements was $60.0 million (2008 - $60.0 million). The Company formally assesses effectiveness of the swaps at inception and on a regular basis and has concluded that the swaps are effective in offsetting changes in interest rates. The aggregate fair value of the swap agreements, which represents the amount that would be payable by the Company if the agreements were terminated at September 30, 2009 was $4.2 million (2008 - $1.6 million). After-tax, the unrealized income recognized in OCI for the quarter was $0.2 million (2008 - expense of $0.8 million) and on a year-to-date basis was $2.0 million (2008 - unrealized expense of $1.1 million).
Share price volatility management
To hedge its obligations under the stock appreciation rights plan, the Company entered into an equity total return swap agreement to reduce the volatility in cash flow and earnings due to possible future increases in the Company's share price. The Company has concluded that a small portion of this cash flow hedge was ineffective and as such has recognized certain amounts in net income; however, the remainder of the hedge continued to be accounted for using hedge accounting. The estimated fair value of the equity total return swap receivable at September 30, 2009 was $1.8 million (2008 - $0.6 million). After-tax the unrealized non-cash loss recognized in OCI for the quarter was $0.4 million (2008 - gain of $0.1 million) and year-to-date was a gain of $0.4 million (2008 - loss of $0.2 million).
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. The fair value of the Company's marketable securities is affected by changes in the quoted share prices in active markets. Such prices can fluctuate and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company's control. In order to minimize the risk associated with changes in the share price of any one particular investment, the Company diversifies its portfolio by investing in various stocks in varying industries. It also conducts regular financial reviews of publicly available information related to its investments to determine if any identified risks are within tolerable risk levels. Despite the Company's intent to minimize this risk, the current stock market volatility has caused significant fluctuations in all its marketable securities. While it is uncertain when this volatility will fully stabilize, there has been improvement in the markets recently. As at September 30, 2009, a 10% change in the share prices of each marketable security would result in a $0.6 million after-tax change in net income.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company is not able to meet its financial obligations as they become due or can do so only at excessive cost. The Company's growth is financed through a combination of the cash flows from operations and borrowings under the existing credit facility. One of management's primary goals is to maintain an optimal level of liquidity through the active management of the assets and liabilities as well as the cash flows. Management deems its liquidity risk to be low.
Current classification of credit facility and future financing
In accordance with guidance taken from CICA 3210 "Long-term debt", long-term debt having a maturity date within the next twelve months is required to be classified as a current liability. As a result, the Company's long-term debt has been presented as current debt as at September 30, 2009. Despite this classification, the Company is in full compliance with its debt covenants and continues to have access to these funds. In addition, since management intends to renew its credit facility prior to maturity, which is June 2010, repayment of the debt is not expected. Management is anticipating a possible increase in interest and bank fees upon renewal because of the current credit markets; but it does not have any reason to believe the facility will not be renewed. The Company does not deem its liquidity risk to be high even though debt is classified as current.
Positive cash balances
The Company does not maintain any significant positive cash balances; instead it uses the vast majority of its positive cash balances to reduce debt and minimize interest expense. As a result, the Company nets its deposits in banks with bank indebtedness. The fact that the Company does not have positive cash positions on its balance sheet does not pose an increase to its liquidity risk because the Company generates cash from operations and, as part of its $80.0 million credit facility, it has a $5.0 million current operating credit line to fund any current obligations and it can also access any unused capacity in its credit facility to fund obligations.
Future cash requirements
Other than for operations, the Company's cash requirements are mostly for interest payments, repayment of debt, capital expenditures, Canadian Content Development payments, dividends and other contractual obligations. Excluding the long-term debt which has been classified as a current liability, obligations due within the next twelve months approximate $4.8 million (refer to note 9 of the unaudited consolidated financial statements for a table showing the Company's commitments). Cash generated from operations, the availability of the credit facility, and the cash proceeds of $4.5 million (expected from a pending business transaction explained in note 4 of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements) will provide sufficient funds to meet the Company's upcoming cash requirements.
Working capital requirements
As at September 30, 2009, the Company's working capital balance, excluding the long-term debt classified as a current liability, was $6.7 million. The cash from current receivables will be sufficient to cover the Company's current obligations to its suppliers and employees and in combination with ongoing cash from operations and the availability of cash from its debt facility, the Company will be able to meet all other current cash requirements as they arise. If cash inflows from customers are not sufficient to cover current obligations, because of timing issues, the Company has access to a $5.0 million operating credit line.
Based on the above discussion and internal analysis, management deems its liquidity risk to be low.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the exposure that the Company faces with respect to amounts receivable from other parties. Credit exposure is managed through credit approval and monitoring procedures.
The Company is subject to normal credit risk with respect to its receivables. A large customer base and geographic dispersion minimize credit risk. The Company reviews its receivables for possible indicators of impairment on a regular basis and as such, it maintains a provision for potential credit losses.
At September 30, 2009, the Company's credit exposure as it related to its receivables was deemed higher than in the past due to the uncertainty in the Canadian economy. The Company sells advertising airtime primarily to retail customers and since their results may also be affected by the economy, it is difficult to predict the impact this could have on the Company's receivables' balance. The Company maintains a provision for potential credit losses and it believes the provision to be adequate at this time given the current circumstances. The provision approximated $1.2 million as at September 30, 2009. Approximately 83% of trade receivables are outstanding for less than 90 days.
Credit exposure on financial instruments arises from the possibility that a counterparty to an instrument in which the Company is entitled to receive payment fails to perform. With regard to the interest rate swaps and the equity total return swap, the Company does not anticipate any counterparties that it currently transacts with will fail to meet their obligations as the counterparties are Canadian Chartered Banks.
Capital Management
The Company defines its capital as shareholders' equity. The Company's objective when managing capital is to pursue its strategy of growth through acquisitions and through organic operations so that it can continue to provide adequate returns for shareholders. The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, issue new shares or repurchase shares. The Directors and Senior Management of the Company are of the opinion that from time to time the purchase of its shares at the prevailing market price would be a worthwhile investment and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Material transactions and those considered to be outside the ordinary course of business, such as acquisitions and other major investments or disposals, are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has deferred the determination of the amount of dividends to be declared in 2009 until its December Board meeting.
Adoption of new accounting policies
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the recommendations of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants ("CICA") Handbook Section 3064 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets. This Section establishes the standard for recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of goodwill and intangible assets. The adoption of this Section resulted in a change in how the Company accounts for its pre-operating costs related to new station launches. Prior to adopting this policy, the Company capitalized pre-operating costs and amortized them over the initial term of the related broadcast licences. Capitalization of these costs is no longer permitted and therefore will be recorded in net income as incurred. For pre-operating balances that existed on January 1, 2009, they were accounted for retrospectively with restatement of comparative figures in accordance with Section 1506 Accounting Changes.
As a result of adopting this accounting policy, the effects on the comparative unaudited interim consolidated statements of income are presented below:
<<
Three months Nine months
ended ended
September 30 September 30
(thousands of dollars) 2008 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses increased by $ 188 948
Amortization expense decreased by (169) (437)
Provision for income tax expense
decreased by (5) (135)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income decreased by $ (14) (376)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic and diluted earnings per share
decreased by $ (0.00) (0.03)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The impact on the unaudited interim consolidated balance sheets was as
follows:
December 31, September 30,
(thousands of dollars) 2008 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other assets decreased by $ (2,858) (2,994)
Future income tax liabilities decreased by (824) (860)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings reduced by $ (2,034) (2,134)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
In 2009, amendments were made to certain paragraphs in CICA Section 3862 Financial Instruments - Disclosures which aligns the standard more closely with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Specifically, it provides enhanced disclosure requirements around fair value measurement of financial instruments and disclosure of liquidity risk. The amended paragraphs are to be applied for fiscal years ending on or after September 30, 2009. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Company does not anticipate any significant impact from the adoption of these disclosure requirements.
During 2009, the CICA issued EIC-173 Credit Risk and the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which requires an entity to consider its own credit risk and that of its counterparty to a financial instrument when determining the fair value of financial assets and liabilities. This applies to the Company's derivative instruments. The adoption of this EIC did not have a significant impact on the Company.
Future Accounting Policy Changes
Following is a brief description of accounting policies that will be adopted by the Company in future.
During 2009, the CICA issued Handbook Section 1582 Business Combinations which replaces Section 1581 bearing the same name. This Section is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, with earlier adoption permitted, and the changes align the standard with the guidance in IFRS. Of the amendments in the Section, the one that will represent the most significant change in how the Company accounts for business combinations is the determination of the cost of the purchase. The cost that is allocated to the fair value of the net assets acquired is the direct cost of the business combination; indirect costs such as legal or restructuring are expensed. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of these amendments.
Section 1601 Consolidated Financial Statements and Section 1602 Non-controlling Interests were also issued and together replace Section 1600 Consolidated Financial Statements. These too are applicable for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, with earlier adoption permitted. The new sections establish standards for the preparation of consolidated financial statements and for the accounting of a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary in consolidated financial statements subsequent to a business combination. The Company will continue to evaluate the potential impact of these Sections.
On February 13, 2008, the Accounting Standards Board confirmed that International Financial Reporting Standards will be required for publicly accountable profit-oriented enterprises for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. After that date, IFRS will replace Canadian GAAP for those enterprises. The Company will apply IFRS beginning January 1, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting IFRS. Specifically, management is in the process of identifying the IFRS standards that are most likely to impact the Company and those that will require the most resources for implementation. Management is also in the process of making decisions as it relates to adopting IFRS for the first time and considering the exceptions and exemptions permitted under IFRS-1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards. Management is in the process of quantifying the impact the changes will have on its consolidated results.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent to quarter end, the Government of Canada and members of the broadcasting industry that are required to pay CRTC Part II licence fees announced they had settled the Part II licence fee issue. Under the terms of the settlement, the government agreed to waive the fees payable for the fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 that were not collected due to the ongoing legal dispute. In exchange, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters agreed to discontinue its court action against the Government of Canada. The Government of Canada agreed to recommend to the CRTC that it develop a new Part II fee regime which would be capped at $100 million, indexed for annual inflation, effective beginning September 1, 2009.
As at September 30, 2009, the Company had approximately $2.0 million recorded as a liability relating to these fees. As a result of the settlement, operating expenses in the fourth quarter will be reduced by this amount.
Critical Accounting Estimates
There has been no substantial change in the Company's critical accounting estimates since the publication of the 2008 Annual Report.
Risks and Opportunities
There has been no substantial change in the Company's risks and opportunities since the publication of the 2008 Annual Report; except that the CRTC Part II fee dispute has been resolved as explained above under "Subsequent Events".
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred in the nine months ending September 30, 2009 that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.
Outlook
Year-to-date, the Company has continued to post revenue growth in its Broadcasting segment despite negative growth experienced by the broadcasting industry. Management remains confident that it will outpace the industry for the rest of the year.
While management has focused on controlling costs, it has not lost sight of the importance of offering a better product. Management has continued improving programming, making it relevant to the listener and intensely locally focused. This has garnered results which are demonstrated by recent market share gains in certain large markets, like Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta. With such recent ratings' gains, the Company is positioned to positively benefit as the economy improves.
The status of the Company's current growth initiatives are as follows:
<<
- The new Sudbury, Ontario FM station was successfully launched in late
August 2009. The reaction to the station has been very positive.
- The Athabasca, Alberta AM station was re-launched as an FM station in
August.
- Management is in the planning stages of launching four repeater
licences in Prince Edward Island and will begin planning the AM to FM
conversions in St. Paul and High Prairie, Alberta and in Wabush and
Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Management continues to be active in submitting applications to the
CRTC for new licences and for AM to FM conversions.
The decision made by management in late 2008 to focus steadfastly on
short-term goals such as reducing debt, controlling costs and driving revenue
has benefited the Company in many ways. So far this year, the Company has
achieved the following:
- Repaid $8.8 million of debt;
- Grew revenue in 2009 despite an uncertain economy and considerably
outpaced the industry;
- Closely monitored and reduced discretionary costs; and
- Increased ratings and audience shares in competitive markets.
As a result of the above achievements, the Company is in a good position
to positively benefit as the economy improves.
Non-GAAP Measure
(1) EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) from continuing operations
excluding depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense,
accretion of other liabilities, goodwill impairment loss, gain on
disposal of broadcast licence and provision for income taxes
(recovery). A calculation of this measure is as follows:
Three months ended Nine months ended
Sept. 30 Sept. 30
(restated) (restated)
(thousands of dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) from
continuing operations $ 6,144 (7,587) 9,810 (876)
Provision for income taxes
(recovery) 2,112 (116) 3,510 2,000
Gain on disposal of
broadcast licence (5,616) - (5,616) -
Goodwill impairment loss - 1,334 - 1,334
Accretion of other
liabilities 211 264 665 748
Interest expense 911 1,071 2,854 2,921
Depreciation and
amortization expense 964 852 2,776 2,479
----------------------------------------------
EBITDA $ 4,726 (4,182) 13,999 8,606
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
This measure is not defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and is not standardized for public issuers. This measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other public enterprises. The Company has included this measure because the Company's key decision makers believe certain investors use it as a measure of the Company's financial performance and for valuation purposes. The Company also uses this measure internally to evaluate the performance of management.
<< Newfoundland Capital Corporation Limited Notice of Disclosure of Non-Auditor Review of Interim Financial Statements for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 >>
Pursuant to National Instrument 51-102, Part 4, subsection 4.3(3)(a) issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators, the interim financial statements must be accompanied by a notice indicating that the financial statements have not been reviewed by an auditor if an auditor has not performed a review of the interim financial statements.
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Company for the interim periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and are the responsibility of the Company's management.
The Company's independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, have not performed a review of these interim consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards established by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants for a review of interim financial statements by an entity's auditor.
Dated this 6th day of November, 2009
<<
Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
(restated)
September 30 December 31
(thousands of Canadian dollars) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current assets
Marketable securities (note 9 (a)) $ 6,725 4,196
Receivables 21,165 23,621
Prepaid expenses 1,182 965
Other asset (note 9 (c)) 1,321 -
Future income tax assets 3,495 4,156
Current assets held for disposal (note 4) 418 442
------------------------
Total current assets 34,306 33,380
Property and equipment 38,027 36,807
Other assets 4,989 4,167
Broadcast licences (notes 3 and 4) 149,641 148,396
Goodwill (note 3) 7,045 7,045
Future income tax assets 2,219 2,069
Non-current assets held for disposal (note 4) 3,859 3,912
------------------------
$240,086 235,776
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Bank indebtedness $ 1,206 2,003
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 18,785 17,446
Income taxes payable 7,603 8,719
Current portion of long-term debt (note 9) 65,840 5
------------------------
Total current liabilities 93,434 28,173
Long-term debt (note 9) - 73,840
Other liabilities 20,435 23,953
Future income tax liabilities 23,454 19,575
Non-current liabilities held for disposal
(note 4) 1,668 1,592
Shareholders' equity 101,095 88,643
------------------------
$240,086 235,776
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments and contingencies (notes 9 and 11)
Subsequent event (note 11)
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements
Interim Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
(unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended
(thousands of Canadian September 30 September 30
dollars except per (restated) (restated)
share data) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 25,408 26,069 74,840 74,076
Other income (expense)
(note 9 (a)) 1,077 (8,372) 3,082 (1,767)
----------------------------------------------
26,485 17,697 77,922 72,309
Operating expenses
(note 11) 21,759 21,879 63,923 63,703
Depreciation 952 840 2,739 2,443
Amortization of deferred
charges 12 12 37 36
----------------------------------------------
Operating income (expense) 3,762 (5,034) 11,223 6,127
Interest expense (note 9) 911 1,071 2,854 2,921
Accretion of other
liabilities (note 9) 211 264 665 748
Goodwill impairment loss
(note 3) - 1,334 - 1,334
----------------------------------------------
2,640 (7,703) 7,704 1,124
Gain on disposal of
broadcast licence (note 3) 5,616 - 5,616 -
----------------------------------------------
8,256 (7,703) 13,320 1,124
Provision for income taxes
(recovery) 2,112 (116) 3,510 2,000
----------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) from
continuing operations 6,144 (7,587) 9,810 (876)
Net income from
discontinued operations
(note 4) 65 7 95 27
----------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $ 6,209 (7,580) 9,905 (849)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share from
continuing operations
(note 10)
- basic $ 0.56 (0.69) 0.89 (0.08)
- diluted 0.54 (0.69) 0.86 (0.08)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share
(note 10)
- basic $ 0.56 (0.69) 0.90 (0.08)
- diluted 0.55 (0.69) 0.87 (0.08)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements
Interim Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(unaudited)
Nine months ended
September 30
(restated)
(thousands of Canadian dollars) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings, beginning of period $ 50,581 59,621
Retrospective application of change in
accounting policy (note 2) (2,034) (1,758)
------------------------
Retained earnings, beginning of period,
as restated 48,547 57,863
Net income (loss) 9,905 (849)
Dividends declared - (1,649)
Repurchase of capital stock (note 5) - (1,373)
------------------------
Retained earnings, end of period 58,452 53,992
Capital stock (note 5) 42,913 42,913
Contributed surplus (note 6) 2,097 1,901
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,367) (1,094)
------------------------
Total shareholders' equity $101,095 97,712
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements
Interim Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30 September 30
(thousands of Canadian (restated) (restated)
dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $ 6,209 (7,580) 9,905 (849)
----------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive
income (loss):
Change in fair values of
cash flow hedges
Interest rate swaps
(note 9 (b)):
Increase (decrease)
in fair value 295 (1,091) 2,563 (1,557)
Reclassification to
net income of realized
interest expense 17 26 167 97
Related income tax
recovery (expense) (80) 283 (724) 401
----------------------------------------------
232 (782) 2,006 (1,059)
----------------------------------------------
Total equity return swap
(note 9 (c)):
Increase (decrease) in
fair value (53) (21) 2,072 (446)
Reclassification to net
income of realized
losses (gains) (465) 100 (1,524) 77
Related income tax
recovery (expense) 114 (27) (159) 126
----------------------------------------------
(404) 52 389 (243)
----------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income
(loss) (172) (730) 2,395 (1,302)
----------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income
(loss) $ 6,037 (8,310) 12,300 (2,151)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements
Interim Consolidated Statement of Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
(unaudited)
Nine months ended
September 30
(thousands of Canadian dollars) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),
beginning of period $ (4,762) 208
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period 2,395 (1,302)
------------------------
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of
period $ (2,367) (1,094)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements
Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30 September 30
(thousands of Canadian (restated) (restated)
dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Activities
Net income (loss) from
continuing operations $ 6,144 (7,587) 9,810 (876)
Items not involving cash
Depreciation and
amortization 964 852 2,776 2,479
Future income taxes 2,325 687 3,583 2,492
Executive stock-based
compensation plans
(notes 5 and 7) 537 (12) 1,488 90
Accretion of other
liabilities (note 9) 211 264 665 748
Gain on disposal of
broadcast licence
(note 3) (5,616) - (5,616) -
Unrealized losses on
marketable securities
(note 9 (a)) (1,310) 8,787 (3,284) 3,257
Goodwill impairment loss
(note 3) - 1,334 - 1,334
Other (283) (44) (1,363) (141)
----------------------------------------------
2,972 4,281 8,059 9,383
Change in non-cash working
capital relating to
operating activities from
continuing operations 1,927 (236) 2,961 (2,114)
----------------------------------------------
Cash flow from continuing
operating activities 4,899 4,045 11,020 7,269
Discontinued operations 96 85 174 114
----------------------------------------------
4,995 4,130 11,194 7,383
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
Change in bank indebtedness (955) 1,654 (797) 2,925
Long-term debt borrowings - 5,840 - 11,340
Long-term debt repayments (6,000) (5) (8,005) (17)
Repurchase of capital stock
(note 5) - - - (1,805)
Dividends paid - - - (1,664)
----------------------------------------------
(6,955) 7,489 (8,802) 10,779
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities
Property and equipment
additions (1,270) (909) (3,733) (4,971)
Canadian Content
Development payments (1,713) (736) (3,136) (1,786)
Proceeds from disposal
of asset (note 3) 5,000 - 5,000 -
Acquisition of businesses
and licences (note 3) - (9,505) - (9,505)
Other (57) (469) (523) (1,900)
----------------------------------------------
1,960 (11,619) (2,392) (18,162)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash, beginning and end of
period $ - - - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Cash Flow
Information
Interest paid $ 965 959 2,631 2,606
Income taxes paid
(recovered) 308 (270) 1,092 (155)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements
Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements - September 30,
2009 and 2008 (unaudited)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. ACCOUNTING PRESENTATIONS AND DISCLOSURES
The interim financial statements presented herein were prepared by the
Company and follow the same accounting policies and their methods of
application as the 2008 annual financial statements with the exception of
the adoption of new accounting policies described in note 2. These
financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial statements.
They do not include all of the information and disclosures required by
GAAP for annual financial statements. Accordingly, these financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited
consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained in
the Company's 2008 Annual Report.
Certain of the comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to
the financial statement presentation adopted in the current year.
2. ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Impact of adopting new accounting policies
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the recommendations of the
Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants ("CICA") Handbook Section
3064 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets. This Section establishes the
standard for recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of
goodwill and intangible assets. The adoption of this Section resulted in
a change in how the Company accounts for its pre-operating costs related
to new station launches. Prior to adopting this policy, the Company
capitalized pre-operating costs and amortized them over the initial term
of the related broadcast licences. Capitalization of these costs is no
longer permitted and therefore will be recorded in net income as
incurred. For pre-operating balances that existed on January 1, 2009,
they were accounted for retrospectively with restatement of comparative
figures in accordance with Section 1506 Accounting Changes.
As a result of adopting this accounting policy, the effects on the
comparative interim consolidated statements of income are presented
below:
Three months Nine months
ended ended
September 30 September 30
(thousands of Canadian dollars) 2008 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses increased by $ 188 948
Amortization expense decreased by (169) (437)
Provision for income tax expense decreased by (5) (135)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income decreased by $ (14) (376)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic and diluted earnings per share
decreased by $ (0.00) (0.03)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The impact on the interim consolidated balance sheets was as follows:
December 31 September 30
(thousands of Canadian dollars) 2008 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other assets decreased by $ (2,858) (2,994)
Future income tax liabilities decreased by (824) (860)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings reduced by $ (2,034) (2,134)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
During 2009, the CICA issued EIC-173 Credit Risk and the Fair Value of
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which requires an entity to
consider its own credit risk and that of its counterparty to a financial
instrument when determining the fair value of financial assets and
liabilities. This applies to the Company's derivative instruments. The
adoption of this EIC did not have a significant impact on the Company.
Impact of adopting future accounting policies
Following is a brief description of accounting policies that will be
adopted by the Company in future.
During 2009, the CICA issued Handbook Section 1582 Business Combinations
which replaces Section 1581 bearing the same name. This Section is
effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, with
earlier adoption permitted, and the changes align the standard with the
guidance in International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Of the
amendments in the Section, the one that will represent the most
significant change in how the Company accounts for business combinations
is the determination of the cost of the purchase. The cost that is
allocated to the fair value of the net assets acquired is the direct cost
of the business combination; indirect costs such as legal or
restructuring are expensed. The Company will continue to evaluate the
impact of the amendments.
Section 1601 Consolidated Financial Statements and Section 1602 Non-
controlling Interests were also issued and together replace Section 1600
Consolidated Financial Statements. These too are applicable for fiscal
years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, with earlier adoption
permitted. The new sections establish standards for the preparation of
consolidated financial statements and for the accounting of a non-
controlling interest in a subsidiary in consolidated financial statements
subsequent to a business combination. The Company will continue to
evaluate the impact of the amendments.
In 2009, the CICA amended certain paragraphs in CICA Section 3862
Financial Instruments - Disclosures which aligns the standard more
closely with IFRS. Specifically, it provides enhanced disclosure
requirements around fair value measurement of financial instruments and
disclosure of liquidity risk. The amended paragraphs are to be applied
for fiscal years ending on or after September 30, 2009. Earlier adoption
is permitted. The Company does not anticipate any significant impact from
the adoption of these disclosure requirements.
On February 13, 2008, the Accounting Standards Board confirmed that
International Financial Reporting Standards will be required for publicly
accountable profit-oriented enterprises for fiscal years beginning on or
after January 1, 2011. After that date, IFRS will replace Canadian GAAP
for those enterprises. The Company will apply IFRS beginning January 1,
2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting IFRS.
Specifically, management is in the process of identifying the IFRS
standards that are most likely to impact the Company and those that will
require the most resources for implementation. Management is also in the
process of making decisions as it relates to adopting IFRS for the first
time and considering the exceptions and exemptions permitted under IFRS-1
First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards.
Management is in the process of quantifying the impact the changes will
have on its consolidated results.
3. BROADCAST LICENCE ADDITIONS AND DISPOSALS
In the third quarter of 2009, the Company finalized the previously
announced asset exchange transaction with Rogers Broadcasting Limited
("Rogers" - a Division of Rogers Communications Inc. RCI.A and RCI.B).
The transaction involved the exchange of the Company's AM broadcast
licence in Halifax, Nova Scotia for Rogers' AM broadcast licence in
Sudbury, Ontario. The fair value of the asset given up was determined to
be $6,898,000. Consideration received was $5,000,000 cash and the Sudbury
AM broadcast licence valued at $1,898,000. As a result of this asset
exchange, the Company increased its licence value by $1,898,000 for the
Sudbury licence, increased CCD obligations by $523,000 related to the new
licence, decreased the licence carrying value by $689,000 related to the
Halifax AM licence given up and recorded a gain on the disposal of the
Halifax licence totalling $5,616,000. The assets obtained and the results
of their operations have been consolidated effective as of August 25,
2009.
During 2008, the Company launched its new FM radio stations in Carbonear,
Newfoundland and Labrador, Lac LaBiche and Fort McMurray, Alberta and
Kentville and Sydney, Nova Scotia. Upon the launch dates, the Company
became obligated to pay $225,000 in Canadian Content Development ("CCD")
commitments per year for seven years. Using the amortized cost basis to
record these commitments on the consolidated balance sheets, $1,236,000
was capitalized as broadcast licences and recorded in other liabilities.
Costs incurred related to the award of new broadcast licences such as
application costs were also capitalized bringing the total amount
capitalized to broadcast licences related to these stations to
$1,434,000.
On July 2, 2008, the Company acquired the remaining 50% interest in Metro
Radio Group Inc. which operates CKUL-FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The
purchase price of $8,500,000 was allocated to the net identifiable assets
acquired on the basis of their estimated fair market values using the
purchase method of accounting. The fair value of the most significant
assets acquired and liabilities assumed was allocated as follows:
broadcast licences - $7,032,000; goodwill - $3,674,000; and future income
tax liabilities - $1,832,000.
On July 2, 2008, the Company paid $1,005,000 for a 29.9% interest in a
company that operates an FM radio station. The Company used the equity
method to account for the investment and accordingly its share of net
profits or losses are accounted for in net income.
Annual impairment testing of broadcast licences and goodwill
The Company performed its annual impairment analysis of its long-lived
intangible assets, which consist of broadcast licences and goodwill. The
Company's policy for assessing impairment remained unchanged from the
accounting policy published in the 2008 annual report. As at August 31,
2009, the Company concluded that no provision for impairment was required
for its broadcast licences and goodwill. As at August 31, 2008, the
Company concluded that no provision for impairment of broadcast licences
was required; however, an impairment loss on goodwill was recognized in
net income. As a result of conducting the 2008 annual goodwill impairment
analysis, as at August 31, 2008, the value for goodwill that arose in
2005 and 2006 related to two business acquisitions in Winnipeg, Manitoba
could not be supported and therefore, an impairment loss of $1,334,000
was recorded in 2008.
4. ASSETS HELD FOR DISPOSAL AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On July 14, 2009, the Company announced it had entered into an agreement
to dispose of the net assets associated with its two FM radio stations
located in Thunder Bay, Ontario for proceeds of $4,500,000. As such, the
Company is required to apply the guidance in CICA Section 3475 Disposal
of Long-lived Assets and Discontinued Operations. The financial results
from this reporting unit have been treated as discontinued operations in
the interim consolidated statements of income and cash flows for both
2009 and 2008. The assets and liabilities held for disposal have been
segregated on the interim consolidated balance sheets. The results of
this reporting unit were also excluded from the Broadcasting segment
results in segmented information presented in note 12 of the interim
consolidated financial statements.
This transaction is subject to the approval of the Canadian Radio-
television and Telecommunications Commission ("CRTC").
Selected financial information for the reporting unit included in
discontinued operations is presented below:
Three months ended Nine months ended
(thousands of Canadian September 30 September 30
dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 571 589 1,608 1,743
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 95 10 140 39
Provision for income taxes (30) (3) (45) (12)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income from
discontinued operations $ 65 7 95 27
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The major classes of assets and liabilities held for disposal are as
follows:
September 30 December 31
(thousands of Canadian dollars) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets:
Accounts receivable and other current
assets $ 418 442
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment $ 482 535
Broadcast licences 3,377 3,377
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 3,859 3,912
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-current liabilities:
Future income tax liabilities (1,668) (1,592)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets of discontinued operations $ 2,609 2,762
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. CAPITAL STOCK
Share repurchases
The Company has approval under a Normal Course Issuer Bid to repurchase
up to 486,659 Class A Subordinate Voting Shares ("Class A shares") and
62,877 Class B Common Shares. This bid expires February 8, 2010. The
Company has not repurchased any of its outstanding Class A shares in
2009. During the second quarter in 2008, the Company repurchased 100,000
of its Class A shares for a total cost of $1,805,000 which resulted in
reducing capital stock by $432,000 and retained earnings by $1,373,000.
Executive stock option plan
No options were granted pursuant to the executive stock option plan
during the third quarters in 2009 and 2008. On a year-to-date basis,
30,000 options (2008 - 35,000) were granted at a weighted average
exercise price of $17.50 (2008 - $19.99). The options vest at a rate of
twenty-five percent on the date of grant and twenty-five percent on each
of the three succeeding anniversary dates and the options expire February
24, 2014. No options were exercised to date in 2009 (2008 - nil).
Compensation expense related to stock options for the three months ended
September 30, 2009 was $53,000 (2008 - $44,000) and year-to-date expense
was $152,000 (2008 - $123,000).
6. CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS
(thousands of Canadian dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, January 1, 2008 $ 1,778
Executive stock option plan compensation expense 123
----------
Balance, September 30, 2008 1,901
Executive stock option plan compensation expense 196
----------
Balance, September 30, 2009 $ 2,097
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
In January 2006, the Company granted 425,000 stock appreciation rights
("SARs") at a reference price of $16.53. In 2007, 90,000 SARs were
granted at a weighted average reference price of $19.83. On February 24,
2009, 50,000 SARs were granted at a reference price of $17.20. As at
September 30, 2009, 90,000 SARs were expired and 10,000 SARs were
exercised. The rights vest at a rate of 50% at the end of year three, 25%
at the end of year four and 25% at the end of year five. The rights are
exercisable as they vest. At the date of exercise, cash payments are made
to the holders based on the difference between the market value of the
Company's Class A shares and the reference price. All SARs granted under
this plan expire on the 60th day following the 5th anniversary of the
grant date. For the quarter ended September 30, 2009, the compensation
expense related to SARs was $516,000, $32,000 of which was paid due to
the exercise of SARs, and year-to-date expense was $1,368,000. For 2008,
there was a recovery of expenses of $57,000 in the quarter and $33,000
year-to-date. The total obligation at September 30, 2009 was $1,403,000
of which $927,000 was current (2008 - total obligation of $724,000 of
which $375,000 was current).
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Three months ended Nine months ended
(thousands of Canadian September 30 September 30
dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defined contribution plan
expense $ 342 334 1,044 991
Defined benefit plan
expense 125 126 375 378
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company's financial instruments are categorized and measured as
follows:
Asset / Liability Classification Measurement
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and bank
indebtedness Held for trading Fair value
Marketable securities Held for trading Fair value
Receivables Loans and receivables Amortized cost using EIM*
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities Other liabilities Amortized cost using EIM
Long-term debt Other liabilities Amortized cost using EIM
Canadian Content
Development
commitments,
included in other
liabilities Other liabilities Amortized cost using EIM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*EIM - effective interest method
Marketable securities and cash are able to be settled in the near term;
therefore, they meet the criteria required to classify them as held for
trading. Instruments classified as held for trading are measured at fair
value with unrealized gains and losses recorded immediately in net
income. The fair value of marketable securities is based on the quoted
share prices in active markets. Additional information on marketable
securities is disclosed under the section entitled "Market risk" below.
Financial instruments classified as loans and receivables and other
liabilities are measured using amortized cost using EIM. Under the EIM,
interest income and expense are calculated and recorded using the
effective interest rate which is the rate that exactly discounts
estimated future cash receipts or payments throughout the expected life
of the financial instrument. Interest income and expense related to
financial assets and financial liabilities are being recorded using the
EIM. Interest expense on long-term debt for the third quarter was
$898,000 (2008 - $938,000) and year-to-date was $2,811,000 (2008 -
$2,485,000). Third quarter accretion expense on Canadian Content
Development commitments ("CCD") aggregated $211,000 (2008 - $264,000) and
year-to-date accretion was $665,000 (2008 - $748,000) based on EIM rates
ranging from 8% to 14.3%.
Transaction costs directly attributable to financial instruments
classified as other than held for trading are included in the initial
carrying value of such instruments and are amortized using EIM.
In accordance with the accounting policy for financial instruments, the
Company has conducted a search for embedded derivatives in its
contractual arrangements dated or modified subsequent to January 1, 2003.
An embedded derivative is a component of a hybrid instrument that also
includes a non-derivative host contract, with the effect that some of the
cash flows of the combined instrument vary in a way similar to a stand-
alone derivative. When certain conditions are met, an embedded derivative
is separated from the host contract and accounted for separately as a
derivative on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company's policy is to
recognize embedded derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet, when
applicable. Because there are no embedded derivatives at this time, this
rule has no impact on the interim consolidated financial statements of
the Company.
Fair value of financial instruments
Current assets and current liabilities' carrying values are
representative of their fair values due to the relatively short period to
maturity. The fair value of long-term debt approximates the carrying
value because the interest charges under the terms of the long-term debt
are based on the 3-month Canadian banker's acceptance rates. The fair
values of Canadian Content Development commitments approximated their
carrying values as they were recorded at the net present values of their
future cash flows, using discount rates ranging from 8% to 14.3%.
The Company's risk management objectives and procedures are described
below:
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a
financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices,
which includes quoted share prices in active markets, interest rates and
the Company's quoted share price as it relates to the stock appreciation
rights plan.
a) Managing risk associated with fluctuations in quoted share prices of
marketable securities
The fair value of the Company's marketable securities is affected by
changes in the quoted share prices in active markets. Such prices can
fluctuate and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company's
control. In order to minimize the risk associated with changes in the
share price of any one particular investment, the Company diversifies
its portfolio by investing in various stocks in varying industries. It
also conducts regular financial reviews of publicly available
information related to its investments to determine if any identified
risks are within tolerable risk levels. Despite the Company's intent
to minimize this risk, the current stock market volatility continues
to cause fluctuations in all its marketable securities. It is
uncertain when this volatility will stabilize. For the quarter ended
September 30, 2009, the change in fair value of marketable securities,
recognized in other income, was an unrealized gain of $1,310,000
(2008 - unrealized loss of $8,787,000). Year-to-date, the unrealized
gain recorded in other income was $3,284,000 (2008 - unrealized loss
of $3,257,000). As at September 30, 2009, a 10% change in the share
prices of each marketable security would result in a $550,000 after-
tax change in net income.
b) Interest rate risk management
To hedge its exposure to fluctuating interest rates on its long-term
debt, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements with
Canadian Chartered Banks. The swap agreements involve the exchange of
the three-month bankers' acceptance floating interest rate for a fixed
interest rate. The difference between the fixed and floating rates is
settled quarterly with the bank and recorded as an increase or
decrease to interest expense. The Company formally assesses
effectiveness of the swaps at inception and on a regular basis and has
concluded that the swaps are effective in offsetting changes in
interest rates.
In 2008, the Company entered into two new interest rate swap
agreements; one has a notional value of $15,000,000 and expires in
June 2013, and the other has a notional amount of $45,000,000 and
expires in May 2013. Three former interest rate swap agreements,
having an aggregated notional value of $45,000,000 were terminated at
that time and as a result the fair value of these agreements ($349,000
payable) was blended into the interest rate of the new $45,000,000
swap agreement. This fair value payable is being transferred from
other comprehensive income ("OCI") to net income (as interest expense)
over the remaining term of the original three swap agreements which
expired between 2009 and 2011. The amount related to this fair value
payable transferred to net income from OCI for the quarter was $17,000
(2008 - $72,000) while the year-to-date amount was $87,000 (2008 -
$96,000).
The aggregate fair value of the swap agreements, which represents the
amount that would be payable by the Company if the agreements were
terminated on September 30, 2009, was $4,233,000 (2008 - $1,590,000).
The before-tax unrealized income recognized in OCI in the quarter was
$295,000 (2008 - unrealized expense of $1,091,000) while year-to-date
was $2,563,000 (2008 - unrealized expense of $1,557,000). In the
quarter, the interest expense transferred from OCI to net income was
$17,000 (2008 - $26,000) and for the year the amount was $167,000
(2008 - $97,000). Income tax expense on this swap for the quarter was
$80,000 and year-to-date was $724,000 (2008 - income tax recovery of
$283,000 for the quarter and a recovery of $401,000 year-to-date).
c) Share price volatility risk management
In July 2006, the Company entered into a cash-settled equity total
return swap agreement to manage its exposure to fluctuations in its
stock-based compensation costs related to the SAR plan. Compensation
costs associated with the SAR Plan fluctuate as a result of changes in
the market price of the Company's Class A shares. The Company entered
into this swap for a total of 425,000 notional Class A shares with a
hedged price of $17.55.
The swap expires July 2011; however, the Company may elect to
terminate the agreement prior to that date if the Class A share market
price is equal to or less than the SAR Plan reference price of $16.53.
The swap is settled on every quarterly settlement date. If the
Company's share price is in excess of the hedged price on the
settlement date, the Company is entitled to receive the difference per
share, and if the Company's share price is less than the hedged price,
the Company is obligated to pay the difference per share. A settlement
date can automatically be triggered if the share price drops by 10% or
more since the last scheduled settlement date. In this event, the
Company must cash settle on that date based on that day's share price;
however, on the quarterly settlement date if the share price has
rebounded, the Company is reimbursed an amount equal to the difference
between the hedged price and the share price which triggered the
automatic settlement.
The swap includes an interest and dividend component. Interest is
accrued and payable by the Company on quarterly settlement dates. Any
dividends paid on the Class A shares are reimbursed to the Company on
the quarterly settlement dates.
In order to qualify for hedge accounting, there must be reasonable
assurance that the instrument is and will continue to be an effective
hedge. At the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the
Company formally assesses and documents whether the hedging
relationship is effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the
hedged item. Gains or losses realized on the quarterly settlement
dates are recognized in net income in the same period as the SAR Plan
compensation expense. Unrealized gains and losses, to the extent that
the hedge is effective, are deferred and included in OCI until such
time as the hedged item affects net income. If at any time, the hedge
is deemed to be ineffective or the hedge is terminated or de-
designated, gains or losses, including those previously recognized in
OCI, will be recorded in net income immediately.
A portion of the hedge was deemed ineffective and the related gains
were transferred from OCI to net income. The amounts for the quarter
were $20,000 (2008 - $11,000) and $442,000 year-to-date (2008 -
$39,000). The amounts related to the ineffective portion are included
in the before-tax realized gains transferred from OCI to net income
presented in the following paragraph.
The estimated fair value of the equity total return swap receivable at
September 30, 2009 was $1,838,000, of which $1,321,000 was current
(2008 - $595,000, of which $582,000 was current). Before tax, the
unrealized loss recognized in OCI for the quarter was $53,000 (2008 -
$21,000) and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the
unrealized gain in OCI was $2,072,000 (2008 - unrealized loss of
$446,000). On a before-tax basis, realized gains of $465,000 were
transferred from OCI to net income in the quarter (2008 - realized
losses of $100,000) and the year-to-date realized gains transferred
were $1,524,000 (2008 - realized losses of $77,000). Income tax
recovery for the quarter on this swap was $114,000 (2008 - income tax
expense of $27,000) and for the year was an expense of $159,000
(2008 - income tax recovery of $126,000).
Credit risk
Credit risk is the exposure that the Company faces with respect to
amounts receivable from other parties. The maximum credit exposure
approximated $26,600,000 as at September 30, 2009, which included
accounts receivable and the equity total return swap receivable.
The Company is subject to normal credit risk with respect to its
receivables. A large customer base and geographic dispersion minimize the
concentration of credit risk. The Company does not require collateral or
other security from clients for trade receivables; however, the Company
does perform credit checks on customers prior to extending credit. Based
on the results of credit checks, the Company may require upfront
deposits or full payments on account prior to providing service. The
Company reviews its receivables for possible indicators of impairment on
a regular basis and as such, it maintains a provision for potential
credit losses which approximated $1,200,000 as at September 30, 2009.
Approximately 83% of trade receivables are outstanding for less than
90 days. Amounts would be written off directly against accounts
receivable and against the allowance only if and when it was clear the
amount would not be collected due to customer insolvency. Historically,
the significance and incidence of amounts written off directly against
receivables have been low.
At September 30, 2009, the Company's credit exposure as it related to its
receivables was deemed higher than in the past due to the uncertainty in
the Canadian economy. The Company sells advertising airtime primarily to
retail customers and since their results may also be affected by the
current economy, it is difficult to predict the impact this could have on
the Company's receivables' balance. The Company believes its provision
for potential credit losses is adequate at this time given the current
economic circumstances. Credit exposure on financial instruments arises
from the possibility that a counterparty to an instrument in which the
Company is entitled to receive payment fails to perform. With regard to
the interest rate swaps and the equity total return swap, the Company
does not anticipate any counterparties that it currently transacts with
will fail to meet their obligations as the counterparties are Canadian
Chartered Banks.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company is not able to meet its
financial obligations as they become due or can do so only at excessive
cost. The Company's growth is financed through a combination of the cash
flows from operations and borrowings under the existing credit facility.
One of management's primary goals is to maintain an optimal level of
liquidity through the active management of the assets and liabilities as
well as the cash flows. Other than for operations, the Company's cash
requirements are mostly for interest payments, repayment of debt, capital
expenditures, Canadian Content Development payments, dividends and other
contractual obligations disclosed below.
In accordance with guidance taken from CICA 3210 "Long-term debt", long-
term debt having a maturity date within the next twelve months is
required to be classified as a current liability. As a result, the
Company's long-term debt has been presented as current debt as at
September 30, 2009. The Company is in full compliance with its debt
covenants and continues to have access to these funds. Management intends
to renew its credit facility prior to maturity, which is June 2010, and
repayment of the debt is not expected. The Company does not deem its
liquidity risk to be higher than disclosed in previous reports. The
Company chooses this type of credit facility because it provides
flexibility with no scheduled repayment terms.
Excluding the long-term debt from the obligations due within one year,
which are summarized in a table below, current obligations are
$4,800,000. Cash generated from operations, the availability of the
credit facility, along with the cash proceeds of $4,500,000 from a future
business transaction (note 4) will provide sufficient funds to meet the
Company's cash requirements.
The Company's liabilities have contractual maturities which are
summarized below:
Within
Obligation one year 2010-2014 Thereafter
(thousands of Canadian dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt, classified as current $ 65,840 - -
CCD commitments 1,600 7,765 290
Operating leases 2,700 6,965 1,890
Pension funding obligation 500 2,500 2,700
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 70,640 17,230 4,880
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital risk management
The Company defines its capital as shareholders' equity. The Company's
objective when managing capital is to pursue its strategy of growth
through acquisitions and through organic operations so that it can
continue to provide adequate returns for shareholders. The Company
manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of
changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the
underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure,
the Company may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders,
issue new shares or repurchase shares. The Directors and Senior
Management of the Company are of the opinion that from time to time the
purchase of its shares at the prevailing market price would be a
worthwhile investment and in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders. Material transactions and those considered to be outside
the ordinary course of business, such as acquisitions and other major
investments or disposals, are reviewed and approved by the Board of
Directors.
To comply with Federal Government directions, the Broadcasting Act and
regulations governing radio stations (the "Regulations"), the Company has
imposed restrictions respecting the issuance, transfer and, if
applicable, voting of the Company's shares. Restrictions include
limitations over foreign ownership of the issued and outstanding voting
shares. Pursuant to such restrictions, the Company can prohibit the
issuance of shares or refuse to register the transfer of shares or, if
applicable, prohibit the voting of shares in circumstances that would or
could adversely affect the ability of the Company, pursuant to the
provisions of the Regulations, to obtain, maintain, renew or amend any
licence required to carry on any business of the Company, including a
licence to carry on a broadcasting undertaking, or to comply with such
provisions or with those of any such licence. The Company is subject to
covenants on its credit facility. The Company's debt covenants include
certain maximum or minimum ratios such as total debt ratio, interest
coverage and fixed charge coverage ratio. Other covenants include
dividend payment restrictions, seeking prior approval for capital
expenditures over a certain dollar limit, acquisitions in excess of a
quantitative threshold and limits on the number of shares that can be
repurchased in any given year. The Company was in compliance with the
covenants throughout the quarter and at quarter end.
Financial projections are updated and reviewed regularly to reasonably
ensure that financial debt covenants will not be breached in future
periods. The Company monitors the covenants and foreign ownership status
of the issued and outstanding voting shares and presents this information
to the Board of Directors quarterly. The Company was in compliance with
all the above as at September 30, 2009.
10. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30 September 30
(thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average common
shares used in
calculation of basic
earnings per share 10,991 10,991 10,991 11,024
Incremental common shares
calculated in accordance
with the treasury stock
method 398 320 351 328
----------------------------------------------
Weighted average common
shares used in
calculation of diluted
earnings per share 11,389 11,311 11,342 11,352
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In 2007, the Company ceased to accrue CRTC Part II licence fees because
of a court ruling at that point in time. On April 28th, 2008, the Federal
Court of Appeal reversed the original decision and found that the fees
were a valid regulatory charge. As a result of this decision, in the
second quarter of 2008, the Company recognized the obligation as it
pertained to these fees retroactively to January 1, 2007. The amount
recorded in operating expenses was $915,000: $613,000 related to fiscal
2007, $133,000 related to the first quarter of 2008 and $169,000 to the
second quarter. An appeal was launched by the Canadian Association of
Broadcasters ("CAB") in December 2008 and the Supreme Court of Canada
granted the CAB leave to appeal.
Subsequent to quarter end, the Government of Canada and members of the
broadcasting industry that are required to pay CRTC Part II licence fees
announced they had settled the Part II licence fee issue. Under the terms
of the settlement, the government agreed to waive the fees payable for
the fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 that were not collected due to the
ongoing legal dispute. In exchange, the Canadian Association of
Broadcasters agreed to discontinue its court action against the
Government of Canada. The Government of Canada agreed to recommend to the
CRTC that it develop a new Part II fee regime which would be capped at
$100,000,000, indexed for annual inflation, effective beginning
September 1, 2009.
As at September 30, 2009, the Company has approximately $2,000,000
recorded as a liability relating to these fees. As a result of the
settlement, operating expenses in the fourth quarter will be reduced by
this amount.
12. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company has two reportable segments - Broadcasting and Corporate and
Other. The Broadcasting segment consists of the operations of the
Company's radio and television licences. This segment derives its revenue
from the sale of broadcast advertising. This reportable segment is a
strategic business unit that offers different services and is managed
separately. The Company evaluates performance based on earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Corporate and Other
consists of a hotel and the head office functions. This segment's revenue
relates to hotel operations while the other income is investment income.
Details of segment operations are set out below. 2008 figures were
restated upon adopting CICA Handbook Section 3064 - Goodwill and
Intangible Assets as discussed in note 2. Results from the Thunder Bay
reporting unit have been excluded from 2009 and 2008 figures as a result
of accounting for discontinued operations as described in note 4.
(thousands Corpo- Corpo-
of Canadian Broad- rate Broad- rate
dollars) casting & Other Total casting & Other Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Sept. 30 Nine months ended Sept. 30
----------------------------- -----------------------------
2009
Revenue $ 24,329 1,079 25,408 72,093 2,747 74,840
Other income - 1,077 1,077 - 3,082 3,082
------------------------------------------------------------
24,329 2,156 26,485 72,093 5,829 77,922
Operating
expenses 18,980 2,779 21,759 56,195 7,728 63,923
Depreciation
and
Amortiza-
tion 886 78 964 2,546 230 2,776
------------------------------------------------------------
Operating
income
(loss) $ 4,463 (701) 3,762 13,352 (2,129) 11,223
------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
employed $219,001 21,085 240,086
Goodwill 7,045 - 7,045
Capital
expendi-
tures $ 1,259 11 1,270 3,679 54 3,733
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008
(restated)
Revenue $ 25,023 1,046 26,069 71,415 2,661 74,076
Other expense - (8,372) (8,372) - (1,767) (1,767)
------------------------------------------------------------
25,023 (7,326) 17,697 71,415 894 72,309
Operating
expenses 19,056 2,823 21,879 55,408 8,295 63,703
Depreciation
and
Amortiza-
tion 772 80 852 2,250 229 2,479
------------------------------------------------------------
Operating
income $ 5,195 (10,229) (5,034) 13,757 (7,630) 6,127
------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
employed $216,913 26,385 243,298
Goodwill $ 2,340 - 2,340 7,199 - 7,199
Capital
expendi-
tures $ 855 54 909 4,788 183 4,971
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
%SEDAR: 00002995E
SOURCE: NEWFOUNDLAND CAPITAL CORPORATION LIMITED
REF: Robert G. Steele, President and Chief Executive Officer; Scott G.M. Weatherby, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, Newfoundland Capital Corporation Limited, 745 Windmill Road, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1C2, Tel: (902) 468-7557, Fax: (902) 468-7558, e-mail: investorrelations@ncc.ca, Web: www.ncc.ca
Copyright (C) 2009 CNW Group. All rights reserved.
